How to Arrange Childcare During School Holidays and Breaks: Tips for Busy Families
When school holidays and breaks come around, finding reliable childcare can be a challenge, especially for families where both parents work full-time.
Whether it’s a long summer break, a winter holiday, or even a long weekend, having a plan in place can make these times stress-free for both you and your children.
Here are 5 strategies you can use as a parent to help you navigate those non-school days.
1. Plan Ahead to Avoid Last-Minute Stress
When it comes to school holidays and professional development days, preparation is key.
Mark school breaks on your calendar: Keep a visible calendar that shows school holidays and any early dismissal days. This allows you to plan well in advance and avoid scrambling at the last minute.
Discuss with your partner: Coordinate your schedules and discuss how you both can manage time off or adjust your work hours to accommodate time with the kids.
Check for employer flexibility: Some workplaces offer flexible scheduling during school holidays. See if you or your partner can work from home for part of the day or arrange for shorter shifts.
2. Research Professional Childcare Services
If taking time off work isn’t an option, booking professional childcare could save your sanity.
Occasional babysitting: Services like Nannies on Call offer experienced, professional nannies who can provide in-home care by appointment. This is particularly useful during school holidays, when your usual childcare options may not be available.
Holiday coverage: Booking a nanny for a few days or weeks during school breaks gives your children a comfortable environment while you maintain your work schedule. Your kids stay in the familiar setting of home, which can make the break feel like a mini-vacation for them.
3. Tips for Booking a Nanny During School Breaks
Here are some useful strategies to make sure the process goes smoothly:
Book early: Holidays are a busy time for childcare services, so plan ahead to secure your preferred dates.
Prepare a daily schedule: Provide the nanny with your child’s routines, favourite activities, and any holiday traditions you’d like them to continue.
Include playdates or outings: Coordinate with other families to arrange playdates, or ask the nanny to take the children to local parks, libraries, or holiday events.
4. Other Options to Consider
Sometimes a mix of childcare solutions is the best solution.
Shared care: If you have friends or neighbours with similar childcare needs, consider sharing a nanny for a few days. This can be more cost-effective and fun for the kids since they’ll have a playmate.
Day camps or community programs: Many community centers offer holiday programs that are a fun and engaging way for kids to spend their time off. However, these may not cover the entire day, so combining them with occasional nanny services can provide a full day of coverage.
Extended family: Grandparents, aunts, uncles, or older cousins might enjoy spending time with the kids during holidays. However, having a professional nanny on standby ensures there’s no gap in care if family plans change unexpectedly.
5. Make the Most of Holiday Breaks
Remember, school holidays don’t have to be a source of stress. With some early planning and reliable childcare in place, you can ensure your children are well taken care of and able to enjoy their time off from school.
Whether you’re arranging playdates, booking a day camp, or hiring an occasional babysitter, the key is to balance your work commitments with your family’s needs.
Booking an Occasional Nanny with Nannies on Call
If you live in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, or Ottawa and need reliable, professional, occasional childcare during school holidays or any other time, Nannies on Call is here to help!
Our experienced nannies are available for occasional babysitting, providing your family with a trusted solution when school’s out. Visit our website to learn more and make a booking today!