No I'm not referring to the television programme, this time it's personal.
What I'm struggling with is the imminent prospect (Friday and counting) of the children being released from the confines of school and at liberty for the next 6-7 weeks.
It's a logistical nightmare. And one that brings near financial ruin as well. My Manager - although understanding - very reasonably doesn't want people out of the office for 7 weeks to look after kids. So I'm left with clubs and activities, friends and family plus a family holiday to cover the deficit.
My spreadsheet has to be seen to be believed.
All activities are at different start and end times, in a bewildering array of locations and some with eye popping prices. Sometimes the children need to be in two different places for the day. I've still got several days unaccounted for and am fast running out of options and favours.
I'm quite sure I'm not alone here - there must be plenty of other people having the same dilemmas. So what's the solution?
There are many who call for a shorter summer break (although you could argue that this is the least the teachers deserve!). Perhaps there should be more government funded/planned childcare available for school age children? Or maybe negotiate school holiday breaks when starting a new job (dream on...)?
I've no idea what the answer is but I do know that this is perhaps the most stressful part of my year. Anyone free to look after 2 reasonably well behaved kids next week?
School summer holidays - the three words that strike fear into the heart of parents. From worrying about finding holiday childcare through to how you’ll actually afford it, the summer break can be an incredibly stressful time. Which means it’s diaries at the ready for some serious summer childcare planning ...
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