7 Parent Hacks for Surviving the School Holidays

Ah, school holidays—the ultimate test of a parent’s creativity, patience, and snack reserves. If you’re a busy, entrepreneurial parent juggling family and work, you know the struggle is real. But don’t worry: BROOD’s got your back with these funny, sanity-saving hacks to help you make it through (mostly) unscathed.

1. Camp BROOD: The Ultimate Staycation

Pitch a tent (or a bedsheet fort) in your living room and declare it “Camp BROOD.” Create a daily schedule with activities like “Silent Reading Hour,” “Nature Documentary Time” (aka, you get to answer emails while they watch David Attenborough), and “Nap for Campers” (movie marathon, anyone?). Don your best “Camp Director” voice and remember: at Camp BROOD, the snack bar only serves what’s in the cupboard.

2. The Snack Shop Economy

Announce the grand opening of your in-home snack shop! Hand out play money each morning and let the kids “buy” their snacks for the day. When the money’s gone, so are the snacks. It’s a lesson in budgeting—and a break from endless snack requests.

3. Screen Time Tokens

Print out “screen time tokens” and let the kids earn them by helping out, reading, or (miraculously) not arguing. When the tokens are gone, so is the screen time. No more negotiations—just a system that works (most of the time).

4. Reverse Hide and Seek

Tell the kids it’s time for hide and seek—but you’re the one hiding. Choose your spot wisely (the airing cupboard is a classic). Enjoy a few precious minutes of peace while they search. Bonus if you bring a snack.

5. The “Business Meeting” Trick

Announce you have a “very important business meeting” and set the kids up with their own. Hand them paper, crayons, and sticky notes, and ask them to “plan the family’s dream holiday.” With any luck, you’ll get a few emails done—and some great holiday ideas.

6. Chore Challenge Showdown

Turn chores into a competition: who can match the most socks, find the most Lego bricks, or tidy up the fastest? Winner gets to pick dinner (from a pre-approved list). Loser gets—well, probably a snack from the shop.

7. Movie Marathon Mondays

Declare a themed movie day. Build a blanket fort “cinema,” hand out homemade tickets, and serve popcorn. For at least one afternoon, everyone sits still—and you might even get to enjoy a film yourself.

Final Thoughts

No one has it all figured out during the holidays, but with a little humour (and a lot of snacks), you’ll survive—and maybe even enjoy the chaos. Remember, at BROOD we champion the juggle. You’ve got this!

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