Recently, my son unearthed our kiddie pool from the garage only to discover it was covered in black mold. I’m not sure if it was hazardous or just the run-of-the-mill kind, but we opted to toss it out — a decision I relished. It took a full year to restore that big yellow patch of dead grass left from where the pool had sat last summer.
Then, he found the Slip-N-Slide, and it had the same mold situation. I thought about the long, narrow strip of dead grass that I had finally managed to grow back from the Slip-N-Slide, and I felt a wave of satisfaction throwing it away as well.
But just as I was basking in my triumph next to the trash can, all three kids chimed in unison, “Can we get another pool and Slip-N-Slide, Dad? PLEEEEASE!” This moment struck me as reminiscent of a scene in The Simpsons where Bart and Lisa coax Homer into buying a pool, only for Bart to injure himself jumping into it from the treehouse. Like Homer, I firmly declared, “No.”
I repeated “No” until I felt it resonate deep within my soul. I stood my ground and felt good about it, convinced I was safeguarding our yard and investment. That is, until my wife went out and bought a kiddie pool and Slip-N-Slide while I was at work. Naturally, the kids dubbed me a Summer Grump when I voiced my displeasure.
I often earn the title of Summer Grump during the warmer months. It’s not that I’m a bad dad or devoid of fun — it’s just that there are some summer activities, like the pool and Slip-N-Slide, I simply cannot embrace. I usually end up participating begrudgingly, and when I do get my way, I feel a massive sense of accomplishment.
Camping Woes
Take camping, for instance. I enjoy camping with friends and my wife; I used to backpack for days, relishing the chance to disconnect. However, camping with my kids? That’s another story entirely. I was open to the idea until I experienced it firsthand. After countless sleepless nights in a tent, cleaning up after sick little ones or dealing with kids who heard something and felt the need to climb into bed with me, I’ve learned that camping with children can be a nightmare. Each trip leaves me exhausted and longing for the comfort of home.
Do we have a few heartwarming moments during our camping trips? Sure, but they pale in comparison to the chaos. And yes, we always end up going camping each summer, much to my dismay.
Late Nights and Quiet Time
Staying up late in summer? Not my thing either. But unlike camping, I usually win this battle. My wife and I have a precious window of quiet time without the kids, and I’m an early riser, often getting up earlier than I ever imagined I would as a child. We have that time between 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. to discuss bills, share a cuddle on the couch, or just enjoy adult conversation. I’m not willing to sacrifice that, even for summer fun.
Honestly, the last thing I want is for the kids to play video games late into the night at a volume that can be heard from every room, or to listen to them argue over who broke the rules about eating snacks in the living room.
Am I selfish? Absolutely. But I’m okay with that. I pour my heart and soul into raising my kids, and I believe I deserve my evenings. I also loathe barbecues, mowing the lawn, gardening, and stargazing.
Embracing the Grump
So, am I a Summer Grump? Perhaps, but I’m not ready to accept that label just yet. We do go on fun trips to the local pool, embark on family hiking adventures, and I’m quite skilled with a Super Soaker. Plus, I’m the only dad in the neighborhood who actively flags down the ice cream truck. Who doesn’t love a good push pop?
Right now, as I write this, my kids are out back enjoying their new kiddie pool and Slip-N-Slide. I’ve got towels scattered between the bathroom and the back door, and I’m losing my voice from yelling, “In or out?! Choose one!”
If you can relate to my disdain for certain summer activities, don’t worry. You’re not a Summer Grump — you’re just a parent. I understand. No shame in that. And if you’re doing things you’d rather not do for your kids, it’s a genuine expression of love.
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Summary
The author shares his experiences as a self-proclaimed Summer Grump, highlighting his reluctance towards common summer activities like camping and late-night summer fun. He acknowledges the challenges of parenting while feeling no shame in prioritizing his quiet time and personal preferences. Ultimately, he emphasizes that such feelings are normal for parents, showcasing love through participation in activities they may not enjoy.