As a stay-at-home mum, the school holidays can feel like a whirlwind. Usually, when the kids are at school, I can manage the housework without too much trouble. But when the holidays arrive and the kids are home all day, it’s a whole different story. The housework piles up quickly—dishes are left undone, laundry accumulates like a mountain, and dust covers every surface. Add to that the desire for a little extra sleep or a break from the usual morning routine, and it’s easy to let the cleaning slip to the bottom of the list.
However, despite the challenges, getting the housework done during the school holidays doesn’t have to be impossible. With a little planning and some help from the kids, you can tackle the housework without sacrificing all of your free time. Here’s how:
1. Set Clear Targets and Tackle the Small Stuff
I know it can be overwhelming to think about the entire house needing attention, especially with kids underfoot. But rather than putting it off and hoping it magically gets done, try setting a few small, manageable targets each day. Breaking your tasks down into bite-sized chunks will help you stay focused and avoid the overwhelming feeling of a never-ending to-do list. For example, instead of thinking about cleaning the entire kitchen, aim to clean the countertops and load the dishwasher after breakfast. That way, the small tasks are spread out and you’ll feel accomplished throughout the day.
2. Don’t Wait for the End of the Day
One of the most tempting things during the holidays is to leave the housework for later when the kids are napping or settled down for the evening. But here’s a little secret—waiting often just makes the mess worse. The dishes pile up, the laundry overflows, and before you know it, it feels like the mess has taken over your home. Instead, get into the habit of doing little bits of cleaning throughout the day. For instance, when you finish breakfast, take just five minutes to wipe down the countertops and put away the dishes. This will save you from hours of tidying up later on and help keep your home feeling more manageable.
3. Get the Kids Involved
While it might be tempting to give your kids a break from chores during the holidays, this can actually make more work for you. The school holidays don’t mean that housework should go out the window, so it’s a great time to teach your children the importance of helping out around the house. In fact, they might even be able to do more than you think!
For example, your older kids can handle vacuuming the living room or tidying their own rooms, while younger children can help load the washing machine or sort laundry. This will not only ease your load but will also teach your kids valuable life skills. And if you’re like me, you can offer rewards to keep them motivated—no video game time unless the chores are done!
4. Stick to a Simple Routine
I’m all for a relaxed routine during the holidays, but a little structure can go a long way. Set a simple cleaning routine that works for your family’s schedule. For example, you could assign specific tasks for each day—Monday could be laundry day, Tuesday for vacuuming, Wednesday for tidying the kids’ rooms, and so on. Keeping things light but consistent will prevent your house from feeling too out of control. Plus, it gives your kids something to look forward to, and they’ll know what to expect each day.
5. Use the Time Together to Make It Fun
Instead of seeing housework as a chore, try to make it a family event. Turn on some music and get everyone involved in the cleaning process. You can even turn it into a fun challenge, like seeing who can clean up their room the fastest or who can sort laundry the quickest. This will not only speed things up but will also help everyone bond while working together. And, of course, keep the mood light! You can reward yourselves with a fun family activity once the cleaning is done, like watching a movie or playing a game.
6. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
Housework during the school holidays doesn’t have to be perfect. The whole point of the holidays is to spend quality time with your family, not to obsess over keeping the house spotless. It’s okay if the dishes pile up a bit or if the laundry waits until the next day. Give yourself permission to relax and enjoy time with your children, and don’t feel guilty if everything isn’t done right away.
7. Keep the Big Picture in Mind
While the holidays may feel chaotic at times, keeping the big picture in mind helps. The holidays are about creating memories with your family, not about having the perfect house. Sure, housework is important, but it doesn’t need to be your entire focus. Striking a balance between keeping things tidy and taking time to enjoy the holidays will make for a much more enjoyable break.
8. Make It a Family Affair
I have learned that getting the family involved in housework during the holidays is a game-changer. When the kids see that everyone is working together, they are more likely to pitch in and help without a fight. I’ve made a habit of involving the boys in everything from folding laundry to tidying up the living room, and it’s been great. Not only does it get things done faster, but it also teaches them teamwork and responsibility. And, as for my hubby—he’s always on dish duty when the kids and I are tackling the rest of the house.
9. Give Yourself a Break, Too
Remember, it’s important to take care of yourself as well. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure you take time for self-care amidst all the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Whether it’s a few quiet moments with a cup of tea or a bubble bath once the kids are in bed, carve out time just for you. This will help you recharge and feel better about tackling housework the next day.
10. Celebrate Small Wins
Finally, celebrate the small wins! Whether you’ve finished folding the laundry or wiped down the kitchen counters, take a moment to appreciate what you’ve accomplished. Housework during the school holidays can feel like an uphill battle, but recognizing the small victories will keep you motivated and remind you that you’re doing your best.
Housework during the school holidays doesn’t have to be a burden. With a little organization, some help from the kids, and a positive attitude, you can keep your home in shape while still enjoying quality time with your family. The holidays are all about balance—spend time making memories and don’t stress over the mess. A little bit of cleaning every day and involving your family will help you stay on top of things without sacrificing fun.