Last night, after running with my local running group (in 101 degree heat) I casually mentioned to an acquaintance that I am feeling ready for school to start. She looked at me like I have three heads so I quickly changed the subject, but the truth is, I can’t wait. I guess this just confirms what I already knew — like others who write here – I’m just not meant to be a full-time SAHM!
I’ve written here about how all three of my kiddos will be attending full-day preschool this year. I will have more time than I’ve had to work since before they were born. While we are having a fun summer — plenty of swimming, splashing, trips to the movies, and many adventures — it’s also exhausting keeping my trio entertained. I’m struggling to fit my work in around play dates, trips to the park, and weekends visiting family. And days when I attempt to keep my three at home – letting me work isn’t on their radar. I do have a sitter who comes several days a week for a few hours, but it isn’t enough.
We’re in the middle of the 7th week of our summer and I really am ready for school to start! I know many people are against the concept of year-round school, but I truly wish that our area would consider it. Even as a teacher, I think a full-year schedule would be ideal. Three one-month breaks instead of one long, hot, three-month break would make all of us so much happier. At least at my house.
I’m also ready for a return to “normalcy” and the daily routine and schedule that comes with a set school day. I just function so much better — and so do my kiddos.
What are your thoughts? Are you ready for school to start? Do you support the concept of full-year school? Do your childcare arrangements change in the summer?
I hope your not being too hard on yourself about not being “meant to be a SAHM mom” because it sounds like you aren’t a SAHM this summer – you are working in between all the entertaining and shuttling. You have a lot to worry/think about in between all the fun stuff. That can put a cloud over the fun stuff when you are thinking about all the other stuff that needs doing.
As for year round school, I totally support that. I am not a teacher and my kid is only a toddler but I base my opinion on my own school experience growing up. I remember my teachers spending the first several weeks (or more) of the new school year catching students up to where they were supposed to be. A lot of information and skills don’t get utilized over the long break and therefore are forgotten. I think students would fare better in the long run if we had year round school. I know I would have benefited.
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You’re probably right — if I wasn’t working and could just focus solely on the kiddos I would probably feel more sane. It’s the juggling of both worlds that makes it more difficult — and makes me wonder when school starts at least once a day.
I agree — I do think that year round school would be a better choice for academic reasons as well.
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This is my third summer with Abby, and my first that I’m not working. It’s waaaaay different. I’m dreading September and I still have 2 months till students walk back into a classroom. Also, I only have one kiddo. Last year was especially hard with online school while Abby slept b/c she was having such sleeping issues that I would have to sit next to her in bed with my laptop. What I tried to do is just tell myself that when she’s up and needing me, my mind is off school. It didn’t always work, but it did help at times. Maybe summer camp next summer if you teach summer session again?
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I always try my best not to work when my kiddos are awake and in my care. That said, they no longer nap — and my sitter has been off for the last week — which probably explains some of my angst from this post.
I love being with my kids — it’s juggling the work and the kids — while feeling like the kiddos cruise director for all of the summer activities and events — that makes it difficult for me.
It would probably be easier if I was easier on my myself — but I feel like they should be out doing things, completing projects and activities, and still learning throughout the summer — which means more work for Mama!
As a teacher I CAN WAIT for school to start back. My county is not technically on a year long schedule but we kinda of sorta are. We only get 2 months in summer so we will be back in session with students on Aug. 1. We get 1 week off in Sept, 1 week in Nov, 2 weeks in Dec, 1 week off in Feb, 1 week of in April. The months that we don’t get a week off we have at least 1 to 2 3 day weekends. I like the breaks throughout the year more than I would like 3 full months in summer.
This is my 1st summer in 5 years that I am not going to school or trainings and I am loving it. I want time to slow down so that I can enjoy being with my kids more. I will confess though my daughter is in day care 2 days a week so that I can have some ME time.
Donna,
Your “me” time sounds amazing.
I love the idea of having a week off every two months. I think that would be a positive in our district as well.
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I’m so glad I found this post. I feel THE SAME way! And I get the same response from my neighbors and friends when I dare comment about it. I enjoy work and struggle to balance it all. Thanks for the confession and the great blog!
Twitter: SundaeDiet