Home > Entertainment and Activities > Travel and Vacations > Winter Break > Working Parents and the Holidays
|

Working Parents and the Holidays

by Betsy Van Dorn

One of the great things about being a kid is the number of vacation days you get. One of the not-so-great things about being a working parent is figuring out how to accommodate those you don't get -- like the days between Christmas and New Year's, for example. What strategies might work for you?

  • Working parents have different schedules. If you're not taking a certain day off, a colleague or friend may be at home with a child or two. Think in terms of mutual benefits. . . maybe that person would welcome an extra playmate in return for their offspring spending a weekend overnight stay at your house.

  • Don't overlook the obvious: Community agencies such as the Y's, park and recreation departments, synagogues and churches increasingly offer day care for various holidays and school vacations. If your child balks at the prospect of a totally strange setting (and who wouldn't?) get a best friend or daycare buddy to go along.

  • Know any trustworthy college students who are home from school? With the expenses of the holidays looming ahead, they may well be looking to earn extra cash. And for many, it's a treat to shrug off their newly acquired sophistication and hang with the rug rats.

  • It's not too late to put together a small group of parents who can rotate child care in their homes for holidays, for professional development afternoons at school, or other occasions when families find themselves casting about for child care. Your commitment to stay home for one day is a good trade-off for peace of mind on the other three or four.

  • If you have a doting friend or relative to look after the kids on these occasions, know how lucky you are and respect the fragility of the relationship. "I really blew it with my cousin," says one rueful mother. "Organization isn't my strong point, and I tended to call her at the last minute. I think she came to feel like the choice of last resort. We never intended to hurt her feelings but I can see how it happened. From now on, I'm planning my whole life around the school calendar!"

    • More on: Christmas

    |

    you might also like:

    from our community:


    what’s hot

    1. Top 10 End-of-the-Year Gifts for Teachers
    2. 10 Gender-Predicting Old Wives' Tales
    3. Top 12 Fundraising Ideas
    4. VIEW ALL

    stay connected

    Sign up for our free email newsletters and receive the latest advice and information on all things parenting.

    Enter your email address to sign up or manage your account.

    Facebook icon Twitter icon Follow Us on Pinterest

    editor’s picks

    highlights

    8 Printable Thank-You Cards for Teachers
    As the end of the school year approaches, it's nice to thank your favorite educators for all their hard work. Print any of these free printable teacher appreciation cards to show your gratitude in a cute and simple way.

    Great Gift Ideas for Dad's First Father's Day
    Every dad's first Father's Day is a special one. Honor Daddy's important new role with a fun and heartfelt gift from you and your baby.

    Explore Funbrain Jr. with Your Preschooler
    Looking for fun online games, adorable stories, and cool printables for preschoolers and kindergartners? Check out the new Funbrain Jr., a fun place to learn for children ages 2 to 6.

    11 Succulent Vegetarian Recipes for the Grill
    Barbecue season isn't just for meat-lovers! These vegetarian recipes for the grill are a healthy and delicious alternative to typical barbecue fare.