As summer approaches, my enthusiasm is palpable, perhaps even more so than that of my children. The countdown to the end of the school year fills me with joy. Simply put, my appreciation for school is minimal; the only silver lining is that my children receive education from someone other than me.
The lengthy list of grievances about school is well-known. The incessant parties (seriously, how many can a fifth-grade class host in one year?), frequent field trips, and the relentless requests to drive my child around are exhausting. “Mom, can you drive? Please?” If only this persistence translates into future success in the workplace, because right now, it’s testing my patience.
Homework is another source of frustration. The projects that teachers assign are often overwhelming. State reports? No thank you. Nightly reading after homework? That’s a stretch, especially when kids are expected to manage their hygiene too!
Then there’s fundraising, which I loathe. It’s not the children who raise the money; it’s the parents. We inevitably end up purchasing all the items ourselves, so why not just write a check at the beginning of the school year to eliminate the hassle of unnecessary magazine subscriptions, gift wrap, and candy sales? And let’s not even start on the science fair, a chaotic event involving messy projects and Internet downloads that often introduce malware to our devices. Can’t my child just write a simple report on fungus instead of growing it?
The sheer panic of missing the bus leads to frantic, sometimes reckless, driving to get my child to school before the tardy bell rings. The idea of my child being labeled “truant” for being late is absurd—surely there are more important matters for the school to address.
As children progress into junior high and high school, the challenges only multiply. Instead of anonymity, you find yourself managing a hormonal teenager’s homework, checking grades online, meeting with counselors, and spending countless hours driving to sports practices, games, and various activities. The chaos leaves little time for household chores, leading to a neglected lawn and a kitchen filled with rotting garbage.
However, the glorious light at the end of the tunnel is summer break. This magical time means no homework, projects, or tests—just endless days filled with free time. Shopping at Target can happen at any hour since there’s no bus to catch! The kids enjoy camps, visits with grandparents, and playing outside, while I relish the luxury of sleeping in, taking leisurely showers, and wearing real clothes instead of just a hat and yoga pants. One of my favorite summer indulgences is sipping coffee from a proper cup, rather than a travel mug—pure bliss!
By mid-August, the return to school will undoubtedly leave me feeling fatigued and irritable, longing for the carefree days of June. I might even throw a tantrum outside the school—don’t judge; you’d probably feel the same way.
For those navigating similar experiences, consider exploring resources on home insemination options such as this blog post and this excellent resource. If you’re interested in tools for self-insemination, check out Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit.
In summary, while school can be a source of stress and frustration, the arrival of summer provides a much-needed break for both parents and children.