School’s out for the summer and children couldn’t be happier! Parents, on the other hand, might not feel the same, especially those with full-time jobs. If you’re asking yourself, “What do working parents do in summer?” you’re not alone. You’re also not the only one worrying about holiday childcare. How are you going to make sure the children are taken care of and make it to work on time? Don’t fret! Here, our friends from Pacific Prime Singapore share a guide to helping you survive the summer holidays as a working parent.
Talk to your employer ASAP
One good thing about the school holidays is that they are planned well in advance, giving you lots of time to make arrangements with your boss. Talk to your employer about your situation as a working parent and find out what your options are. More and more companies recognise the importance of work-life balance nowadays. This means it’s likely that your employer already knows how they can best support working parents.
But, what if your employer doesn’t have any policies in place? If that’s the case, you can present solutions such as remote working, compressed hours, job share and paying for additional annual leave. Whichever solution you propose, be sure to put your request in writing and make a strong case. Also, it’s smart to have a backup plan ready, just in case your employer rejects your claim.
Ask for support from friends
Do you have friends and family in Singapore that can help? Grandparents are ideal holiday childcare options for working parents. Not only will they be able to give your children the love and attention they deserve, but they can also help you save on childcare during school holidays, which doesn’t come cheap. However, most expats in Singapore don’t have extended family close by. That’s where friends come in.
No one knows what you’re going through as much as your expat friends with children. Call them up and discuss your ideas for a “working parent summer childcare” club. You could come up with a schedule where the children spend time at different houses. Whether that’s half days, full days or even longer can be decided as a group. This setup allows parents to continue working regular hours and prevents kids from going stir crazy as well.
Let your kids help out
Working from home while the kids are on summer break allows you to get work done and spend time with them. But it takes some planning to get it right. Fortunately, there are clever ways for you to combine your workload with bonding time. If the type of work you do and the age of your little ones allow for it, you could have them help out. In fact, you can give them their first summer job by paying them to lend a helping hand.
If you’re not sure what kind of tasks are suitable for your children, start by considering tasks that don’t require much supervision and can keep them entertained. If you’ve got a messy office, they can help you get organised. Similarly, you can get an honest opinion if you’re torn between ideas, or a second pair of eyes if you’re checking a list. Repetitive tasks that can easily be done after a bit of training are recommended too. The list goes on.
Spend quality time together as a family
While it’s natural to be concerned about childcare options for working parents, also remember to prioritise quality time as a family whenever possible. Is taking time off work an option for you? If so, the summer holidays are the best time since you can make the most of your time together. Family trips during summer make for great memories and bonding experiences, regardless of how old your children are and how far you can travel.
Children grow up so fast. Enjoy these special years and spend quality time making beautiful memories together in any way you can.
Experience the peace of mind that comes from knowing your whole family is protected by securing family health insurance in Singapore. As a reputable insurance broker, Pacific Prime Singapore can help you find the best health insurance plan for your needs and budget. Get in touch for a personalised consultation and free quote today.
Written in collaboration with:
Pacific Prime Singapore
18 Cross Street, China Square Central, #14-05
6346 3781 | pacificprime.sg
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