I am approaching my fourth October half-term as a working single parent. So if you’re on your first school break I’m sharing what I’ve learned in the hope it brings you some reassurance.
Honestly, I’m still staring down weeks of logistics, guilt, joy, chaos, and endless screen battles — just like everyone else. That said, I’m more relaxed, more prepared, and dare I say… it actually feels somewhat easier.
If you’re a working mum, welcome to the juggling act you didn’t realise was quite so… intense. I see you. You’re trying to keep your inbox from imploding while wondering who’s going to look after your child on Tuesday at 2pm. You’re calculating annual leave like it’s a military operation. You’re scrolling holiday camp websites at 10pm and asking yourself if you can really get away with working from home while they’re bouncing off the walls next to you.
Here’s what I’ve learned — from my own experience, and from coaching brilliant working mums over the years — a few honest reflections and practical tips from the trenches:
1. There’s no perfect plan — trial and error is the way
That first school holiday was the hardest. I had no idea what to expect. I tried to work as flexibly as I could, experimented with different routines, and spoke to other mums to see how they were managing. The one thing we all had in common? We were exhausted — and there was barely any space for us in our plans.
The summers are the hardest but I took what I’d learned and made some changes. I saved up more leave and used it in bigger chunks instead of spreading it thinly. For me, trying to do a bit of everything, all the time just left me feeling constantly scattered.
This summer, for the first time, I booked time away. I’d avoided it in the past for that very reason — but I realised that having a break, somewhere different, even for just a few days, helps to break up the monotony and gives us both something to look forward to.
2. Flexibility is gold (and sometimes elusive)
If you’re lucky enough to have an employer that allows flexible hours or remote work — use it. If not, advocate where you can. But also, don’t be afraid to set boundaries.
“No, I can’t do a 5pm call today” is a complete sentence.
Some days it feels like I’m not doing either job — parenting or work — particularly well. But that doesn’t make me a failure. The truth is, the system was never built with working mums in mind. We’re making it work the best we can, and that’s enough.
Accepting this and using flexibility to my advantage as best I could help me get through the holidays as a working, single mum. Lean into what you have available and don’t feel bad about using what you can.
3. Build your village
After Reception year, neither my son nor I, had many solid friendships from school. It wasn’t until the end of our second year that I started to feel like I’d found “my people” among the other parents. By Year 2, friendships for both of us had started to solidify. Finally — a bit of a village.
It took time. And if you haven’t got that yet, don’t worry. It will come. And while it won’t solve all your summer holiday challenges, having a few trusted fellow parents to swap childcare with or just vent to does make a difference.
4. Let go of the guilt and the pressure
I put so much pressure on myself that first summer to be doing things all the time, creating memories and making it as fun as possible but in doing that I was overstretched and probably overwhelmed meaning I probably wasn’t the best version of myself throughout. My son won’t look back and think that was the best summer of my life in fact he barely remembers it.
Your child does not need a perfectly curated Pinterest summer. They don’t need daily outings or homemade smoothies. They just need some time with you but that doesn’t need to be all the time and doesn’t need to always involve doing lots of stuff. In fact what I learnt is my son was happy not doing as much, he was happy staying at home, he was overjoyed with TV days. What’s the point in having those days for them and for us if we are just going to feel guilty about it?! Let the guilt go where you can, drop the pressure to make it perfect and for everyone to be having fun all of the time. It’s unrealistic and unfair on yourself.
And as they get older, they naturally become more independent — they make their own plans, spend time with friends, and that takes some pressure off. It might feel strange at first, but it’s all part of them growing up — and it gives you just a little more breathing room.
5. Make some time for you (if you can)
I know — easier said than done. But even five minutes to yourself can help. Whether it’s a quiet cup of tea before they wake up, a solo walk, a book in the evening, or a scroll through social media that doesn’t involve planning packed lunches — find your moments.
You deserve rest. You deserve joy. That might feel impossible at times, it might feel annoying to hear people say it but it’s ok to take it and I’ve learnt it makes a difference to your school holiday experience.
Holidays can feel long, especially when you’re balancing work, life, and the ever-changing emotions of a small human in holiday mode. But you will get through it. You’ll surprise yourself. You’ll mess up. You’ll laugh at the end and you will be in solidarity with hundreds of thousands of parents across the globe.
Know that it does get easier, the first few are the hardest but you learn, you change it up and try different things, you adapt to your child as they get older and you will notice that you still winging it but with a bit more experience and a bit more confidence.
To every working mum facing their first school holiday: I see you. I salute you. And I’m right here beside you — probably answering emails in leggings while handing out watermelon slices.
P.S. Got a tip, meltdown story or survival hack? Follow me on social media or drop me a line via my profile page here — let’s do this together.
September 30, 2025
