Ah, summer! Those blissful days filled with sunshine, swimming, and endless outdoor activities—hotdogs on the grill, flip flops slapping against pavement, and fireworks lighting up the night sky. However, as a parent, I find myself longing for the order that the school year brings. Yes, summer has its perks, but after a few weeks of chaos, I’m ready to reclaim my sanity.
The break from routine that summer brings can be difficult to manage. When the first back-to-school commercials aired, my kids wore their saddest faces. Meanwhile, I discreetly celebrated in the kitchen, doing a little happy dance. It’s not that I don’t love my children; I do. But as the weeks drag on, the reality of constant noise, endless requests, and sibling squabbles really takes its toll.
After a few weeks of summer, I find myself counting down to the first day of school as if it were a holiday. To me, this back-to-school season is akin to “mom Christmas”—the most anticipated time of the year. Forget the jolly figure in red; I’m eagerly waiting for that big yellow bus to arrive.
Here’s a list of reasons why I’m looking forward to the school year:
- Peace and Quiet: Children have an uncanny ability to fill every moment with sound. From endless questions to loud video games, summer can be a cacophony. A seven-hour break from the noise allows me to enjoy some well-deserved peace. The sound of silence is music to my ears.
- Set Bedtimes: During the school year, I enforce a strict bedtime routine, which helps maintain my sanity. With no set schedules in summer, my evenings are filled with interruptions and distractions. I yearn for those quiet nights when I can finally relax and watch my favorite shows without interruptions.
- Structured Schedules: The carefree vibe of summer often leads to unproductive days. I thrive on routine, and getting the kids ready for school forces me to start my day early and be more focused. Surprisingly, I end up being more productive as a result.
- Hygiene: Let’s be honest—keeping kids clean during the summer can feel like an uphill battle. Once school starts, regular hygiene becomes non-negotiable, which is a relief for everyone involved. Fresh breath? Yes, please.
- Grocery Shopping Solo: There’s something heavenly about grocery shopping alone. Without kids in tow, I can browse the aisles, enjoy the music, and make thoughtful purchasing decisions without the chaos of children whining or trying to fill the cart with junk.
- Food Security: When kids are home, their insatiable appetites can leave the pantry bare in no time. After a hefty grocery run, there’s nothing worse than finding empty boxes and stale snacks. I look forward to buying food I enjoy and actually having it last more than an hour.
- Regaining Independence: During summer, my children often become couch potatoes, incapable of performing simple tasks. However, once school resumes, they magically regain their independence, allowing me to step back from my role as their personal assistant.
These are just a few of the many reasons I’m ready for summer to end. While I may miss my children at some point, the immediate need for them to have a break from my sanity is overwhelming.
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Summary
Summer can be a hectic time for parents, filled with noise, lack of routine, and the struggle to maintain order. As the back-to-school season approaches, many parents, like Jamie Collins, find themselves looking forward to the peace of structured schedules, quiet evenings, and the return of independence for their children.