Wiltshire


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/01/Kate-Oatley-Coaching-5-@storiesbychloe-Chloe-Williams.jpg" alt="Kate Oatley Coaching" class="wp-image-35506" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/01/Kate-Oatley-Coaching-5-@storiesbychloe-Chloe-Williams.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/01/Kate-Oatley-Coaching-5-@storiesbychloe-Chloe-Williams-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/01/Kate-Oatley-Coaching-5-@storiesbychloe-Chloe-Williams-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Chloe Williams / @storiesbychloe </figcaption></figure>



<p>The school holidays sound lovely, but the reality often involves keeping the kids entertained while you field TEAMS calls, supply endless snacks and the house descends into chaos. Coach <a href="https://www.kateoatleycoaching.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kate Oatley</a> has been there and, through a blend of trial, lots of error, and years of coaching working parents, she’s gathered tried-and-tested tips to help you find your rhythm and juggle work with kids.</p>



<p>‘The school holidays can bring a unique kind of chaos with six (or more) weeks of juggling work, childcare, and household logistics while trying to create memories and maintain your sanity,’ says Kate. ‘Whether you’re employed or managing your own business, summer can feel less like a break and more like a high-stakes balancing act.</p>



<p>‘But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a bit of planning, a dose of self-compassion, and some mindset tools in your pocket, it is possible to navigate the summer juggle with your energy (and sense of humour) intact.’</p>



<p>Here are Kate’s tried-and-tested strategies to help you get through the holidays with calm and confidence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-ditch-the-guilt"><strong>1. Ditch the guilt</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/3-3.jpg" alt="woman laptop kids " class="wp-image-37432" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/3-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/3-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/3-3-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>First up, let’s start with the biggest mindset shift. You do <em>not </em>have to be all things to all people. Guilt often creeps in when expectations are sky-high, so get clear on what really matters. As a working parent, there’s often a nagging sense you’re letting someone down, but guilt is just a sign you care. It’s not something to carry or feed, and over the years, I’ve learned to acknowledge it and let it go. A former boss once told me, ‘You can only do what you can do,’ and I’ve never forgotten that. Remind yourself that you’re showing your kids what commitment, resilience, and self-belief look like in action.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-embrace-small-moments-of-calm"><strong>2. Embrace small moments of calm</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Expert-tips-for-juggling-kids-with-work4.jpg" alt="Woman coffee Pixabay" class="wp-image-37421" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Expert-tips-for-juggling-kids-with-work4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Expert-tips-for-juggling-kids-with-work4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Expert-tips-for-juggling-kids-with-work4-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The school holidays may feel like chaos, but take advantage of tiny windows to restore your inner calm. Five minutes of deep breathing, a short walk or a quiet cuppa in the garden before everyone wakes up can reset your nervous system. Try anchoring your day with a grounding ritual like morning breathwork, an evening stretch, or journaling for a few minutes before bed. These mini recharges help build resilience and give your brain the pause it needs to keep going.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-plan-like-a-pro-but-leave-room-to-breathe"><strong>3. Plan like a pro (but leave room to breathe)</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Expert-tips-for-juggling-kids-with-work3.jpg" alt="woman diary " class="wp-image-37420" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Expert-tips-for-juggling-kids-with-work3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Expert-tips-for-juggling-kids-with-work3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Expert-tips-for-juggling-kids-with-work3-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Between farm life, two teens, three dogs, two ponies and a coaching business,  our weekly schedule is like a military operation. Mapping out the weeks ahead can reduce that ‘spinning plates’ feeling. Use a wall planner or whiteboard to write down work days, trips and childcare. Colour-coding can help you spot gaps or pinch points, which will help you juggle work with kids.</p>



<p>Tiny tweaks like planning the week ahead, carving out margin for change, and booking in joy (yes, joy!) make a huge difference. But don’t overschedule. Remember to leave space for downtime. Children (and adults) need unstructured moments too, so a balance of structure and spontaneity can help everyone thrive. During the holidays, these pockets of joy can keep you afloat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-claim-your-non-negotiables"><strong>4. Claim your non-negotiables</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/woman-running-pixabay.jpg" alt="woman running pixabay" class="wp-image-37429" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/woman-running-pixabay.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/woman-running-pixabay-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/woman-running-pixabay-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Whether it’s a work deadline, a client call or a 20-minute run each day, it’s important to protect your non-negotiables. Name them, claim them and communicate them clearly to your family or partner. When we fail to prioritise what matters, we may find resentment building up. Boundaries aren&#8217;t selfish &#8211; they’re a key part of staying well and showing up for others without burning out.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-share-the-load"><strong>5. Share the load</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/kids-playing-hands-pixabay.jpg" alt="kids playing pixabay" class="wp-image-37428" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/kids-playing-hands-pixabay.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/kids-playing-hands-pixabay-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/kids-playing-hands-pixabay-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You weren’t meant to do this solo. Rope in older kids for age-appropriate responsibilities, team up with friends for shared playdates and ask for help where you can. One of my favourite proverbs, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ really rings true here.</p>



<p>Within partnerships, it’s worth revisiting assumptions. Check in to see if the domestic and emotional load is fairly shared. Open conversations about logistics and emotional labour can ease tension.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-let-good-enough-be-the-goal"><strong>6. Let ‘good enough’ be the goal</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Expert-tips-for-juggling-kids-with-work6.jpg" alt="woman child lake dog " class="wp-image-37423" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Expert-tips-for-juggling-kids-with-work6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Expert-tips-for-juggling-kids-with-work6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Expert-tips-for-juggling-kids-with-work6-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Perfection is the enemy of peace! Becoming comfortable with ‘good enough’ means embracing the messy, beautiful reality of parenting, working and living. Your children don’t need a perfect mum, they need a present one. Ask yourself, ‘What do I want my children to remember about this summer?’ It’s usually not the Pinterest-perfect baked goodies or art activity, it’s laughter and moments of connection that count. Let go of the rest.</p>



<p><strong>See&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kateoatleycoaching.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>&nbsp;to find out more about Kate’s life and career coaching.</strong></p>


Your summer survival guide! Expert tips for juggling work with kids

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