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You’ve started to forget the faces of some neighbors. They’ve either fled to warmer climates or are even more reluctant to venture out than you. Yes, it’s freezing outside, but you can’t help but wonder if they’ve been hiding indoors since October.
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On multiple occasions, the thought of tossing that annoying towel from your entryway floor across the room has crossed your mind. You know the one: the towel meant for wet boots that’s now a salt-encrusted mess. Your kids are supposed to use it for their damp footwear, but instead, it sits in a messy pile surrounded by soggy boots and crystallized salt rings. That towel is truly a source of frustration.
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You’ve realized that the whole ordeal involving gloves, mittens, boots, jackets, hats, sleds, shovels, and snowmen only leads to one outcome: an overwhelming craving for hot chocolate. Just the thought of it now gives you a headache.
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You’ve resorted to letting your kids engage in wild activities just to burn off their energy. After they’ve finished climbing the staircase banister, you pop in those old boot camp DVDs. At this point, it’s not desperation; it’s sheer brilliance. (And hey, at least someone is making use of them.)
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The mere idea of the hours between 4 PM and 7 PM fills you with dread and anxiety. If you have to spend even one more hour trapped in your home trying to entertain the kids, you might just lose your sanity. And don’t even get me started on the so-called mess-free sand. Really? No, just no.
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You experience pangs of guilt when reflecting on the excessive screen time your kids have accumulated this winter. What are you supposed to do when you’re stuck indoors with wind chills plummeting to -20 degrees? This brings me to Pinterest and their unrealistic survival suggestions for winter with children…
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Thanks, Pinterest, but the last thing I want to do is build a snowman. I’m not interested in doing it outside or in the living room.
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You’ve officially cut ties with everyone living south of Charleston because their winter complaints are unbearable. Enough with the “It’s 57 degrees and SO cold!” social media updates. Seriously? My kids think anything above 33 degrees is warm and would probably ask to swim in 57-degree weather.
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You are thoroughly fed up with germs. Even if you wanted to leave the house, someone in your family is always sick. Stomach bugs, fevers, and runny noses are rampant. If you’re unwell, please stay home! We’ve already been trapped in our house for a month—so much for any social life.
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You are undeniably, unquestionably, and irrevocably losing your mind.
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Summary:
As spring approaches, many parents find themselves overwhelmed by the lingering effects of winter. From forgetting what neighbors look like to battling the guilt of excessive screen time, these indicators showcase the universal struggle of maintaining sanity during the colder months. The need for fresh air, outdoor activities, and a break from germs becomes increasingly apparent as we all look forward to warmer days.