Planning for unpredictability

Prepare for the moments when life doesn’t go to plan, with clear strategies and contingencies.

Even the most carefully planned childcare setup can fall apart with little warning: a sick child, a teachers strike, a work deadline that lands at the wrong time. Having a few go-to strategies in place can help reduce stress and enable you to respond quickly when things shift.

Keep in mind

1. Unpredictability is normal, not a sign that your system is broken.

2. A little forward thinking goes a long way when emergencies crop up.

3. You don’t need to have all the answers, but you do need a place to start.

Steps you can take

· Identify 1–2 backup options: a friend, neighbour, partner, or emergency childcare service.

· Make a work plan: What’s flexible? Who can step in? What deadlines can shift?

· At home, decide what you can delay, skip, or hand off.

· Stay alert to early signals: school bugs, train delays, team pressures, so you’re not caught off guard.

Reflection prompts

What’s my current strategy when the unexpected happens?

What would help me feel more prepared next time?

Try this with AI

Want a simple checklist for when things don’t go to plan?

“Help me create a contingency plan for when my child gets sick and I have work deadlines. I want to know who to call, what to prioritise, and what to communicate at work. What else do you need to know?”

Could this help?

This guide from Working Families looks at emergency and parental leave and pay for families in the UK.