School of Thought

By Etti Siegel

Q: Dear Etti, It seems like everyone is off to Florida, and we are off to nowhere. I have to work. My husband has to work. My kids resent the fact that we are not a normal family that has cool vacations. But, as I said, we have to work. Doesn’t anyone else have to work? What do working parents do about winter break? -Working Mom

A: Dear Working Mom, I know that it sounds like everyone is off to Florida, but having worked in schools for years, the real number is closer to around 10%. Many of the students are in families like yours, with parents that have to work.

It doesn’t matter, though. Kids want to go away and have bragging rights after vacation is over.

So how do working families handle this time?

Some schedule time off at work during this time. Depending on your job, some find that scheduling time off is worth it, and then they plan some trips that don’t break the budget and are exciting.

Some call around and see if their child’s friend’s families are doing anything that might allow them to take a friend along. Trips to snowtubing, a day at the American Dream mall, and the like might be a trip a family could bring a friend along. Some families find bringing friends help the sibling dynamics and prefer it! Offer to pack lunches and snacks for them all, or just to take the family for a Sunday to give the mom a break on a day that you are available. It is a small price to pay when you know your child is getting to go on an exciting day trip.

Some families have extended family that are willing to absorb the kids for a few days; winwin for all. The children spend time with grandparents or cousins, and you can go to work. Be careful, though. Family or not, everyone has a routine they are used to, and they might not be ready to take on your kids to make it work for you. Loving you and being able to twist themselves into pretzels for you are two different things. If they do take your children, don’t assume it is easy, and ask how you can help. Can you treat them to supper one night? If they are taking your children, maybe getting takeout would make life easier after an exhausting day.

Check out if any of the local schools, including your own, has a program for the many families in your situation. There are young entrepreneurs running winter break camps at this time, and some schools offer programs during this time, for at least a few days. The flyer might be buried in your child’s knapsack.

You and your husband might need to split the day, if you can, where one of you works in the morning and one of you works in the afternoon.

No matter what you end up doing, make the most of it.

Print out a calendar. Sit with your child(ren) and discuss the reality. Write in the calendar whatever you can plan, and then make sure to soften the edges of

the days that seem boring I know that it sounds and plan some evening fun. Breakfast for suplike everyone is off to per (eggs and then pancakes and French toast Florida, but having served with whipped cream and ice cream…), worked in schools for camping out in the living room after making forts years, the real number out of blankets, game night, and even an eveis closer to around 10%. ning at the bowling alley – events that you do not usually do so they create memories and allow for pictures to create a photobook showcasing all the fun you had. If you are able to go on a real trip one day, think about the kids whose parents work. Unless it will affect family dynamics adversely, usually bringing along friends adds to the fun. By reaching out to help others, you will be able to help someone in a predicament you know too well. And maybe they will return the favor if they can, one day. Vacation is about spending quality time with the kids. It is about creating memories. Make some phone calls, search online. Not all great memories happen in Florida! I’d love to hear what you ended up doing. Let me know! Before you know it, they will be back in school. Hopefully you will have sent them back with positive feelings. -Etti

Mrs. Etti Siegel holds an MS in Teaching and Learning/Educational Leadership and brings sound teaching advice to her audiences culled from her over 35 years of teaching and administrative experience. She is an Adjunct at the College of Mount Saint Vincent/Sara Shenirer. She is a coach and educational consultant for Catapult Learning, is a sought-after mentor and workshop presenter around the country, and a popular presenter for Sayan (a teacher-mentoring program), Hidden Sparks, and the Consortium of Jewish Day Schools. She is a frequent contributor to Hamechanech Magazine and The Journal for Jewish Day School leaders. She will be answering your education-based questions and writing articles weekly for The Jewish Home. Mrs. Siegel can be reached at ettisiegel@gmail.com.