I can barely recall the days when I used to eagerly await the arrival of summer. Back then, as a student, summer days signified a break from tests, teachers, and those dreaded games of dodgeball—where I was always the last one picked. Summer meant splashing in pools, enjoying popsicles, and grooving to my favorite Elton John tracks on my boombox. (No judgment, but “Crocodile Rock” was my anthem!) It was a time for sleeping in and late-night adventures, occasionally even a spontaneous trip to an amusement park.
But now? I can hardly keep track of the seasons. As the parent of a 2-year-old, every day feels the same. There’s no structured routine aside from mealtime and naptime, and even those are unpredictable. With a toddler, every day begins with a diaper change and demands for milk and children’s shows, and it ends with requests for cookies, more Elmo, and another diaper change. Honestly, what is the fascination with that little red monster? I was always a Super Grover fan myself.
We find ourselves singing “Wheels on the Bus” more times than I can count, to the point where I secretly wish the bus driver would have a meltdown just to stop that incessant tune. Art projects? They usually result in a mountain of shredded paper on the floor, making clean-up a never-ending chore. It seems like every item—from blocks to books—ends up scattered across the floor, and I spend at least 30 minutes each evening restoring order after this toddler whirlwind. The monotony from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. could make even Groundhog Day’s Phil Connors lose his mind.
So summer? It doesn’t thrill me for several reasons: 1) I can’t sleep in, 2) Staying up late is out of the question, 3) Days off are a farce, and 4) Cocktails before 4 p.m. are frowned upon. Instead of a blissful season, summer blends into one long, humid, mosquito-ridden day.
However, there is one aspect of my week I look forward to: daycare. My daughter attends part-time daycare, granting me precious hours each week to manage work, appointments, and tasks I now associate with “me time.” I could take her out of daycare to explore the zoo or visit the playground, but honestly, why disturb her routine and jeopardize my sanity?
To clarify, I adore my daughter, but at age two, she hasn’t even completed 1,000 days on Earth. I have canned goods with expiration dates older than her! She’ll munch on Kix off the floor and try to play with kitty litter. Will she appreciate a day at the botanical gardens or a waterpark? Probably not. She might enjoy a glimpse of the sights and savor some ice cream from an overpriced stand, but ultimately, the day will likely end in tears for both of us. At daycare, she has wonderful teachers who guide her in ways I can’t while balancing work, plus she gets to socialize without me having to engage in awkward conversations with other parents.
For those indulging in a nostalgic summer, enjoy it. I’ll be thinking of you each morning with a mix of longing and envy as I rise at 6 a.m. to repeat the same routine once more.
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In summary, parenting a toddler drastically alters the perception of seasons, particularly summer. While the carefree days of yesteryear have faded, the importance of routine and support systems, like daycare, remains vital for both parents and children.