ADP’s Post

It’s Tuesday, which means it’s Wonderwoods Day at Robin Hill 🎪🍄🌸 …and I’m off taking the kids swimming* When you’re a working parent in an industry where your peak times happen to also be the school holidays, it’s not only the amphitheater you’ll find a juggling act 🤹♀�� The summer holidays is a long time to fill with childcare - 30 days in fact - more than most companies give in annual leave allowances! Let’s not mention the other 35-40 days off the kids have with other holidays 🙃 Whilst it might feel like a clash being in this industry, it’s also a blessing. Operating 7 days a week, with 2 late night openings, I can change up the “standard hours”, work flexibly and have no issues fitting around the kids 👨👩👧👦 And yes, you’ll still find us in the parks on my “days off” because if you’re not slaving your kids out for content, are you even an attraction marketer? 💁♀️ #attractionmarketing #peakseason #workingmum *does anyone actually enjoy taking their kids swimming?! Ridiculously hot, changing room tantrums, and no control over other people’s kids! 🤦♀️

Often, we hear about the importance of finding confidence by oneself, as if it's a solitary journey. While there's truth in this, the value of an encouraging push from someone else is sometimes overlooked. For instance, I was hesitant to try kitesurfing, but my friend noticed my interest despite my fears. I nearly backed out, but with my friend's supportive push—without any pressure—I felt safe and confident enough to give it a go, and it led to many more kitesurfing adventures. Reflecting on this, I wonder if I could have mustered the courage alone. Perhaps, but having my friend's belief in me made it significantly easier. This experience taught me the importance of continually nurturing my community. Always consider who is giving you that push. What are their intentions? Do they truly have your best interests at heart? It's crucial to exercise discernment. #selfstarter #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #smallbusiness #socialwork #roundtheclocktalk #communication #MentalHealthMatters #SupportSystem #HereForYou #jennalyn #fyp #childcare #specialneeds #youngadulthood

1️⃣ month to go until summer break is over and school starts🏫 (at least in Bulgaria). To all the parents of young children, how are you holding up? Any practical tips for staying sane and managing your own expectations for handling everything all at once? 🙄

This surely is a better approach instead of shortening summer holidays in the UK. "Perhaps a better alternative would be to keep the summer holidays the length they are...and instead seriously consider how we can better support working parents, single parents, or disadvantaged families. For example, in Sweden, parents can apply for income-linked summer camps, where children can try fishing, drama and sports, as well as helping out with chores including cooking and cleaning..." a good read.

Family Holidays: Tips for Peace and Harmony   Family holidays hold the promise of cherished moments, creating a space for reconnection, shared experiences, and quality time. Whether it's a beach getaway, a week in the countryside, or a camping adventure, these moments offer families a chance to strengthen bonds. In this article, we'll explore essential tips for ensuring peace and harmony during your family holidays. I. Introduction A. Importance of family holidays Family holidays provide a unique opportunity to break away from the routine and create lasting memories together. B. Opportunities for reconnection and quality time These moments allow family members to reconnect, share experiences, and enjoy quality time away from the demands of daily life. C. Building open communication with teens Family holidays offer parents an excellent chance to engage with their teens, fostering open communication and understanding. II. Benefits of Family Holidays A. Increased likelihood of shared meals Studies indicate that families on holiday together are more likely to share meals, promoting a sense of togetherness. B. Reduced conflicts and TV time The immersive nature of holiday activities reduces conflicts and lessens the reliance on television, encouraging more interactive engagement. C. Parents' altered behavior during holidays Parents often exhibit a different, more relaxed behavior during family holidays, contributing to a positive atmosphere. III. Communication During Family Holidays A. Addressing existing communication problems While holidays offer an opportunity for connection, pre-existing communication issues won't automatically disappear. B. Importance of listening and flexibility, especially with teenagers Listening actively and being flexible, particularly with teenagers, is crucial to creating an environment conducive to open communication. C. Involving kids in travel plans and decision-making Including children in travel plans and decisions empowers them, fostering a sense of involvement and cooperation. IV. Handling Uncooperative Behavior A. Dealing with issues privately When teens display uncooperative behavior, addressing the issue privately respects their sensitivity to embarrassment. B. Sensitivity to teens' embarrassment Explaining how their behavior impacts the family, highlighting embarrassment, can encourage improved conduct. C. Explaining the impact of behavior on the family Discussing the broader impact of behavior emphasizes the importance of cooperation and positive conduct. V. Special Considerations for Teens A. Including teens in travel plans Involving teens in travel plans ensures their preferences are considered, making the holiday experience more enjoyable for them. B. Allowing teens to bring friends Allowing teens to bring friends along can enhance the holiday experience, even if it increases the parents' responsibilities. C. Exploring alternative holiday arrangements with grandparents...

