Half term should be a joyful occasion with the kids at home and a holiday atmosphere. However, running a small business while also taking care of children during half term can be a challenging juggling act. Don’t fret, though – it’s definitely possible with some careful planning and time management. We’ve laid out some tips for you.

Running your small business in half term

Do bear in mind that these are written with the assumption that you can work from home for the week.

  1. Plan in advance - Before half term starts, plan out your work schedule and make a list of the tasks that need to be completed. This will help you allocate your time efficiently.
  2. Set realistic expectations - Recognize that during half term, you may not be able to maintain the same level of productivity as usual. Adjust your expectations and prioritise essential tasks.
  3. Establish a routine - Create a daily routine that includes dedicated work hours and quality time with your children. Having a structured schedule can help everyone know what to expect. Consider scheduling calls for the same time each day, where possible. That way, your children know to avoid your part of the house during those hours.
  4. Delegate tasks - If possible, delegate some business tasks to trusted employees, contractors, or freelancers. If you are the sole employee of your business, you might consider hiring a virtual assistant for the week. This avoids complicated hiring processes and additional cost.
  5. Set boundaries - Establish boundaries with your children to let them know when you need focused work time. Explain that during certain hours, you'll be working and they should try to engage in independent activities.
  6. Combine work and play - Depending on their age, involve your children in your work in a fun and educational way. This could be as simple as having them help with small tasks or turning certain activities into a learning experience.
  7. Use productivity techniques - Employ time-management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking to stay focused and make the most of your work hours. For the uninitiated, the Pomodoro Technique is a fancy term for blocking out time with a timer. It can be extremely effective for productivity.
  8. Take breaks together - Schedule short breaks throughout the day to spend quality time with your children. This can help prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
  9. Communicate with Clients or Customers - Inform your clients or customers in advance about any changes in your availability during half term. Set clear expectations for response times.
  10. Practise self-care - ‘Self-care’ might be an overused term in 2023. However, it’s essential to avoid the burnout that can stem from too much responsibility. Try to enlist the help of friends, family or a partner to help you get some time to yourself. 

     

Balancing work and family can be difficult and challenging and so it's important to be flexible and adaptable. With some planning and effort, you can successfully navigate running your small business during half term with children. Don’t forget to make time for yourself!

Good luck!