Generally I try to keep our activities fairly low-key. Both of my kids are homebodies and are quite happy keeping things simple. That being said, they have just spent a couple of months stuck at home, so I feel they should have some fun activities planned. I also have to work, and while I am able to manage a little from home, it ends up becoming way too stressful when I have to juggle work with two young children who need entertainment and supervision (and to be fed).

I am lucky to have an excellent school holiday program available on campus, and my kids enjoy attending because they know the teachers and have some friends with them. Still, when you add up the costs of two children attending a few days each week (and some holidays being six weeks), even with the government subsidy the price climbs rapidly.

I have started looking into alternatives for activities that will not only provide a place for the kids to be cared for while I work, but also to be fun and interactive for both of them and not break the bank. I found a great cooking workshop that I knew they would love, and was happy to see it ran for a decent chunk of the day so I could get some work done. Unfortunately at $160 per child it is way over budget for the average family. $320 for one day of a two-week holiday. I would be better off staying home with them and getting them to cook dinner.

At the risk of sounding like a cliche, in my day there was one option for school holiday care, and it was basic. My mum was raising myself and my sister on her own and working full-time, so we did what we were told. I hated it, but I went. I didn't know anyone and I wanted to be with my friends, but that was the only option.

Now my kids want to do what their friends are doing, and the list of holiday activities includes horse riding, art classes, pottery, sewing lessons, cooking and more. I know I am not alone in the fact that the cost of all of these workshops and classes for two kids is simply not affordable. Some friends are sending kids off to the grandparents for a few days. We don't have family close by so that is ruled out too.

So, I am left with what the majority of working parents face: the juggle option. My husband and I will have to take our separate annual leave days and take turns looking after the kids, and hopefully we get some more sunny days so we can enjoy some low-cost outings.