For school children, there are 5 different school breaks throughout the academic year, starting with the Sports break, followed by Easter break, Summer break, Autumn break, and Christmas break. This is a significant increase in free time compared to when they were in preschool.
The Puzzle of combining work and school breaks
It's a challenge for parents to take time off during the breaks and book activities in advance. Considering that there are normally 5-6 weeks (25-30 days) of vacation for an employee per year, the vacation days don't quite cover it. Some parents use parental leave and can receive (föräldrapenning) parental benefits until the child turns 12 or finishes 5th grade in elementary school. Otherwise, parents take turns being on leave and available to care for the child when possible.
Planning activities in advance
The most important thing before the breaks is to plan ahead what you'll do during the breaks. If you plan to, for example, go skiing during Christmas or Sports break, it's essential to book early, ideally right after summer. Ski resorts' accommodations are always in high demand during breaks, and they can fill up quickly. If you're planning to travel abroad, it's also a good idea to book at least 6 months in advance, as charter flights and plane tickets tend to become more expensive during breaks. If you're staying in Sweden, many local activities are organized during breaks, so check your local municipality's website for tips. Barnistan.se is a great resource for finding tips on activities with children that are either free or cost-effective.
Enjoying time with your children
It can feel stressful to coordinate activities and time off during the breaks, but allow yourself the luxury of spending quality time with your children. The years go by quickly, and suddenly they'll be teenagers who no longer want to spend time with you, even if you beg :)
