Once upon a time, I eagerly awaited the arrival of summer. Back in my school days, summer signified a break from homework, tests, and the dreaded games of dodgeball—where I was consistently the last one picked due to my petite stature. It meant lazy afternoons by the pool, evenings filled with popsicles, and my boombox blasting Elton John. (I stand by my love for “Crocodile Rock”!) Those summer nights were spent staying up late, occasionally heading out for spontaneous trips to Disneyland.
But now? Is it summer again?
As a parent to a lively 2-year-old, summer feels more like a blur of endless days. Kids under five thrive on chaos, with the only semblances of structure revolving around meals and nap times—often a game of toddler roulette. Each day melds into the next, starting with diaper changes and requests for milk and Elmo, and ending with demands for cookies, more Elmo, and yet another diaper change. I find myself questioning what draws toddlers to that little red monster. I was always more of a Super Grover fan myself! Our daily soundtrack consists of “Wheels on the Bus” played so frequently that I sometimes wish for a dramatic twist to the song just to get a break.
Craft time? It usually ends with every art supply scattered across the floor, resulting in a colorful disaster that I’m left to clean. In fact, everything seems to end up on that floor—blocks, books, toys—you name it! Each evening, I dedicate at least 30 minutes to restoring order after this toddler tornado has struck. Life from dawn until dusk has become a repetitive loop that would make Phil Connors from Groundhog Day cringe.
So, the concept of summer doesn’t exactly thrill me anymore. For one, sleeping in is a distant memory; second, late nights are a thing of the past; third, days off are virtually non-existent; and finally, sipping cocktails before 4 p.m. might as well be illegal. Instead, summer has transformed into one long, sweaty, mosquito-ridden day.
Yet, amidst the chaos, there is one thing I genuinely look forward to: daycare. My daughter attends part-time daycare, granting me precious hours each week to focus on work, attend appointments, and handle all those mundane tasks I now consider “me time.” (I once had the most serene MRI experience simply because it was a break!) Sure, I could take her out of daycare during the summer and embark on fun outings like trips to the zoo or the park. But honestly, why disrupt her routine and risk losing my sanity?
Let me be clear: I adore my daughter. But she’s two. To put it in perspective, she hasn’t even been around for 1,000 days yet. I have canned goods that are older than she is! Watching her eat Kix off the floor and try to play with kitty litter is amusing, but will she truly appreciate a visit to the botanical gardens or a day at the water park? Not likely. She might enjoy the sights for a fleeting moment and smile while devouring overpriced ice cream, but the day will inevitably end in tears—either hers or mine.
At daycare, she is cared for by wonderful teachers who enrich her life in ways I can’t while juggling work. Plus, she enjoys built-in playdates, relieving me from the pressure of awkward conversations with other moms at the park.
So for those embracing a classic summer filled with adventure, enjoy every moment. I’ll be thinking of you as I wake up at 6 a.m. to begin the same routine I’ve followed for days, with a mixture of jealousy and longing.
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