What 3 Weeks of Summer Holidays is Teaching Us About Parenting

Summer holidays have a magical way of slowing time and stretching patience in equal measure.

Now that we’re halfway through, we wanted to pause and reflect on what we’re still learning - not just as business owners, but as parents deep in the thick of it.

This year, we tried something different. We learnt from previous summers that if we don’t slow down, we burn out. So we planned ahead, adjusted our expectations, and gave ourselves permission to loosen the reins. And guess what? It’s working.

Helen kicked things off with a blend of family time, a beautiful fundraising session and a busy morning of Spark Summer Specials. Behind the scenes, she was still pulling the odd late night to prep content and tie up admin, which made it possible to truly switch off in Week 2 - a full family holiday to North Norfolk, complete with all three children, both sets of grandparents, two dogs, crabbing at Wells harbour, fish and chips, and pub pints under big skies.

Week 3 has been a juggling act again - some summer specials delivered with help from family for childcare, and looking ahead to Week 4 where she’s stepping back from customer-facing work to enjoy days out with the kids, her husband off work all week and hopefully a bit of grown-up time thrown in too.

Kat has also been striking her own version of balance. She’s delivered classes twice a week, and spent the rest of the time soaking up summer with her daughter and wife.

From dopamine-decorating their kitchen with vibrant splashes of pink and green, to family days out, a weekend festival, and long sunny afternoons in the garden hot tub - it’s been a proper home-grown holiday.

They’re heading to Great Yarmouth later in the break too for a week away with friends and this is sure to be filled with lots of seaside antics.

Here’s what we’re still learning from this summer:

•  Toddlers are unpredictable. Snacks, shade and surrender help.

•  You don’t have to do it all. Do what matters.

• Your child doesn’t need perfect - they need present.

• Screens aren’t the enemy. Exhaustion is.

• You’re not lazy for stepping back - you’re wise.

  
  

So here’s to everyone navigating the chaos, connection and contradiction of summer parenting. You're not doing it wrong - you're doing your best. And that’s more than enough.

May the second half of summer be filled with grace, snacks, and small wins.

You’ve got this!

💜💙💚