Hopping into Balance: A Guide to Working from Home During the Easter School Holidays with Kids
School Holidays: A Hopping Good Time for Working Parents
Alright, folks! The Easter school holidays are here (kill me now), and for those of us who are still working from home, itâs a real situation trying to balance work and family time. I mean, how does anyone expect to get anything done with those little gremlins we call our children, running around like wild animals? But letâs be real, the last thing we want is for our bosses to be hopping mad at us for not getting our work done. So, itâs time to get a little creative and find a balance that works for both work and play.
In this blog post, weâre going to have some Easter-sized fun and tackle the challenge of working from home while keeping the kids entertained. Weâll cover everything from setting boundaries to engaging the kids, staying connected with colleagues, and taking time for ourselves. So grab a bowl of Easter eggs, sit back, and letâs get cracking!
Boundaries & Priorities: Juggling Easter Eggs and Work Tasks
Ah, the age-old challenge of juggling Easter eggs and work tasks, a skill even the most seasoned circus performer wouldnât envy. With the school holidays upon us, itâs time to channel your inner magician and master the art of setting boundaries between work and family time. Start by transforming a corner of your home into a top-secret work lair, complete with an âEggs-it Onlyâ sign (see what we did there?).
Now, onto the next trick: prioritizing tasks. Whip out your to-do list (and your bag of Cadbury Crunchie Easter Eggs) and identify which tasks need your immediate attention, and which can wait for later (like debating the merits of solid versus hollow chocolate bunnies, or even a creme filled egg if you will.âŠ..). Allocating specific hours to tackle your work projects will help you resist the siren call of those mischievous little demons in the background.
And finally, the piĂšce de rĂ©sistance: a flexible schedule. Be prepared to juggle unexpected interruptions, like urgent egg-related negotiations or an impromptu visit from the Easter Bunnyâs entourage. The more adaptable you are, the easier it will be to maintain that work-life balance, and the sooner you can join in the holiday fun. So, keep calm and juggle on!
*I always find it helpful to bring out my Easter-themed super-threat of âIf you donât leave me in peace to finish my work, you wonât get any Easter eggsâ.
But now that my kids are old enough to get the said eggs from the fridge (YES, they belong in the fridge and I SHAN'T hear otherwise!) I need to be a little more strategic in my approach to my bribery.
So these school holidays I am proposing a different method.
Letâs call it a âgameâ. All kids like games?!
The game rules are simple:
- For every half hour of work mummy gets done, you earn an egg.
- For every 1/2 hour you play outside, you earn an egg.
- For every 1/2 hour you manage to avoid screaming/inflicting harm on your sibling/or calling out to me, you earn an egg.
- You can earn bonus eggs, (the amount is at mummyâs discretion) if you select to do any housework, and refrain from reminding me each half hour how many eggs you are owed in the game.
- Once Mummy is finished her work, and only then, she will look at the lack of chaos and will repay you in your egg-currency. BUT, the caveat here is that you may only eat the rewarded eggs whilst watching a movie with your siblings, quietly, without arguing, having cleaned up all the foil wrappers, while Mummy does more work!
- Each child will be presented with an earned-egg-tally-chart to keep a record of how many eggs earned.
You may end up with a bunch of sugar-loaded psychos by lunchtime, but you still got your work done, didn't you?
Thank me later.
Engaging the Kids: Entertaining Little Bunnies during Work Hours
When it comes to keeping your pint-sized Easter bunnies entertained during work hours, itâs all about getting creative and staying one hop ahead. Letâs face it: a distracted bunny is a happy bunny. So, why not devise a DIY âEaster Olympicsâ? Set up a series of egg-citing challenges that keep them hopping all day long. Think egg and spoon races, bunny hop contests, and carrot tosses.
For the more artistically inclined, encourage them to embark on an epic arts and crafts journey. Supply them with everything they need to create their very own egg-stravagant Easter masterpieces. You might just end up with some âegg-ceptionalâ new office dĂ©cor to brighten up your workspace!
