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Thanksgiving Break Disrupts Work and School Schedules Nationwide

Source: Thanksgiving break starts on Monday, but parents work through Wednesday (2025-11-27)

Despite the holiday’s festive spirit, Thanksgiving week exposes a persistent clash between school calendars and workplace policies, creating significant childcare challenges for working parents. As schools extend breaks, often closing for the entire week, many employers only give a few days off, leaving parents scrambling to find care for their children. This disconnect intensifies the burden on women, who disproportionately shoulder holiday planning and caregiving responsibilities. Recent data reveals that 26% of UK parents took unpaid leave during summer, highlighting a global trend of work-life imbalance during school holidays. Additionally, the rise of remote work has not fully alleviated these issues, as many parents still face logistical hurdles. The problem is compounded by inconsistent policies across states and countries, with some regions experimenting with more flexible school schedules or subsidized childcare programs. Experts suggest that aligning school calendars with workplace policies, expanding paid family leave, and increasing access to affordable childcare could mitigate these conflicts. As the holiday season approaches, organizations and policymakers are urged to rethink traditional schedules to support working families better, fostering a more equitable balance between work and family life.

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