30 miles walking - my idea of relaxation.   We actually did it! We managed to organise our diaries, childcare, school picks and drop offs, work commitments and take a few days out for what gives us JOY. 🤩 Here I am walking through glorious countryside, with epic views over green Herefordshire. Having never walked 30 miles in 2 days before, (17 miles on day 2!), over the last few months, the thought has been on my mind - can I do it?  However after consulting with friends on the use of a walking pole, (which by the way are AMAZING for the knees) as we got closer to the time, the distance was less of a challenge, it was the life admin to make it happen! And if we had not booked the hotels months in advance, and made the commitment, we might have missed those two day of happiness, doing what we love, together. Our time to relax, feel appreciation for life and each other.  So if there is something that you know will feed your joy, but that it takes a level of commitment to make it happen, I highly recommend going for it and getting some accountability from a friend who will ensure you follow it through! Feel free to share it in the comments. I'd love to hear all about it... #FindingJoy #Hiking #WorkLifeBalance #Connection

Planning your summer holidays with the children? Being well-prepared is crucial to enjoying quality time with your children. Don't let misunderstandings or disagreements ruin your summer break!   Make this summer a memorable one for you and your children with the help of this invaluable co-parenting checklist! Our latest article covers all the essential tips for peaceful co-parenting and smooth vacation planning.   📚 Read the complete article here: https://lnkd.in/gz-fG3x9   #CoParenting #SummerHolidays #ParentingTips #HongKongDivorce

As the school term comes to a close and we step into the whirlwind of school holidays, I wanted to share a few simple ways to balance work and school holidays 👇👇 1️⃣ Delegate and Share Responsibilities Don't hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, or your partner. Sharing childcare duties can give you some breathing room. 2️⃣ Set Boundaries Establish dedicated work hours and family time. Communicate these boundaries to your family and colleagues to ensure you have focused work time and quality family time. 3️⃣ Plan Fun Activities Schedule family activities in advance so everyone has something to look forward to during the holidays. Create lasting memories together. 4️⃣ Schedule "Me Time" Remember to take short breaks for self-care, whether it's a quiet moment with a book or a walk in nature. Recharge so you can give your best to both work and family. And remember FLEXIBILITY IS KEY!   Balance may not always mean an equal split. Some days you might need to focus more on work, while others, your family will need your attention. 💪 Embrace the challenge and beautiful chaos of school holidays and make them memorable🌻 #workingparents #workingfamilies #schoolholidays #worklifeintegration

🌟 Embracing the Juggle: Balancing Work and Family 🌟 As a working Mum, school holidays bring a unique set of challenges. I feel incredibly fortunate to work for Kinetic, where the ethos revolves around family first. 🏡💼 This year, with school holidays in full swing, I've had to get creative with care options for my son, with the cost of childcare I simply can’t afford to put him in school holiday care every day. The beauty of being able to work from home is a game-changer, and on the occasional day, my office graciously accommodates my son as my little helper. 🤗 I'm grateful for an amazing team and supportive managers who not only say, "Sure, bring your kid to work if it makes you feel better," but also emphasise that working from home is not a crime. During meetings, my son has become a pro at being my co-pilot, sitting patiently in the car with the promise of ice cream after. 🍦 These moments may seem small, but they make a big difference. Reflecting on my own childhood, where my brothers and I worked at our family's business during the holidays from a really young age, I see the impact it had on shaping our work ethic. Now, I hope to set a similar example for my son. 👦💼 I believe that by witnessing the dedication my husband and I put into our work, Tom will grow to appreciate the effort we invest in providing him with a solid education and enriching after-school activities. Here's to navigating the delicate dance of work and parenthood, and to fostering a work environment where family is not only welcomed but celebrated. 🌈 #WorkLifeBalance #FamilyFirst #KineticCulture #SettingExamples

Don’t miss out! For many the soundtrack to the Summer School Break is ‘Entrance of the Gladiators’- the classic circus song. The ‘juggling’ of childcare, annual leave, office cover with colleagues in the same boat; and the targets and objectives remain the same. And you want out, you have seen an advert for that golden job role, the next step up or away… it’s made for you. But…. … now isn’t the right time. You’ve got too much on your plate. You’ll look again in September when things calm down a bit. September will be here before you know it, it will be just as busy, kids will be back at school, but you’re thinking of the half term holidays, next thing it’ll be Christmas. And you’re still there…. My advice- apply now! Don’t miss out on the opportunity!  Recruiters and hiring managers are human. We are all in the same boat- many are scheduling interviews on return from their own break or in September when they can get the team together to sit on the panel. Find time to put yourself first and send your application in now.  The juggling will still be there, but you’ll feel better about giving yourself a chance. You’ve got to be in it to win it. #applynow #jobseekers #newjobnewyou