And when all else fails, remember the power of teamwork. Turn mundane household chores into thrilling adventures with a sprinkle of Easter magic. Who wouldnât want to help the Easter Bunny tidy up his burrow? Enlisting the little ones in age-appropriate tasks not only keeps them occupied but also teaches them valuable life skills.
Now if your kiddos are anything like mine, they will rip through these activity ideas within the first hour of the day. I have a plethora of other ideas too I can share, but I must be honest and admit, I am not in any way a parenting âeggs-pertâ. So take my advice with a grain of sugar.
My back-up plan is our old friend, the screen!
My kids are always wanting new games on their iPad, and instead of giving them apps each time they ask, I save my âyesâsâ for the toughest moments. Such as during school holidays when I have work to do. (And also when we travel, but thatâs another blog post!).
If you would like to see Suggesterfyâs suggestions for what apps are great for kids in each age group, click here.
By keeping your tiny bunnies engaged and entertained, youâll be able to focus on your work tasks and still enjoy the Easter festivities once your dayâs work is done. After all, a family that plays together stays, together â even during the working hours!
Staying Connected: Keeping Your Colleague Carrots and Client Chicks in the Loop
In the mad scramble of the Easter holidays, itâs important to ensure that your professional connections donât hop away. Keeping your colleagues and clients informed is as vital as finding that last hidden chocolate egg. So, roll up your sleeves and dive headfirst into the world of virtual communication like a bunny on a mission.
First, letâs talk about the art of the video conference. While you may have perfected the top-half business attire, bottom-half pajamas look, remember to keep the background Easter-chaos free. You donât want a stray chocolate wrapper or an impromptu bunny invasion stealing the show during your big presentation. (as I mentioned earlier, bribe. The. Kids.)
Next up: the fine art of email diplomacy. No matter how tempting it is to sign off with âEgg-statically yoursâ or âYours in egg-spectation,â resist the urge. Keep your emails professional and to-the-point, even if your mind is on your next egg hunt strategy.
Lastly, donât forget to check in with your colleagues and clients regularly. A quick message or call goes a long way in maintaining strong relationships.
The people you work with, do realize you have a family. They should understand that itâs school holidays, and that you are doing your best to keep things afloat on the work and home front. Donât be afraid to communicate the situation to your work people; being honest about your predicament is better than appearing like a banshee that is falling apart and canât meet demands!
By staying connected and maintaining open lines of communication, youâll ensure that both your work and Easter celebrations are egg-straordinarily successful!
Taking Time for Yourself: Hiding in Your Easter Eggshell for a Bit of Self-Care
In the whirlwind of work, family, and Easter mayhem, itâs easy to forget about the most important bunny of all â you! To keep your sanity intact during this egg-splosive season, itâs essential to find moments of peace and indulge in a little self-care. Think of it as hiding in your Easter eggshell for some well-deserved âme time.â
First, donât underestimate the power of a good olâ fashioned chocolate break. Sneak away to a quiet corner, take a deep breath, and savor each glorious, melty bite of your favorite chocolate treat. Remember, chocolate is a proven mood booster â just donât let your kids catch you, or youâll be sharing your stash!
Next, consider adding some egg-ercise to your daily routine. Stretch your limbs with some âBunny Yogaâ or go for a brisk walk around the neighborhood to hunt for hidden Easter decorations. A little physical activity can help to clear your mind and keep you energized throughout the day.
And finally, make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether itâs curling up with a good book, binge-watching your favorite show, or perfecting your hot cross bun recipe, itâs important to recharge your batteries.
By taking time for yourself and prioritizing self-care, youâll emerge from your Easter eggshell feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle whatever challenges the holiday season brings!
