Balancing business and family can feel like walking a tightrope, especially during school holidays. You’re either stressing about the work not getting done or feeling guilty for not being fully present with your kids.
But here’s the truth: guilt doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It means you care deeply about both parts of your life.
And you don’t need to sacrifice either. With a little intention and design, you can build a business that supports your lifestyle, including the freedom to enjoy school holidays without panic.
Start With the Calendar
Planning begins before the holidays arrive. I always recommend blocking out school holiday periods in your calendar well in advance. Decide on your dedicated work days and your fun, family-focused days, and then protect that time.
If you use booking tools like Calendly or Acuity, make sure those fun days are blocked out so clients can’t grab your time. This alone makes a huge difference.
Prep Your Cash Flow
If you’re following the Profit First method, set up a “Holiday Buffer” account. Allocate just 1–2% of each pay cycle to this account. That way, if there’s a slight dip in income during the break, you’ve got the reserves to cover it.
Batch and Automate
Pre-schedule your marketing content, emails, and social posts ahead of time. Whether it’s newsletters or Instagram Reels, batching in advance frees you up to be present, without going silent.
Delegate with Intention
If you have a team, empower them to own their roles during this period. I personally start each holiday morning by waking up an hour earlier to clear my emails, assign tasks, and answer any questions. At the end of the day, I set aside another hour to follow up or authorise anything urgent.
Clear communication makes a big difference here. Let your team know when you’ll be available and how to reach you, so you’re not a bottleneck, but you’re also not glued to your laptop.
Real Life Looks Like This
Over Easter, I took a week off for a family trip. I spent mornings sightseeing with the kids, then authorised anything urgent in the afternoons from my laptop. Everyone knew what to expect, and the business didn’t skip a beat.
The result? Quality time with my family and peace of mind in business.
Your One Next Step
Open your calendar and block out your next school holidays. Choose your work days and your fun days, and then design your business around those choices. Not the other way around.
Because when you put money (and your life) first, the rest really does follow.
