School Holiday Musings of a Work-From-Home Mum
Thoughts from the House of Love and Mayhem
Call me crazy but I’ve always loved school holidays. The hiatus from the kids’ extra-curricular activities is absolute heaven. Our tightly-organised timetable is chucked in the proverbial bin and, for two weeks, we are free to go with the flow. It’s fabulous.
Except that nowadays my kids seem to flow in all different directions. It was so much easier when they were little and I carted them all off for an adventure before their afternoon naps. ‘Quiet time’ was a thing. And they were all in bed by 8.30pm.
As a writer working from home, the flexibility is great but it is always a juggle. You’d think it would be easier now the kids are older, but I’m finding these school holidays to be frustrating, exhausting and challenging. Aged from eight to sixteen, I can’t just lump them all together and take them on an outing, or plonk them in front of a movie with a bowl of popcorn. Even though they are largely self-sufficient, their individual needs seem to impact my time so much more than when they were little.

The boys are teenagers; if they’re not holed up in their rooms maintaining their Snapchat streaks or playing Fortnite, they can generally be found in the kitchen searching for sustenance. The problem is the inevitable plan (made via group-chat, of course), which leads to requests for ‘the squad’ to come over, or a lift to the station / shops / basketball stadium. Not to mention the repeated trips to the supermarket.
Same with the girls. They enjoy spending their holidays catching up with friends, chattering their way through sleepovers, trips to the local pool, shops or movies. There is a fairly constant flow of girls-in and girls-out of our house. It’s beautiful and exactly what it should be; I love to hear their giggles as they bake brownies or create artistic masterpieces at my kitchen bench.

But the interruptions….. so many interruptions….
My kids are all old enough to understand my work. They get it. But it doesn’t seem to stop them randomly asking extremely important questions. Like ‘Can I have ice-cream?’ or ‘Have you seen my shoe?’ They come to me for EVERYTHING. I’m constantly torn in two – one half of my brain is in work-mode while the other half is endlessly scanning the house to keep track of what mischief my heathens are up to.
And I feel so guilty.
I feel bad when I’m on the phone with a client, waving madly at them to shush. I know they hear the sigh in my voice when I brush them off with an exasperated “I’m writing’. I’m sure they feel I’m constantly annoyed by their existence. I try to not let it show but, when I’m in creative mode, I yearn to be left alone.

Yesterday, I found myself unintentionally agreeing to Miss Just-turned-Eight’s request to open the glitter and sand creative art set she was given for her birthday. I’d given up writing in the office because all I could hear were the dulcet sounds of the girls arguing about which Netflix show to watch. I commandeered the kitchen bench, (there’s a heater there and I can keep a strategic eye out for raids on the kitchen cupboards and fridge). Next thing I knew, I had an over excited eight-year old ‘working’ next to me and the cat sneezing in a container of glitter. Oh, the joys.
Sometimes, it’s impossible to do anything work-related. After numerous interruptions, I’m fairly sure my muse shrugs her shoulders and goes off on to search for peace and chocolate.
I might just join her.
How do you manage school holiday mayhem? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.




Despite the fact that I have a huge workload at times I’ve learnt to master the art of juggling on school holidays. Having x2 adult kids/ x 1 teen they generally only want a conversation pre and post the need for money! I love them but their ‘vocal transaction’ is as long as it takes to get money from an ATM at times. Online they are up later so whether they live O/S or out late they can have conversations late night.
So most of my quality time goes to my primary aged child. Leading up to the holidays I let him know we can take 1 or 2 friends away each break to our holiday house for up to x3 days away. It’s “What do you want to do buddy from the hours of 10am til 9pm?” He loves it. Whatever he practically wants with Mumma time he gets…. he wants bush walk on the island with kangaroos or shopping local and cooking up a feast of choice or beach fun . He is a good boy and understands I work hard running more than one business. He gets mum can give that time. I fly out a bit with judging and lecturing work in his hols as well. He also knows some of that long hour earnings is now being saved up for his chosen dream of a lifetime trip . It was indeed a struggle when all x4 where younger. I think I’m at the tail end of it now… x
I loved your insightfulness. Dont feel guilty. You are an amazing Mumma trying to make a positive Impact. Best braiding Ruth. Xx
love this…. I only have one kid and I never get anything done. Super mum…
Little people are hard work, Megan. When I wrote for indigo magazine, the three big ones were all under 7 so I found it most effective to schedule a day each week where I borrowed a desk at Steve’s work. It was great to be able to focus and write without interruptions. Crazy days!! xx
I can only imagine the demands of having four at home during school holidays! My school holidays are a little different as the kids spend a week at home, and a week at dads… So it means depending on how many days I work that week, and fitting in sleepovers and school holiday requests – I may only get an extra day or so with the kids, I’d actually like more! But my most favourite thing about school holidays is the complete and utter lack of routine – no schedule, no sport, no yelling at them to get up and pack their lunch, no bedtime – it’s a weight off my shoulders and I truly feel like my mind gets to rest a little during this time. I relish the days of staying in pyjamas all day at home – although they are few and far between xx
Oh, I’m hearing you there, Emma! The lack of routine and need to plan ahead is blissful for all of us. It’s partly why I find it so hard to say no to impromptu requests for sleepovers and fun with friends. We are so tightly scheduled during the term that it’s heavenly to relax and go with the flow. And I do love spending time with my kids. xx
Love this Ruth! So real and although my little humans are not there yet, and only 2 of them…. I feel every word you wrote!
Thanks for sharing! Kim
Thanks, Kim. We wouldn’t really have it any other way, would we? Cheers!