By
Tom Bickle
Running a business while parenting through the summer holidays
Finding balance in the chaos
The summer holidays arrive with a mix of sunshine, excitement… and let’s be honest, a mild sense of panic!
Six weeks (or more) of children at home with routines completely out the window. The constant pull between being present and keeping the business running.
For many small business owners, especially those working from home, this period can feel like some kind of logistical marathon.
There are things we can do to ease the pressure during this period, and we’ve listed some suggestions here for you..
Accept that summer is a different season for your business and your family
Business owners often hold themselves to the same standards year-round, but summer simply isn’t “normal”. Many clients slow down, decision-making pauses, and projects stall.
Instead of fighting it, adjust to it. 😊
Reduce targets for July to August
Shift big projects to September
Focus in maintenance rather than growth
Prioritise essential client work only
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to talk to your customers! They’re likely going through the same thing and can easily relate.
Your business doesn’t need to run at full speed every month of the year, for many that’s not sustainable and can lead to burnout and fatigue.
Plan Your workload around your family, not against it
Trying to work around children often leads to frustration. Instead, build your schedule with them in mind.
Many business owners find success with:
Early morning work before the house wakes
Shorter working blocks instead of long sessions
Client calls grouped into specific days and times
Admin tasks saved for evenings
Use micro-productivity to stay on top of things
Summer holidays rarely give you long stretches of uninterrupted time. But small bursts of productivity can keep your business moving.
Try:
15-minute inbox clear-outs (ask Tom about inbox zero!)
Quick bookkeeping and admin checks
Short client updates
Fast social media scheduling
Brief planning sessions
These micro-tasks prevent backlog and help you feel in control, even on chaotic days.
Communicate with clients before problems arise
A lot of your customers are parents too. They understand summer pressures, but they appreciate clarity.
Set expectations early:
Let them know if you’ve adjusted your working hours
Share any days you’re fully offline
Give realistic turnaround times
Offer alternative dates for meetings
Clear communication protects your boundaries and reduces stress. It also shows professionalism, even during busy family periods.
Protect your energy, it’s your greatest asset!
Running a business and parenting simultaneously is demanding. You need moments to recharge.
Try:
A quiet coffee before the day starts
A short walk between work blocks
A no-work evening once a week
A digital switch-off hour
A simple breathing or mindfulness routine
Your wellbeing isn’t a luxury, it’s what keeps both your business and your family functioning.
Everyone’s ‘village’ looks a little different
We understand that everyone’s 24 hours looks different.
Here is short list of short-term support options that may be available to you:
Tax‑Free Childcare (20% off holiday clubs)
Free Childcare for Working Parents (if your child is 9 months–4 years)
Ofsted‑registered holiday clubs that accept government funding (Devon has many)
Charity grants
These can be combined, for example, using free hours and Tax‑Free Childcare for summer clubs.
Remember: You’re doing an incredible job
Summer holidays are messy, unpredictable, and full of interruptions, but they’re also full of memories you’ll never regret making.
Your business will survive a slower season.
Your children will remember the moments you were present.
And you’re proving, every day, that you can build something meaningful while raising a family.
That’s not just juggling, that’s strength.
How JP Blackmoor can help
At JP Blackmoor, we can help take the pressure off. From bookkeeping and payroll to tax planning and business support, so you can focus on what matters (even if that’s building sandcastles between Zoom calls).
Click below to be directed to a our ‘How to become a client’ page for more information.
