Parent and a teacher - when do the holidays get easier?

[Bakingwithmyboys]

I was so lucky up until the last few years. When DS1 was little he was in a nursery that didn't do term time so I always had 2 days a week where I could do school work in the holidays. When DS 2 arrived, both sets of grandparents were happy to help out. My parents do a lot in term time so I always asked the others if they could give me a day in the holidays. We sadly lost MIL back in July and FIL I don't think is up to having the boys by himself yet. (DS 1 is 8 and DS2 is 4 - the main looking after them was always MIL and FIL was there for the play). My parents also have a new grandchild from my sister, and have a life of their own that they get the holidays to do. They are also having the boys already on a Friday so we can attend a funeral.

I'm seriously stressing about getting work done. We've got a friend over tomorrow evening but then I can use the rest of those. Though DH has been making comments about how he didn't think I'd have any work and how am I going to fit it all in? (We've only been married 12 bloody years and I've been a teacher for them all).

Just feeling very overwhelmed and like I can't see the woods for the trees. Does anyone else get like that?

Sorry no advice but feeling exactly the same after my child started school this year. Thinking when she's a year or two older she might be keen to do one off childcare days at her dance school or whatever, even if it means swallowing the cost.

It didn’t really get easier for me until they went to secondary school. They had youngish grandparents who were all still working full time and who didn’t live close by. It was really hard, my life was a bit like Groundhog Day for the primary years.

That's a good description. Holidays are just like term time with trying to fit all the work in.

Nice to know I'm not alone!

I think holiday clubs are probably the answer here.
My ds is ten now and I can work a bit whilst he's with me.
Still, though I strongly encourage him to choose a club or class that he'd like once or twice a week.
Your youngest is probably a little bit too young still but by next year you should be able to put them in somewhere for a couple of days whilst you work. They'll soon realise that going to a club means that you'll be able to spend the rest of the time with them having fun rather than being stressed.

Yeah, holiday clubs. My 3 often go for a day or two during half term so I can get my schoolwork done, otherwise you’re spending all your evenings working and it doesn’t feel like much of a break at all.

And you're knackered because work is so full on.
It's ok to stick a film on for an hour or two and crack on with your work.
I used to do the work when they're in bed.
Exhausting 💐

Also soft play with WiFi.

I have a year 3 and a year 2 and teach secondary - my stress level builds throughout the holiday and I am now at high level as I haven't done what I planned in my head. Not helped by lots of stress at the end of the half term anyway - left worse than I normally do.

I do use holiday clubs, but this holiday both kids were shattered so needed a break so they have only done 1, the 4 hours I gained has barely touched the sides.

My son is 8 now and I do find it easier than when he was younger as he will occupy himself a bit as well.

I don't use holiday clubs as I feel he wants to chill at home in the hols (I know some people need them/kids enjoy them so no judgement- it just isn't right for my son).

I tend to spread any work out and do an hour or so here and there.

So, for example, I will do something with DS in the morning and then come home for say 1pm. At that point he will happily play/watch a film while I do a bit. Then we will play a game/have tea/shower + reading and then once he is in bed, I do a bit more.

That said, I have done sod all this week as we are away in the lake district- home by lunch tomorrow so will crack on then.

I've just finished everything that was a necessity tonight. Just not sure when I can get on with the extra bits. I feel exhausted and almost burnt out though.

Was trying to keep it low key for the boys, DS 2 started school this year and DS 1 started a new school. I've also taken on another morning so there's been a lot of change. DS1 we think is on the spectrum so has found it all quite hard, I also don't think he'd settle into holiday camp. Maybe in a couple of years though. Seem to have done an outing everyday that's tired me out though. Lol.

I never expected to need holiday camps, that was a bonus of being a teacher. Still, it's nice to know I'm not the only one finding it a lot.

I go for the shorter camps, based on their activities, so not full days but a few hours. I find we all need a change of scenary and time apart as well. Mine are very close in age and need a break from each other as well as stimultion from other things.

I try to do at least once during the summer a day when each is at a camp and the other stays home to have a bit of 1-1 time with them as well.

Yeah, I'm with you! I stupidly pushed a lot of planning and general admin to half term and have spent the week stressing. It doesn't help that M1 data is due on Tuesday too!

We used holiday clubs this week for a few days but that also brings mummy guilt!

I'm sat here staring at a pile of books that need marking!