I spend my days supporting businesses with their finances and helping them grow their businesses. However, I too am a business owner and like everyone else, I experience challenges! One of the challenges has been navigating parenting and running a business during school holidays!
As a business owner and a parent, I can relate to the panic of a looming school holiday and, I am familiar with the unique challenges that come with trying to juggle work and family life. The constant battle of managing your business while ensuring you are doing your best for your children can often feel overwhelming. But fear not, after years of performing this juggling act, I have some tips to make the school holidays a little less daunting.
Be Proactive: One of the best ways to alleviate stress during the school holidays is to clear your to-do list as much as possible beforehand. Take the time to tie up loose ends, respond to emails, schedule social media posts and organise your schedule. Starting the holidays with a sense of organisation and control can make all the difference.
Outsource: Don't be afraid to delegate tasks. Hiring a virtual assistant (VA) to take care of administrative duties or a bookkeeper to take care of your finances can be a game-changer. It not only lightens your workload but also allows you to focus more on spending quality time with your children.
Automate: Invest in software that can automate repetitive tasks in your business. While it may come with a cost, the time and energy you save by automating processes are well worth it. Whether it's scheduling social media posts or managing invoices, automation can give you more flexibility during the holidays. Xero is fab for invoicing, you can even set it to up to send out automated payment reminders to your customers!
Plan Ahead: Planning is key, but be sure to leave some wiggle room in your schedule. Unexpected things will inevitably come up, so having a flexible plan allows you to adapt without feeling overwhelmed. Leave space for both work commitments and quality time with your family.
Take Time for Yourself: Remember to prioritise self-care. It's easy to get caught up in the demands of running a business and taking care of your children, but neglecting your own well-being will only lead to burnout. Take breaks when needed, whether it's going for a walk, indulging in a hobby, or simply relaxing with a good book.
Brain Dump: When you're feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to unload everything that's on your mind. Write down all your tasks, worries, and concerns. This simple act of "brain dumping" can help clear your mind and allow you to approach your challenges with a fresh perspective.
Remember, you're not alone in feeling the pressure of balancing work and family life during the school holidays. It's okay to ask for help and to cut yourself some slack. By implementing these strategies and being kind to yourself, you can navigate the school holidays with a little less stress and a lot more enjoyment.
These tips are also a good basis to implement to prevent the overwhelm of unforeseen circumstances. You know what I mean, those days when you have a packed schedule and your little one complains of feeling poorly, as the thermometer rises sheer panic sets in! Hopefully, this panic will reduce with processes in place, you can adjust your schedule and snuggle with said poorly child.
Hang in there, you've got this!
