School holidays are often seen as a time for fun, connection, and relaxation. But for parents going through separation or divorce – and juggling full-time work – these breaks can bring feelings of dread, guilt overwhelm and a whole lot of stress.
You might be wondering how to split time with your children fairly, how to manage care when you’re working, or how to cope emotionally when they’re with the other parent. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. There are some strategies and support options that can help.
How do I balance work and holiday care as a separated parent?
School holidays are already a logistical puzzle, and for parents going through separation or divorce, that stress can multiply quickly.
While Australian children typically have around 12 weeks of school holidays annually, most working parents receive only four weeks of annual leave. This discrepancy forces parents to find additional childcare solutions for the remaining weeks.
A 2022 report by the Australian Institute of Family Services found that more than 60% of parents struggle to find suitable childcare during the holidays, and women are more likely to adjust their working hours or take leave to cover the gap.
For separated parents, these challenges are amplified by the need to coordinate with another household. Planning ahead is essential. Try these steps:
- Start with a shared calendar: Sync holiday schedules as early as possible with your co-parent. Being transparent helps reduce misunderstandings.
- Prioritise consistency for your child: Wherever possible, aim to keep care routines stable. Whether that’s staying at the same vacation care centre or using the same babysitters.
- Explore all care options: From grandparents to local council programs, many communities offer low-cost or subsidised school holiday care that can ease the pressure.
Apps like Kiddo can help you find trusted babysitters, nannies, and educators at short notice, a blessing when confronted with last-minute shifts or flexible working needs.
How to let go of the way school holidays used to be
It’s incredibly tough to let go of time you might have looked forward to as a family, especially if you had existing traditions around Easter that will now change. Missing out on shared experiences can hit hard.
You might feel grief, frustration, or guilt. All of this is valid.
But there’s also an opportunity to reframe this time and use the periods without your children to make you a better parent when you are with them. This could mean scheduling solo adventures, connecting with friends, or simply resting, use this time to focus on yourself and your wellbeing.
And there is no need for you to have no contact at all with your kids when they’re with the other parent. You can stay connected with arranged video calls or send photos and messages to maintain a sense of closeness, even when you’re apart.
What support is available during this time?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is support out there that can help:
- Community programs: Many local councils across Australia offer school holiday care, sports camps, creative workshops, or cultural experiences, some at low or no cost.
- Employer flexibility: If you’re comfortable, speak to your workplace about flexible hours or working from home during school holidays. Many employers are becoming more aware of the challenges working parents face.
- Support networks: Don’t be afraid to lean on trusted family or friends. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, talking to a counsellor or divorce coach can make a world of difference.
Be kind to yourself
Parenting through separation is hard and school holidays don’t make it easier. But they can be a time of growth too.
You’re doing your best. You’re building new traditions. You’re modelling resilience for your children. That counts for more than you know.
The Kiddo app connects parents with verified babysitters, nannies, and NDIS support workers across Australia. It’s a convenient option for both last-minute and ongoing care needs, including during school holidays.
The Separation Guide aims to reduce the cost, conflict and confusion of separation and divorce. To learn more about how one of our Network Members could support your separation, take our free three-minute Q&A.
Disclaimer
The information in our resources is general only. Consider getting in touch with a professional advisor if you need legal, financial or wellbeing support.
