Hyderabad: Extended hols has parents in a tizzy

Hyderabad: Sunday morning was not calm and relaxed for parents of young children as the state government’s decision to extend the Dasara holidays by a week has upset their plans. With both parents usually working, looking after children has become something of a juggling act.

The extension is a happy time for school children as one can judge from the celebratory emojis they have put up on their social media groups. But parents now have to do some detailed planning to ensure there is someone at home for the kids and they are sufficiently occupied and entertained.

Sangeeta K., a researcher with a pharmaceutical company, is very upset as these unexpected holidays are clashing with her quarterly research audit. “How can government take decisions based on their whims and fancies? Our schedule for managing children is going haywire. Their school is from 8 am to 4 pm and after that there are classes till 8 pm at night. This helps us manage our home-work balance.”

Grandparents who came to stay for the Dasara have returned to their homes as schools were to open on Monday.

Serish V.K., who works in an insurance company, says, “We decided that we will split the responsibility and each of us will take time off from work. There is no other option. My son is in Class V. We cannot opt for a day care centre for seven days.”

Some are planning to take their children to office at least for a day, while others are hoping to find a friendly neighbour. Pooja Shah, an IT employee, said, “I work in the evening shift and have decided to have my friend’s children over in the morning. Seven days will be managed at each other’s homes.”