The summer holidays are just around the corner, which means warmer weather, longer days, and a break from school. However, for working parents, it can feel like walking a tightrope between keeping the kids entertained and meeting work responsibilities.
But with the right approach, maintaining a healthy work-life balance with kids over the summer is completely achievable! Whether you’re working full-time, part-time, or remotely, there are strategies that can help you feel more in control, more productive, and more present with your family.
In this article, we’ll explore what work-life balance really means, why it’s especially important for parents, and offer six practical tips to help you thrive this summer. Plus, we’ll show you how options like kids’ summer camps, including adventurous activities, can give both you and your children a well-deserved break.
What is meant by work-life balance?
Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to explain what work-life balance actually means. For some, it might be leaving the office at a reasonable hour; for others, it could mean having the flexibility to attend school pick-ups or switch off completely at the weekend.
Either way, work-life balance is about finding a healthy rhythm between your professional and personal life. Striking this balance becomes even more vital, especially when you’ve got kids at home for six weeks during the summer holidays.
The academic routine of school days is paused, and without structure, it’s easy for either work or parenting to dominate. Therefore, it’s essential to prioritise well-being and create a plan that works for the whole family.
Why is a work-life balance important for parents
Balancing work and family is more than scheduling; it’s about protecting your emotional and mental wellness, which many of us value deeply. In fact, for 83% of employees across 35 countries, work-life balance is the top priority when considering their current job or future role.
Below are five reasons why a work-life balance matters more than ever when it comes to creating a positive family environment, from reducing stress and burnout to strengthening relationships and increasing productivity.
1. Reduces stress
According to the International Workplace Group (IWG), 61% of parents find school holidays highly stressful, mainly because of the struggle to juggle work and childcare. With no clear boundaries between work and home life, parents can quickly feel stretched too thin, resulting in chronic stress and eventual burnout.
By taking a more structured and balanced approach, such as designating specific work hours and taking regular breaks, parents can regain a sense of control. This not only reduces stress levels but also boosts availability, productivity, and manages expectations.
2. Improves physical and mental health
The toll of long-term stress isn’t just emotional. It can have very real effects on your physical health too. Parents trying to “do it all” often sacrifice sleep, skip meals, or neglect exercise, which can lead to fatigue, weakened immunity, anxiety, and even heart issues.
A balanced lifestyle allows space for rest and self-care, whether that’s a regular walk in the park or a full night’s sleep. Mental health also improves when parents feel supported. For example, scheduling time for a hobby or even booking a half-day off while the kids are at summer camp can make a world of difference.
3. Enhances family relationships
When your head is constantly in work mode, it’s easy for family time to become distracted and disconnected. Children are quick to notice when a parent isn’t fully engaged, and partners can feel like they’re taking on more than their share, which can lead to tension at home.
With a healthy work-life balance, parents can be more present at a family dinner or a bike ride together after work. These small, quality interactions build trust, deepen bonds, and create the sort of meaningful memories that children carry with them for life.
4. Increases productivity
Children need structure, support, and emotional availability. Kids can feel unsettled, anxious, or even act out to gain attention if a parent is overwhelmed, stressed or distracted by work.
On the other hand, by modelling a healthy balance between responsibilities and self-care, children learn the importance of managing their own time and emotions. Parents are more likely to establish routines, maintain consistent rules, and provide a safe space for their child to express themselves.
6 Tips for achieving a work-life balance with kids during summer
Clearly, the summer holidays bring a change of pace, and with it, a new set of challenges for working parents. It’s easy to see why responsibilities pile up and routines slip.
Whether you’re working from home, heading into the office, or doing a bit of both, these practical tips will help you stay on top of your to-do list without missing out on precious family moments.
Here are six simple ways to achieve a healthy work-life balance while keeping the kids happy this summer:
1. Set boundaries and expectations
Start by having open conversations with both your employer and your family. Let your team know your working hours and when you’ll be offline. If you’re working from home, consider setting up an out-of-office message for specific hours or using calendar blocks to mark your availability.
Equally important is setting expectations with your children. Explain your work schedule in a way they can grasp by saying, “Mum works from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, then we’ll go to the park.” Visual aids like a wall planner or a magnetic schedule board can help reinforce this.
Tip: prepare a few quiet activities like colouring books or puzzles for them to enjoy during work time.