Achieving Work-Life Balance in the Land of Easter Bunnies and Chocolate Eggs
As we wrap up our egg-venturous journey through the land of Easter bunnies and chocolate eggs, letâs take a moment to reflect on the lessons weâve learned. Weâve discovered the magical art of setting boundaries, keeping our little bunnies entertained, staying connected with our professional peeps, and finding solace in our Easter eggshell.
But what does it all mean? Well, dear reader, it means that even in the midst of chocolate-fueled chaos, itâs possible to achieve a harmonious work-life balance. By embracing flexibility, creativity, and a dash of humor, we can transform the Easter school holidays from a hair-raising experience into a hoppy and memorable time for the whole family.
So, go forth and conquer the world of working from home during the Easter holidays with newfound confidence and panache. And remember, when in doubt, thereâs always chocolate to make everything just a little bit sweeter. Happy Easter!
We have so many Easter/School Holiday Suggestions to give both yourself and the kids something to look forward to while you get your work done. Read on for Suggesterfyâs Suggestions for Easter!
Suggesterfy Suggests Easter 2023
Melbourne has some of the most exciting and entertaining activities to do over the Easter holidays. From Easter egg hunts to fun fairs and everything in between, here is Suggesterfyâ guide to help you plan a memorable and enjoyable Easter break.
If you need more ideas, just post your question in the app and let your trusted network find some ideas to help you!
Melbourne Easter Show
Where: Dromana Estate Winery, 555 Old Moorooduc Road Tuerong, VIC 3915
Head out for a fun-filled day with a wide range of childrenâs activities, interactive demonstrations, roving entertainers, carnival rides, Easter Egg Hunts and much, much more!
10am-9pm Daily, Suitable for children 3 years to 12 years
Kids Day Out
Kids Day Out is a festival full of fun activities for kids and families.
Bring your teddy or soft toy for a checkup at the Teddy Bear Hospital with the expert Teddy Bear doctors from The University of Melbourne.
Bounce on the bungee tramps, sit in the chair-o-plane, slide down the super slide, ride the Dodgems, find your way through the jungle maze and sample other rides and inflatables.
The performance stage includes singing talent from The Voice, AGT performers Team Adrenalin, African drumming and Bollywood, hip hop and fan dancing. Participate in the Indigenous workshop, or sing along with childrenâs entertainers Team BAMarts, the Funtones and Team Dream.
Other activities include a Fizz Kidz science zone, sports zone, classic car show, community service displays and the Woolworths Fresh Food Fair.
Hosted by the Good Friday Appeal, itâs a way to raise funds for sick kids.
Free entry but some activities have a cost.
For more info : https://www.goodfridayappeal.com.au/kids-day-out-23/
Bendigo Easter Festival
Over the Easter long weekend, Bendigoâs beautiful Rosalind Park and surrounding streets will be transformed into a vibrant precinct bursting with family-friendly entertainment.
An extensive program of activities and attractions offers something for all ages. Be in the hunt for 80,000 Easter Eggs on Good Friday, experience the thrills of Carnival Central, find a treasure at the Rotary Market, rock along to live music or keep the kids busy in a park filled with hands-on activities and performances.
Dance, drums, Lion teams and 100,000 crackers are all part of Awakening of the Dragon, as Bendigo celebrates its Chinese heritage at the Dai Gum San Precinct.
As the sun sets on Easter Saturday, cheer on the convoy of illuminated floats in the OâBrien Plumbing & HVAC Torchlight Procession, concluding with a spectacular firework display over the city.
JAY BERRIES EASTER FESTIVITIES â APRIL 7TH, 9TH AND 10TH
Pick Berries, find eggs and have a great time! Tickets are limited so book yours now.
Tickets include an egg hunt for the kids and entry into Jay Berries U-Pick. Berries picked must be paid for at the counters.
Where: 140 Wandin Creek Road, Wandin East, Victoria
For More Info: https://www.bendigoeasterfestival.org.au/program
The Big Goose Easter Eggstraveganza!
