School (non) Holidays

These Show Notes are a ChatGPT summary of the episode transcript (with brief additional editing)

Apple | Spotify

In this episode, Kim and Rog explore the challenges parents face during school holidays, including the impact on relationships. School holidays can be a mixed bag for families. While they offer quality time with the kids, they can also disrupt routines and put a strain on relationships.

The balancing act between work and holidays can be particularly taxing for parents, the hosts talk about their own experience owning a business and relate to couples having differing workplace support levels which contribute to stress.

Often, one parent may end up taking on more home responsibilities, potentially causing resentment and relationship strain. The hosts believe that companies can improve employee satisfaction by providing better support during school holidays, as evidenced by a New Zealand survey indicating that only 29% of women feel supported by their workplace during these times.

The disruption of routines during school holidays can lead to stress for both children and adults. Children may feel dysregulated with the disruption to their routine, while adults might experience exhaustion and overwhelm due to scarce resources. Social media and the FOMO gremlin will also exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and pressure to create the perfect holiday experience.

Tips on how to beat the Holiday Strain

• Putting the Relationship First: Prioritize your immediate family and the values you hold, even if it means disappointing extended family members or breaking holiday traditions. Allocate time for personal well-being and encourage your partner to do the same.
• Plan Ahead: Discuss priorities and desires as a family, create a day-to-day plan, and consider backup options if things don’t go as expected. Assign accountabilities for a fair distribution of tasks and responsibilities. : Establish modified routines to provide structure and predictability for both children and adults.
• Understand what really matter to you (and your team): Let go of the “perfect” holiday and focus on what truly matters to your family. Be mindful of the time spent on social media and its impact on your mental health and relationships.
• Re-evaluating Holiday Traditions: Identify the most important aspects of the holiday for your family and modify your celebrations accordingly.
• Learning from the Past: Reflect on previous holiday experiences to identify opportunities for improvement and create more successful holidays in the future.

Navigating school holidays can be challenging, but by redefining expectations, prioritizing your relationship and implementing the tips discussed, families can make the most of this time together while maintaining their well-being and nurturing their relationship.