Try to stick to this schedule as much as possible to create consistency. Over time, children begin to respect these boundaries, reducing interruptions and teaching them the value of routine and time management.
2. Flexible work arrangements
Flexibility is one of the greatest assets during the summer. Luckily, many employers now offer remote or hybrid options, flexible hours, or compressed work weeks. If you have the freedom to adapt your working hours, take full advantage of it!
Consider working earlier while the kids are still asleep so you can take a longer break during the afternoon when they’re most active. If your children nap or have quiet time, use that window to focus on your most important tasks. Alternatively, try working in split shifts (e.g., 8:00 AM –11:00 AM and then 4:00 PM –7:00 PM).
These tweaks can make the day feel more manageable and help reduce guilt or stress from trying to do it all at once. It also means you can be more present with your children when you’re not working, which improves the overall quality of family time.
3. Create a support network
As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. Building a strong support network can help ease the pressure, creating opportunities for both work and rest.
Talk to other parents in your neighbourhood or school community about sharing childcare responsibilities. You might take turns hosting playdates, or create a rotating schedule where each parent watches the children for a few hours a week. This cooperative approach can free up focused time for work while keeping the children socially and emotionally engaged.
Don’t forget about family members, either. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even older cousins can be a great help, whether it’s taking the kids out for the afternoon or doing a bit of babysitting while you tackle a deadline. Even a few hours of support each week can contribute to a healthier work-life balance with kids. .
4. Consider local childcare options
If your budget allows, investing in part-time childcare can be a smart move during the summer holidays. Hiring a trusted babysitter for just a few mornings or afternoons a week can offer you dedicated work time, without constant interruptions.
In the UK, many local councils, schools, leisure centres, and community organisations offer affordable summer programmes for children, including sports clubs, drama workshops, and specialised adventure camps, giving kids the chance to explore hobbies and interests they truly enjoy.
It’s also worth checking if your employer offers Childcare Vouchers or is part of the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, which can help offset the cost. Furthermore, libraries, museums, and youth centres often host free or low-cost summer activities too.
5. Prioritise self-care
Life gets busy, and self-care sometimes falls to the bottom of the list. However, putting your wellbeing on the back burner leads to frustration, exhaustion, and burnout—all of which make it harder to be the parent, partner, or worker you want to be.
You don’t need hours each day; just 15 to 30 minutes of intentional “me-time” can help recharge your batteries. This might mean enjoying a quiet cup of tea before the kids wake up, journaling, or doing a short meditation. If you enjoy creative hobbies like painting, gardening, or reading, carve out time to do them.
Exercise, even in short bursts (e.g., a home workout routine or lunchtime walk), can also be a game-changer for your energy and mood by boosting endorphins, the happy hormones. Remember: looking after yourself isn’t selfish, it’s essential!
6. Book a summer holiday camp
One of the most effective ways for working parents to achieve a work-life balance with kids during the summer holidays is to enrol them in a kids’ summer camp. These camps offer structure, supervision, and loads of fun!
Whether you opt for a flexible 1 or 2 night camp or full action-packed week programme, summer camps are designed to keep children engaged through a wide range of activities, from outdoor sports to team challenges and games. Children not only stay active but also gain confidence, develop independence, and build new friendships.
For parents, the benefits are just as good. While your child is safely enjoying their time at camp, you’re free to work uninterrupted, catch up on errands, or even have a moment to yourself. It’s a win-win for the whole family!
Get ready for fun and adventure this summer at a PGL kids camp!
For unforgettable kids’ summer camps in the UK, PGL leads the way!
With over 65 years of experience, we offer a wide range of thrilling residential holiday camps: With 1 to 7 night camps available each designed especially for children aged 8–16.
Whether your child is a budding adventurer, a nature lover, or looking to build confidence and independence, our camps tick all the boxes. From kayaking and zip-lining to archery and team-building games, every day is packed with energy and creativity!
Why Choose PGL Kids Camps?
- Flexible booking options for busy working parents
- Trained, friendly staff with full DBS checks
- All-inclusive pricing, no hidden costs
Plus, with shorter 1 and 2-night camps, it’s easier than ever to find a summer holiday camp that fits your schedule. Let your child experience the fun, freedom, and friendships of a PGL summer!
Get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today to see how we can help!