Running a Business With Kids at Home? Here’s How I Survive (and Sometimes Even Thrive) During the School Holidays

Written my Rebecca Butler, a qualified teacher, early years specialist, founder of The

Childcare Fairy and awesome member of our mentor group Get Seen Get Sales!

Running a business while raising kids is no small feat, and when school holidays roll

around… let’s just say things can get extra!

The juggle becomes a full-blown circus act: emails flying, snack requests every 30

seconds, and the eternal battle of “How much screen time is too much screen time?”

If you’re reading this with a child wrapped around your leg or hiding in the bathroom

just for five minutes of peace, welcome. You’re not alone!

As a small business owner and a parent, I’ve learned (usually the hard way) that

trying to work like I normally would during school holidays just doesn’t work. So

instead of fighting it, I’ve adapted. This blog is a little dose of real talk, mixed with

genuinely helpful tips I’ve tested myself, because we all deserve to at least try to

enjoy the school holidays and keep our business ticking over.

First Things First: Lower the Bar (Seriously)

This isn’t the time to aim for world domination. The summer holidays are a season of

maintenance, not massive growth. Give yourself permission to slow down, take a

breather, and ditch the guilt.

Instead of a never-ending to-do list, focus on 1–3 key tasks per day. What actually

needs to be done? What can wait? What can be done with a child perched next to

you, “helping” with a highlighter?

My School Holiday Structure That Keeps Me (Somewhat) Sane

A while ago, I shared a suggested school holiday routine with my lovely business

mentor, and she said she followed it to the letter. This routine is

not rigid or perfect, but it gives our days a rhythm and takes the pressure off me

having to come up with ideas on the spot.

Here’s the gist:

1. Morning movement: Whether it’s a walk, a garden play session, or dancing

in the kitchen, we start the day with something active. It gets the wiggles out

and sets a positive tone.

2. Mid-morning creative time: This is usually when I set up a simple activity,

painting, playdough, or something crafty. I get a short pocket of time to

answer emails while they’re busy.

3. Lunch & downtime: After lunch, we have some quiet time. Think TV,

audiobooks, or independent play. I do my most focused work here (hello, nap-

time hustle)

4. Afternoon adventure: If I’ve ticked off a few work tasks, we’ll head out - to

the park, library, or even just for ice cream. If not, it’s garden play while I bring

my laptop outside.

5. Screen-time/work swap: I won’t lie, this one’s a lifeline. If I need a chunk

of time, screens come out. And I use that time to dive into work with zero guilt.

The magic is in keeping things loose but predictable. Kids thrive on routine, and so

do I.

Practical Tips to Help You Balance Both Worlds

You don’t need a nanny, a Pinterest-worthy schedule, or to “do it all”

You just need a few tricks up your sleeve:

Batch like a boss: On quieter days (or during the lead-up to holidays), I batch

content, schedule emails, and prep anything I can in advance. It buys me time later.

Amanda’s Social Media Planner has really helped me with this one! If you

haven’t seen it yet, check it out…seriously!

Use timers: A 20-minute timer can work wonders. Set one for a “focus burst” of work

while your child does an activity beside you.

Make use of nap/quiet time: If your little ones still nap, or if you can instil a “quiet

time” with books or headphones, this becomes golden work time.

Embrace the imperfect: Some days you’ll feel like Superwoman. Other days, it’s

chicken nuggets and one email. Both are valid.

Involve your kids: Depending on their age, children love to feel included. Let them

“help” with safe tasks or design something alongside you while you work.

What I’ve Learned (Spoiler: It’s Not About Doing More)

What I’ve realised is this: my business doesn’t collapse if I take my foot off the gas.

In fact, sometimes the pause gives me space for better ideas, more energy, and a

fresher perspective.

And my kids? They won’t remember how much I sold that summer. But they will

remember the picnics, the play, and the days we spent together, where I wasn’t

glued to my phone or muttering “just five more minutes” from behind a laptop screen.

(Which I have definitely done in the past by the way!)

Try This Today:

 Jot down your non-negotiables for the summer (business and personal).

 Map out a simple daily rhythm that works for your family.

 Batch one thing this week, whether it’s social posts, blogs, or product listings.

 And most importantly? Give yourself grace. You’re doing great.

If you want more summer sanity-saving ideas, keep an eye on my upcoming Happy

Holiday Adventure Packs, they’re full of easy activities, playful ideas, and parent-

friendly support to help you actually enjoy the holidays.

So in short, it is possible to run a small business, have your little people at home,

and not completely lose your mind in the process. It just takes a little planning and

practice!

Hi, I’m Becca, a qualified teacher, early years specialist, and founder of The

Childcare Fairy. I create magical, time-saving resources for early years

professionals, parents and curious little humans. From curriculum support to play-

based learning packs, everything I design is made to help you feel confident and

capable, even when life’s a little chaotic.

Find me on Instagram: @thechildcarefairy

Or visit my website: www.thechildcarefairy.co.uk