7th â 10th April
ONLINE BOOKINGS ONLY â NUMBERS STRICTLY LIMITED
Easter Scramble: Included for every paying child (Under 2âs $5 to participate)
The aim of the game is to collect as many plastic Easter eggs as you can until The Easter Bunny rings his bell!
Bring your haul to the counting station â every child who participates takes home a token bag of mini Easter eggs (while stocks last).
Find The Golden Egg! Golden Eggs are hidden around the Farm every day, if you are lucky enough to find one you will win a Big Goose plush toy!
For More Info : https://thebiggoose.com.au/easter2021/
AUTUMNFEST 2023
Saturday 8th and 9th of April will be filled with family-friendly entertainment and activities. The incredible butterfly kids enclosure and reptile show allow kids (and adults) to get up close and learn about the animals around us. Then kids will have an opportunity to create their own nature butterfly, at the craft tent.
The fun continues with a spectacular magic show, jumping castle, mazes and giant games. The crowd favourite is a visit from the Easter Bunny and a giant Easter egg hunt through the small hedge maze for our younger kids and our large wooden maze for the big kids.
For More Info: https://www.boneodiscoverypark.com.au/easterlongweekend/
Easter Fun at Luna Park
Over 30,000 Eggs to be found!
Luna Parkâs Annual Easter Egg Hunt has enough chocolate eggs for everyone! They have a special egg hunt area in our Garden Terrace where you can watch your little oneâs hunt for 30,000 big, and little quality chocolate eggs from âChocolatierâ hidden in the hay. They are pretty easy-to-find for the littlies, so no-one misses out. A cup will be provided at the entrance and kids collect as many eggs as they can during the timed hunts until the countdown ends. Each hunt runs for a mad minute led by our Mad as Mad Hatter and are re-set by the Covid Bunny Brigade.
There are 12 egg hunt sessions daily on Easter Saturday and Sunday only from 12.30 pm â 4.15pm.
You can purchase your tickets here:
https://lunapark.com.au/?promocode=hunturt
Parents / Carers require a regular Entry Only or Unlimited Ride ticket to enter.
For the Foodies
Chocolate Making Class for Easter
Where: Master Chocolatier, 6/127 Nelson Rd, Box Hill North VIC 3129
Upon arriving at the class, Arno will provide you with an introduction to the process of making chocolate.
After that, he will start showing you the Easter eggs chocolate making using the highest quality European chocolate.
From $125 Per Person Groups size: 4â8 People
Bookings Essential : https://weteachme.com/masterchocolatier/1042508-chocolate-making-class-for-easter
Free School Holidays Cooking Workshops at The Queen Vic Market
Let the little ones don their chef hat for some delicious school holiday cooking workshops. All workshops are free, however bookings are essential to avoid disappointment. Choose from:
Fruit Bunnies with Chocolate Yoghurt
Date: Tuesday 11 April, 10am â 1pm
Click here to book now!
Chocolate Balls and Mini Fruit Sticks
Date: Thursday 13 April, 10am â 1pm
Click here to book now!
Sushi Hand Rolls
Date: Tuesday 18 April, 10am â 1pm
Click here to book now!
Mini Banh Mi
Date: Thursday 20 April, 10am â 1pm
Click here to book now!
https://qvm.com.au/easter/whats-on-easter/
Doughnut Decorating at Krispy Kreme
Doughnut Decorating is running this April at selected Krispy Kreme stores. This fun filled activity will bring smiles to any child and is a great activity to share with friends.
For $7.50, children will receive 2 of our favourite Original GlazedÂź doughnuts and use a range of fun toppings and coloured icing to decorate their doughnuts however their heart desires. At the end of their session 20-minute doughnut decorating session, they not only get to enjoy their beautifully decorated doughnuts, but they will take home our iconic Krispy Kreme hat, balloon, and a certificate to keep!
Recommended for children aged 4 and over.
