No support network, how do you deal with holidays?

[NickettyNacketty]

I would love and also need to get a part time job but just have no idea what I would do during half terms etc. The summer holidays I can see me and DP taking time off separately with maybe an overlap for a family break, maybe a week of play schemes and a week with Grandma. Grandma lives two hours away and really can't be asked to mind them every half term or training day. Also she's getting on a bit now. The children are 13, 7 and 5.

Childminders, working from home, holidays, my mom (who lives 2 hours away), holiday clubs, exH, swapping with friends...you name it, I do it. It's a military operation!

Many people in your situation look at having an au pair. Is that something you could consider?

Holiday club, and taking separate days. No family help at all here

Couldn't afford an au pair. It's reassuring to know others are in same boat and ways can be found. Does it all ever just fall apart?

Yes. As do I sometimes! But we always get through it somehow!

Holiday clubs, saving annual leave, cultivating parents of dc friends (and taking on said friends for inset days etc), working from home if i have to and can.

Actually, tbh, holidays aren't the real problem as they are plannable for and childcare exists. It's the short notice, sickness/ school closure/ parent suddenly required to be present for school activity which are much harder when you're working. Need to think out multiple back up plans for this too!