The summer seems to stretch on forever, especially when you’re navigating it with kids. Why isn’t there year-round school?
Over the past few weeks, I’ve found myself working from home while my 5-year-old and 6-month-old engage in a whirlwind of activity behind me. They conspire, annoy, and occasionally bring me to tears (not all at once, thankfully). Sure, we’ve traveled a bit, which is far from a walk in the park with little ones, and we’ve toyed with the idea of summer camps for some much-needed respite, but that often comes with its own set of challenges.
The absence of a structured routine during summer without camp or school is a nightmare for both children and parents — particularly those of us who have tasks to complete. It’s nearly impossible to focus with kids clambering at your feet, whether you’re trying to make a phone call, eat a meal, or just find a moment of silence.
Kids can be demanding. And bored kids? Even more so. Why aren’t teachers compensated more?
Finding engaging activities for a 5-year-old can be a daunting task, especially when you want to avoid feelings of guilt (like binge-watching Marvel movies for two weeks) or financial strain (the dreaded summer camp fees). I genuinely don’t know how teachers manage this every day. And frankly, I wish they could step in right now.
After just a week of this chaos, my appreciation for my children’s teachers has skyrocketed — and that’s an understatement. I might just carve a statue out of cheese for my son’s next teacher when I drop him off this fall. I’d even eat it on command if that meant she would take him off my hands for eight glorious hours a day for the next nine months.
We all have some connection to teachers, whether through our own education or through friends and family who work in the field. I have a sister-in-law who teaches, and while she possesses immense patience, I often wonder if she has somehow acquired superhuman levels of it. I can barely manage my own kids on a good day!
Teachers are indeed superheroes. Honestly, I’d feel this way even if their only task was to supervise my children while they watched TV for six hours a day. But thankfully, they do so much more.
In the early years, they take on a parenting role, watching over, playing with, and reading to our kids. As children grow, they become mentors, teaching academic lessons as well as social skills. They encourage, discipline, and guide our children through crucial years. They do it all.
Of course, not every teacher is fantastic. Some may be disheartened or disengaged. But that’s true of any profession. What’s remarkable is how many remain passionate and dedicated. Each of us can recall a teacher who made a lasting impact, someone who inspired us or changed our trajectory in life. All educators deserve acknowledgment, even those who may seem indifferent.
If you choose to homeschool your children, that’s your prerogative. But I’m perfectly content handing mine over to those who have dedicated their lives to educating and nurturing kids.
Better them than me. Thank goodness for them!
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Summary
Navigating summer with children can be overwhelming, especially without a structured routine. The appreciation for teachers skyrockets as they play a crucial role in parenting, mentoring, and guiding kids through their formative years. While not every educator is perfect, their dedication is commendable. Handing children over to those who are passionate about teaching can be a relief for many parents.