Ah, the holiday season—a time for fun, relaxation, and a little more… stress? As mums, we know the struggle all too well. The holidays bring the joy of spending extra time with our kids, but they also add the pressure of juggling work, household chores, and childcare. Achieving work-life balance during this time feels like a constant balancing act, leaving us feeling like we’re caught between two worlds.
On one hand, there’s the guilt of leaving our kids to their gadgets or asking them to entertain themselves while we try to meet deadlines or squeeze in just one more phone call. On the other hand, there’s the guilt of not working enough to provide for our families. It’s like we can’t win, right? We beat ourselves up for not being able to do it all—and trust me, I’ve been there more times than I can count!
But here’s the thing… you are not alone in this. We’re all in this together, trying to do the best we can for our families while also taking care of ourselves. And yes, that is easier said than done, but acknowledging the struggle is the first step in lightening the load.
Now, let’s talk about how we can make this holiday season a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable for both us and our kids. Because at the end of the day, what our kids want most from us is simple: our time.
Simple and Enjoyable Activities for Family Bonding
The key to creating memorable moments with our kids during the holidays is to keep it simple and fun. These are just a few ideas that you might want to consider. They’re activities that my family enjoys, and they’ve helped us make lasting memories without taking up too much of my already limited time.
1. Outdoor Adventures for Better Work-Life Balance
There’s something magical about being outdoors, whether it’s at a local park, a nearby beach, or even just in your own back garden. Nature has this amazing ability to calm our minds and spark creativity. Encourage your child to explore the world around them—collecting shells at the beach, spotting birds at the park, or simply playing ball in the garden. These small activities can inspire wonder and curiosity, and give you both a much-needed break from screens.
2. Creative Corners to Support Work-Life Balance
Set up a cozy little nook with some books, art supplies, or both. Reading together or doing crafts can be both fun and therapeutic. These moments of imaginative play and creativity can strengthen the bond with your child and give you both a sense of accomplishment. Plus, they’re a great way to unwind after a hectic day of balancing work and childcare.
3. Mindful Moments to Enhance Work-Life Balance
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Try brief, guided breathing exercises or practice daily gratitude by sharing what you’re thankful for each day. These small practices can help foster a positive perspective on life, which is so important for us as mums who are constantly navigating doubts and fears.
4. New Hobbies for Achieving Work-Life Balance
Why not try cooking simple recipes together or planting flowers or herbs? Here is my middle daughter prepping the base for a wonderful chocolate cheesecake recipe by Lorraine Pascal. It was absolutely delicious!
These activities are not only fun, but they also teach our kids practical skills and foster a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about creating something new with your own hands—and your child will love being a part of it too.
Enjoy the Moments, Big and Small
As you navigate the holidays and strive for work-life balance, remember that it’s not about doing it all—it’s about cherishing the time you have with your kids and making the most of those moments, big and small. Dr. Anthony Witham once said, “Children spell love as T-I-M-E.” And it’s true. At the end of the day, our kids won’t remember how spotless the house was or how many hours we worked—they’ll remember the time we spent with them and the memories we created together.
So… take a deep breath and remind yourself that you’re doing an amazing job. Enjoy these holidays, make memories with your family, and explore new adventures together. And remember, you’re not alone in the balancing act—we’re all in this together.
If you have a child who struggles with anxiety, be sure to check out our blog post, “Art of Parenting: Turning Anxiety into Confidence.” It’s packed with strategies and insights to help turn those anxious moments into opportunities for growth and confidence.