Balancing Work and Family Life During the Summer Holidays
When schools close their doors for the long summer break, many parents are left juggling full-time jobs, childcare, and the pressure to create happy, healthy memories. At CHEXS, we understand how demanding this time can be, especially when resources are tight and energy is low. That’s why this month, we’re sharing practical strategies, free or affordable local activities, and real-life tips to help Broxbourne families thrive this summer.
Why Summer Can Be a Challenge for Families
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Schools close for 6 weeks, but most full-time workers have only 4–5 weeks of annual leave.
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Childcare becomes expensive or unavailable, leaving parents scrambling for coverage.
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The pressure to entertain children, maintain routines, and keep up at work can lead to burnout or guilt.
But with a little planning and some creative thinking, summer can be manageable, and even enjoyable!
1. Top Tips for Juggling Work and Family Time
Establish a Daily Routine
Children thrive on structure, and having a clear routine will help you stay sane too.
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Set consistent wake-up and bedtimes.
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Block time for work, play, meals, rest, and outings.
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Use colour-coded calendars or planners, let kids help choose activities!
- Tip: Include independent time for older kids with books, crafts, or activity packs while you work.
Planning Ahead and Creating Routines
A visual timetable can help children understand what is happening throughout the day. A planner can show the week and what is happening on each day. Keep it simple and get creative it’s great to use pictures or simple drawings.
Make the Most of Flexible Working
Many workplaces are more open to flexible hours or hybrid working.
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Ask about compressed hours, split shifts, or remote days.
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If you’re working from home, set up a workstation near the kids with quiet activities like puzzles or audiobooks.
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Block “deep focus” work during screen or nap times.
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Tip: Noise-cancelling headphones or a white noise machine can help both you and your child concentrate!
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Share the Load
If you live in a two-parent or shared-custody household, sit down each week and divide the schedule.-
Take turns doing school holiday drop-offs or working early/late shifts.
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Check in daily to adjust plans and support each other.
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Don’t forget to build in “you time” for each adult.
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Swap Childcare with Friends or Family
No budget for childcare? Why not try:-
Childcare swaps — e.g., you take your friend’s kids on Tuesday, they take yours Thursday.
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Grandparents — set clear hours so it’s sustainable.
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Teen helpers — local responsible teens may love to run craft sessions or play outdoor games for a few pounds.
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Prepare a “Go-To” Activity Kit
Create a boredom-busting box with:-
Colouring books & pencils
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LEGO or building kits
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Activity sheets (search “free summer printable packs”)
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A few snacks, puzzles, and surprises
Let children pick from the box during “quiet time” while you work. -
2. Low-Cost or Free Family Fun in Broxbourne
CHEXS has gathered the best local Broxbourne-area events and ideas that cost little or nothing!
Outdoor Spaces to Explore
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Cedars Park – Beautiful gardens, café, play areas, and a sensory trail.
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Cheshunt Park – Perfect for picnics, football, and spotting squirrels.
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Broxbourne Woods – Nature trails, bug hunts, den-building opportunities.
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River Lee Country Park – Lakeside walks, cycling paths, and boat watching.
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Tip: Turn outings into games with nature scavenger hunts or photo challenges.
Local Free Events – Summer 2025
Summer of Fun Saturdays – Waltham Cross
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Every Saturday in July & August
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Free kids’ activities like face painting, crafts, games, live music
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Great for burning energy and making memories
- CHEXS Willow Hearts Trail
Broxbourne Arts Trail – 29 July to 10 Aug
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Discover public art, try mini-crafts, or follow the trail map
Lark in the Park – July 28 to August 11
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FREE family activities in local parks
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Crafts, games, live shows — perfect drop-in sessions
Outdoor Cinema Nights – Grundy Park
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Family films under the stars (check Broxbourne Council’s Facebook)
ParkPlay – Grundy Park, Saturdays
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FREE inclusive sport sessions for all ages (Frisbee, tag, team games)
National Play Day – August 6, Cheshunt Park
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One of the biggest free family events of the summer!
SEND Support and Activities
SPACE Hertfordshire and Potential kids run activity sessions throughout the summer holiday. The Neurodiversity support hub can be contacted for advice and support. Space also have a family support service.
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We run hundreds of events for neurodivergent children and young people every year, all designed to create safe, inclusive, and engaging opportunities for neurodivergent children and young people to thrive. We are passionate about ensuring our children and young people have access to the same kind of opportunities as their mainstream peers. You can see…
spaceherts.org.uk
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The Neurodiversity Support Hub Advice Line Courses, workshops and apps for children and young people Some things we can help you with right now… Neurodiversity Handbook Recorded webinars on neurodiversity Organisations that can help The Neurodiversity Support Hub Advice Line The neurodiversity support hub is an advice service offering support, signposting and guidance about a whole range of …
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Wellbeing
Looking after you own wellbeing is important. Many parents and carers of a child or young person with SEND, face physical, practical and emotional challenges every day. This can feel isolating. Reaching out for support if you can, will be beneficial.
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Our family, relationships and the way we see ourselves all influence our mental health. Becoming a parent, and caring for a child or young person with SEND, often means that expectations, family dynamics and relationships change. Seeking guidance and support on these changes can stop you from feeling alone. Meet other parents online or face-to-face through Hertfordshire’s parent support groups …
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3. Educational Ideas That Don’t Feel Like School
Kids lose skills over the holidays unless we keep them learning, but it doesn’t have to feel like homework!
✍️ DIY Learning Projects
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Start a summer journal — drawing, writing, or sticking in leaves and photos.
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Try YouTube drawing tutorials, science experiments, or cooking together.
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Sign up to the Summer Reading Challenge at your local library.
💡 Online Learning Tools (Mostly Free)
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BBC Bitesize – Games and topics for all ages
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National Geographic Kids – Videos, quizzes, and fun facts
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Duolingo – Learn a new language together!
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Tip: Give kids daily “challenges” like cooking lunch, setting up a game, or designing their own board game.
4. Quick-Glance Tips for Busy Parents
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Try This! |
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You need to take a call
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Set kids up with an audiobook and snacks
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Running out of ideas
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Look up “summer challenges” on Pinterest or print activity calendars
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Too hot or rainy outside
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Build a blanket fort, try indoor yoga for kids, or do a baking session
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Feeling overwhelmed
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Take 5 deep breaths, walk around the block, or call a friend for backup
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Need to work quietly
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Use screen time strategically — choose educational apps or shows like Numberblocks or Horrible Histories
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5. What CHEXS Can Do to Help
At CHEXS, we know that family wellbeing starts at home, but we’re here to support that journey:
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Our Grow Club continues to empower children in schools with outdoor learning
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Workshops & mentoring are available for children and parents
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Our Family Support Team can signpost you to financial, emotional, or parenting help
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We work directly with local schools to help children develop confidence and resilience
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If you need advice balancing work and parenting or would like a friendly chat, contact us via CHEXS.CO.UK.
Final Thoughts
Balancing work and family life during the summer can feel like an impossible task. But remember, you don’t have to do everything. Pick one or two strategies that work for your family and build from there.
This summer, give yourself permission to:
Let go of perfection
Ask for help
Celebrate small wins
Prioritise connection over perfection
Summer doesn’t last forever….. but memories can.
We’d love to hear from you!
What’s working for your family this summer? Tag us in your outdoor adventures, library visits, or garden games on social media and use the hashtag #CHEXS
📩 Or drop our Family Support Team a message on our contact page
