For working Australian parents, the numbers simply don’t add up with around 12 weeks of school holidays every year, but just four weeks of annual leave to cover them.

Many families are being forced to take unpaid leave, rely on expensive holiday programs, or juggle work and childcare during school breaks.

Childcare policy expert Luara Ferracioli says the current system was designed for “families that no longer exist”, leaving parents to find solutions that can impact their work, mental health and children.

Vacation care can help, but costs quickly add up, with some activities costing families hundreds of dollars a day.

With women often carrying more of the burden, advocates say fixing the system could benefit not just families, but the wider economy.

–with Brianna Parkins

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