
Why not plan out several days worth of fun activities in advance! Let the children know the plans so they can get excited. There will be times that the children will have to entertain themselves (here’s a confession of mine – I think it’s good that children get bored sometimes! Life is not constant excitement and planned activities.)
Reach out to your parent network, set up playdates and share the childcare. It’s a win-win for all involved. Kids are happily playing with their pals, and we have childcare sorted.
Have an open dialogue with your employer, your clients and family. If you have to be in the office, ask your employer if you can work remotely that day as your children are on holiday. Let your children know when you have important meetings and deadlines. With a little context, everyone – even kids – are much more understanding.
We are all guilty of our working hours running into our home life. During the holidays, be strict with your time and turn off work. Try the Pomodoro Technique for efficiency – write your to do list. Set a timer for 25 minutes, focusing on the first task only with all other distractions turned off. Take a 5 minute break and tackle the next.
Add a signature to your emails stating you’re working, but it’s the children’s hols so you might not reply immediately. If you work flexibly anyways, you should consider this signature permanently anyway. Here’s mine to help inspire yours:
**I’m all about the flex so I’m sending this message now because it’s when I’m working. Please don’t see it and think you have to read, reply or action it outside of your normal working hours**
Now could be the time to start applying for one. Here is a link to guide you on applying: https://www.acas.org.uk/acas-code-of-practice-on-flexible-working-requests/html
If you’ve had a flexible working request denied, then I’d suggest you look for a new employer (and here’s where Daisy Chain can help!). We are a platform for parents to match and connect with flexible employers who recognise the importance of work-life balance. You can join for free at https://daisy-chain.com/ and see what employers you get matched with.
We have such a tendency to compare our life with others. We will all be bombarded with the images of family trips and general happiness…but be realistic. These are lovely snapshots of happy moments but we also know no one’s days are like this all the time.
 About the author
About the authorLouise Deverell-Smith – a former recruiter, and through her lens as a mother, founded Daisy Chain; a platform connecting talent with flex-friendly business (used by the likes of Xero, The Ivy and over 10,000 skilled employees.) Louise recognised the need to support both working parents struggling to find organisations supportive of flexible work and organisations looking to expand their talents pool and increase diversity in the workplace.
True to the ‘Flex For All’ mission driving Daisy Chain, the platform has seen an influx of candidates outside of the working mother, based on the new frontier of an overall desire for more work/life balance. Louise has been named in the top 100 inspirational businesses led by a woman in the UK by f entrepreneur, has been named a woman in tech to watch by TechRound and awarded a RESI award in 2019 for the Daisy Chain’s contribution to innovation in the property market.
October
01nov09:0016:30KIN: Know. Inspire. Navigate | A Day for Women to Realign, Renew, and Rise
01/11/2025 09:00 - 16:30(GMT+00:00)
Henley Business School, Greenlands
Henley-on-Thames, RG9 3AU
Set on the tranquil banks of the River Thames, Henley’s historic Greenlands campus offers the perfect backdrop for a day of reflection, connection, and
Designed for early to mid-career women across industries who want practical tools they can use immediately, this one-day retreat follows the Kinspace KIN framework – Know, Inspire, Navigate – guiding you to:
This is not just a feel-good day. It’s sustainable learning – you will leave with your own action and implementation plan tailored to your life, so you can apply what you’ve learned immediately and keep building momentum long after the retreat.
In the afternoon, slow down and reconnect with your senses in a mindful pressed flower card crafting, writing to self and picture workshop. We’ll ask a few questions ahead of time so we can pair you by goals and stage, and tailor examples to your context. Then, step outdoors for a unique partner reflection in nature – partnering with both the landscape and each other to inspire deeper insight and grounded action.
To help you stay accountable and supported, you’ll have the option to join three monthly follow-up group sessions (at a separate price) designed to check in on your progress, troubleshoot challenges, and keep you moving towards your goals.
This is a confidential and supportive space with limited seats to ensure meaningful connection and participation.
Date: Saturday 1 November 2025
Time: 9:00 AM -4:30 PMT
Location: Henley Business School, Greenlands Henley-on-Thames
RG9 3AU
Price: £250 – Early Bird £200 until 10 September
01nov10:0018:30The ADHD & Women Summit - London | Seed Talks
01/11/2025 10:00 - 18:30(GMT+00:00)
Woolwich Works
11 No 1 Street London SE18 6HD
A one-day series of talks and workshops from world-leading experts. Learn about ADHD and the distinct ways women
Learn about ADHD and the distinct ways women experience it from leading experts at this groundbreaking conference.
Research shows that in childhood, boys are diagnosed with ADHD 3-4 times more than girls. By adulthood, the ratio evens out to nearly 1:1 highlighting how girls and women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed and misunderstood in the medical framework.
With increased diagnoses and growing strains on the NHS and other support services, the ADHD & Women Summit aims to increase awareness and knowledge on the specific issues women with ADHD face.
This will be Seed Talks’ largest event to date, with our best speakers, most engaging workshops and favourite partners all in one space.
👭 Connect and network with like-minded individuals
🧬 Discover practical strategies for navigating life with ADHD
🎓 Hear from leading experts – including those with lived experience and those working in the field
👩🏫 Immerse yourself in a full day of talks and workshops
