Let me clarify: summer vacation has its perks. For instance, it’s almost finished. Because honestly, I’m ready for it to be over.
I can hear the familiar sound of a spoon hitting the side of a bowl that’s likely filled with cereal—cereal that will probably be left somewhere other than the kitchen. This means I’ll find myself shouting for the umpteenth time this week, “WHO LEFT CEREAL OUT?” And it’s not just the bowl that gets abandoned; I can bet the cereal box is still on the counter, maybe even the milk. It’s amazing how my kids, despite their constant claims of boredom, manage to avoid cleaning up after themselves.
Our garage is overflowing with bikes and scooters. Their bedrooms are cluttered with electronics. The closets are stuffed with toys, and the bookshelves are practically bending under the weight of books. Yet, they still wander around declaring they have “nothing to do.” Instead, they fill their days with pointless arguments over who’s better at Fortnite dances or who left the toilet unflushed … again. If only five minutes could pass without the sounds of shouts, shoves, or my yelling, “JUST LEAVE YOUR BROTHER ALONE!”—but alas, I’m still waiting.
A more organized and patient mom would have a list of fun summer activities to keep boredom at bay. But that involves crafting, projects, and, let’s be real, messes. And we all know how those things can backfire, like that time I accidentally glued my fingers to my pants.
I wish I could say I encourage them to ditch their screens and engage in creative play, but “creative play” often turns into chaos. Remember when they scaled the top bunk to decorate the ceiling fan blades with tiny wads of paper and then turned it on for an indoor “snow” experience? Or that time they tried to make slime with nearly all my name-brand detergent?
My once-optimistic plans for a structured summer have disappeared into thin air, and any semblance of routine has been replaced by absolute chaos. We haven’t done anything remotely “educational” in ages (sorry, teachers!). Our home has become a free-for-all for screen time, and the idea of having three distinct meals has morphed into one long, continuous snack (which, let’s be honest, isn’t exactly nutritious). I now have to pause and think about how many days it’s been since they’ve had a proper bath—not just a splash in a pool or a rinse with a garden hose. I can’t remember the last time anyone wore matching clothes. If they want to sport Christmas pajama pants that barely reach their ankles? Whatever.
The constant dinging of the doorbell feels like a cash register ringing, signaling that neighborhood kids are contributing to my soaring grocery bills while letting all the air conditioning escape. Seriously, how is it possible for a handful of kids to demolish a Costco-sized box of popsicles in just two and a half days? But here we are—out of popsicles.
Thanks to this artificially colored, non-GMO, mind-numbing “break,” my Mom Guilt is off the charts, only surpassed by my desire for a low-maintenance existence. I simply don’t have the energy to be a fully engaged mom and maintain my sanity around the clock. And by “maintain,” I mean “keep from completely losing my cool.”
At this point, I fantasize about dropping them off at school with backpacks full of snacks and saying, “Okay kids! Just wait here, the doors will be opening soon,” before making a hasty exit.
While summer gives me the chance to relax a bit, school brings back structure. It means a routine we can all rely on. Yes, it involves the stress of getting everyone up, dressed, fed, and out the door, but that’s a small price to pay. The reward is the sweet relief from the incessant sounds of cartoons, bickering, and the endless litany of “I’m bored!” and “There’s nothing to eat!”—at least for a few precious, rejuvenating hours each day.
I love my children dearly, but right now, I’m ready for them to head back to school. I’m a much better mom after a breather, and truth be told, I’m struggling with the suffocating togetherness of summer. Let’s hope this last stretch of break goes quickly so I can return to a predictable daily schedule and ensure they receive the education they deserve. Then I’ll probably cry because the house feels so empty without them.
Darn kids.
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Summary
Summer vacation can be overwhelming, filled with bored kids, chaos, and clutter, driving parents to long for the structure and routine of school. While the break offers some relaxation, the constant demands can leave parents yearning for a return to normalcy.
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