Working parents and school aged children

We often talk about the challenges of parents returning to work when their children are under 5. These challenges are real and difficult at times.

However, the challenges keep coming after school starts. The ability to work flexible hours becomes even more critical as parents face school hours and school holidays (at least 12 weeks per year and only 4 weeks of holiday days if you work full time).

If you are in the school zone, CareerMums users would love to hear how you are handling the work and family balance. Do you have any tips for handling work, and also for handling family? How have you coped with changing flexibility needs? Is your employer understanding of your challenges?