School holidays are a time kids look forward to—but for many parents, they bring stress, guilt, and childcare challenges. With only four weeks of annual leave and up to 12 weeks of school breaks each year, balancing work and family can feel overwhelming.

The good news? With a little planning and the right tools, managing care for your kids can be made easier—and even enjoyable. Here’s how to approach school holiday childcare this year.

Why School Holiday Care is so challenging for Parents

Whether you're juggling work, household tasks, or family obligations, organising care during the school holidays can feel like a full-time job on its own.

Common challenges include:

• Limited leave days

• Lack of nearby family support

• Competing for spots in holiday programs

• Parental guilt for needing care in the first place

But there are ways to take the pressure off. Here are 3 practical steps to help you prepare for a smoother holiday season.

3 Smart Tips to organise School Holiday Childcare

1. Create a clear School Holiday schedule

Start with your calendar or use Excel.

• Mark out work days, public holidays, and days you or your partner are available.

• Highlight gaps where you’ll need childcare support.

This gives you a visual map to plan around—and avoids last-minute panic.

2. Talk to your network early

Have open conversations with your support network:

• Can grandparents or trusted family help for a few days?

• Could you coordinate a roster with another parent for playdates or shared care?

The earlier you ask, the more options you'll have.

3. Book care in advance - with Kiddo of course

Holiday care spots fill up quickly, and so do babysitter schedules! Use trusted platforms like Kiddo to:

• Browse verified babysitters, nannies, and NDIS support workers

• Filter by availability, reviews, experience, and hourly rates

• Secure care with confidence—at home or while travelling

⏰ Tip: Booking early on Kiddo helps avoid the school holiday rush.

Let Go of Guilt: Embrace support and balance these School Holidays

It’s natural to want to spend every moment of the holidays with your children—but as a working parent, finding balance is key. Rather than feeling guilty, give yourself permission to accept support and make the most of the time you do have together.

In fact, 74% of working parents say school holidays are one of their most stressful times of the year. But you're not alone, and it's perfectly okay to ask for help.

Whether your child is enjoying quality time with grandparents, attending an exciting school holiday activity, or being cared for by an energetic and trusted carer—rest assured, they’re making memories and having fun.

Make the time you do spend together count:

• Start the day with a pancake breakfast or morning walk

• Take a half-day off for a movie or trip to the park

• Wind down together with a board game or story time

❤️ “As parents, we’re better able to give when we take care of ourselves too. It's not about doing it all—it's about doing what matters most.”

Outsourcing some care lets you recharge, meet your commitments, and show up more present and joyful when you are with your children.

Why use Kiddo for School Holiday Care?

Kiddo connects families with trusted, verified carers across Australia.

• Book babysitters or nannies instantly

• Filter carers by skills, experience, and availability

• Use the platform for NDIS-related care

• Access carers across Australia—even when travelling

Whether you're at home or heading away, Kiddo helps you find quality childcare on your terms.

Just remember - you don’t have to do it all alone. With some planning, open communication, and the right support, school holidays can become a time to enjoy—not just survive.

Download Kiddo today to find babysitters, nannies, and NDIS support workers—available across Australia for home care or holiday help.