Surviving the School Holidays When You’re Already Running on Empty

There’s a particular kind of exhaustion that creeps in when the school holidays approach. It’s not just tiredness — it’s the weight of logistics, the quiet dread of stretching yourself even thinner, the mental arithmetic that never quite adds up.

Because here’s the truth no one says loudly enough: You are being asked to do something that doesn’t really make sense.

You have a job that gives you 28-30 days of annual leave — if you’re lucky.

Your children have around 12–13 weeks of school holidays a year.

Somehow, in between, you’re meant to:

• keep your job secure

• raise happy, cared-for children

• run a home

• stay on top of life admin

• and, ideally, not completely burn out

It’s too much. So of course it feels like too much, it IS too much!

And if you don’t have “a village” — no nearby family, no easy childcare swaps, no safety net of a friend or neighbour you trust — the pressure can feel relentless. Add in the reality that holiday clubs can cost £50 or more per child, per day, and suddenly even the “solutions” feel out of reach.

So if you’re sitting there feeling overwhelmed, stretched, maybe even a bit resentful or tearful this Easter holiday and your panicking about what the long six week summer break will be like… that doesn’t make you a bad parent.

It makes you a human being in an impossible situation.

The Quiet Guilt No One Talks About

There’s a guilt that comes with this season.

Guilt that you can’t take all the time off. Guilt that screens might do more parenting than you’d like on some days. Guilt that you’re not planning magical memory-making moments every day. Guilt that you’re tired when your kids are excited.

But here’s something worth holding onto:

Your children don’t need perfection. They need you — as you are and when you are able to be there.

And showing up while exhausted, while worried, while doing your best with limited time and money… even for an hour before bed, that counts more than you realise.

When It Feels Overwhelming (Because It Is)

There will be moments where it all feels unfair.

That's because it IS unfair.

The system wasn’t built with working parents in mind. It assumes flexibility, support, or financial breathing room that many people simply don’t have.

You are not failing — you are navigating a gap that shouldn’t exist.

So if you feel:

• frustrated

• sad

• anxious

• like you’re constantly behind

You’re allowed to feel that.

You don’t have to force gratitude over genuine struggle. Both can exist at the same time.

Gentle Ways to Get Through the Days

This isn’t about doing more. It’s about making things lighter where you can.

1. “Good Enough” Structure for WFH Days

If you’re working from home, survival mode is allowed.

Think in simple blocks, not perfect schedules:

• Morning: “independent play time” (screens, games, crafts — no guilt! you have to just get through the morning in anyway you can - and that is more than ok!)

• Midday: quick check-in, snack, reset

• Afternoon: another independent block + maybe a small shared moment, perhaps a milkshake for the kids when you make a coffee and a quick 10 minute check-in with them.

Low-effort independent ideas:

• colouring books or free online-printables. Pick a different topic each day to keep it fresh.

• sticker books and chalk - got some patio in the garden where you can work? Let the kids draw on it whilst you do - chalk washes off.

• Lego or building challenges (“build the tallest tower you can challenges are good, or the longest car traffic jam etc. To stop constant interruptions, tell them judging/measuring will take place after dinner that night”)

• audiobooks or kids podcasts can be life savers as can 'cinema time' - popcorn and blankets with lights off/low and a film can buy you some time.

• “activity boxes” you rotate (even just old toys that feel new again)

You’re not neglecting them — you’re making your life workable.

2. Low-Cost, Low-Energy Family Days

When you do have time together, it doesn’t need to be big or expensive to matter.

Some simple, low-prep ideas:

• Picnic in a local park (even if it’s just sandwiches from home)

• “Yes day… but small” (they choose between 2–3 simple options with a budget set)

• Nature scavenger hunt (write a quick list: leaf, bird, something yellow, etc.)

• Water play in the garden or even the bath with toys

• Library visits (free, calm, and often a lifesaver)

• Baking something very simple (even packet mix counts!)

The goal isn’t Instagram-worthy days. It’s connection — even in small doses.

3. Reducing the Mental Load

You are carrying so much in your head already.

Try to take pressure off where you can:

• Repeat meals (no one needs a new menu every day)

• Rotate the same activities each week

• Lower your expectations of what a “good holiday” looks like

• Say no to things that drain you and offer alternatives.

Consistency is easier than creativity when you’re tired.

4. Small Moments of Self-Care (That Actually Fit Real Life)

Self-care doesn’t have to mean spa days or long breaks. Right now, it might look like:

• A quiet cup of tea before everyone wakes up. Just 5 minutes to yourself as a head start can actually make the whole day feel more controlled and planned.

• Sitting down for 10 minutes instead of doing “just one more thing”

• Stepping outside for fresh air - 30 seconds slow breathing is a great re-set. Ask the kids to count clouds or tell you what shapes they can see in the clouds whilst you close your eyes and breathe.

• Letting something go undone - the world will not end if the vacuuming waits an extra day, just this once.

• Going to bed earlier, even if the house isn’t perfect - even if its only one night in the whole holidays - can make a real difference to your mental wellbeing.

Tiny pauses count.

You deserve care too — even in scraps of time.

You’re Doing Better Than You Think

It might not feel like it.

You might feel like you’re constantly juggling, constantly compromising, constantly just about holding things together.

But look at what you are doing:

• You are showing up

• You are providing

• You are caring

• You are trying

Even when you’re exhausted.

Especially when you’re exhausted.

That matters more than perfectly planned days or expensive activities ever could.

A Final Thought for the Hard Days

Some days will feel long. Some moments will feel like too much.

On those days, it’s enough to just get through.

Feed them. Keep them safe. Offer a hug. That is already enough. That is you being a loving safe space for them.

You are allowed to find this hard. You are allowed to wish it were easier.

And you are not alone in feeling this way — even if it sometimes feels like you are.

You’re doing a better job than you give yourself credit for.

And this season, as heavy as it feels, won’t last forever.