A WOMAN has admitted she hates the six-week summer holiday.
The mother-of-two confessed that not only do school holidays make her feel like a maid, but she also feels like she’s running a B&B.
The mother took to social media to talk about her struggles, leaving many speechless.
Post on Mumsnet, under the school holiday forumthe anonymous woman titled her post “I hate summer vacation!”
She confirmed that her children are 14 and 11, saying: “I’m finding this summer holiday very difficult and we’re just starting the second week.
“I feel like I’m a maid or like I’m running a guesthouse. Does anyone else feel this way?
The mother then admitted: “I’m getting really depressed about constantly having to clean something (kids or animals), feed something (kids or animals) and having to base my days around anyone other than myself.”
Clearly struggling, the mother confessed: “I feel like I have no one to talk to.
“I’m feeling depressed and angry and hating my home life at the moment.”
The stressed woman later explained: “[My] A 14 year old boy sleeps until lunchtime and gives me nothing but attitude.
“[My] An 11-year-old boy sits at his iPad all day.
“I know I need to make the change and be firm with them pulling their own weight around the house, but I get nothing but complaints and it’s not fair and I’m not doing that.
“So when I end up with the consequences, it’s like I’m the worst person in the world.
“I know this is what it’s like to be a father, but I dread the summer holidays because everything mainly depends on me and I feel very alone.”
SUPPORT FLOODS IN
Mumsnet users rushed to the comments to share messages of love, support and advice for the overwhelmed dad.
One person advised: “I would call a family meeting and establish some new house rules. Are you married or have a partner? Get him on board too.
How to Survive Six Weeks of Summer School Holidays
IF you’re struggling with your six-week summer break, you’ve come to the right place…
FIGHTING BOREDOM: Despite the hours of activities and playtime, if your kids are already complaining that there’s nothing to do, early childhood education expert Liat Hughes Joshi says, “Don’t feel like you need to organize every second of your vacation. Children benefit from boredom and learn to have fun.
“Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play, but children need to be encouraged to get used to not being told how to pass the time.
“Overcome the urges of boredom. Counterattack with comments like, ‘What do you think you could do?’ and maybe have a list of ‘I’m bored’ activity ideas on your fridge.”
SCREEN OVERLOAD: It’s tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter, but don’t let them gape all summer in front of a screen.
Liat says, “It’s unfair to expect older children to diminish power, but it’s important to establish some ground rules.
“Establish family technology rules together. If you are often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Perhaps tell children that they are not allowed any screen time until they have done set tasks, some exercise, or a board game.
“Are there times when you would like to ban screens altogether? Maybe during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.
“Technology is a battleground for parents, but limits need to be set. Stand your ground and be prepared to be unpopular.”
VERY TOGETHER: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Don’t feel guilty if you need a little downtime.
Liat says, “If you’re juggling work and household chores on top of keeping your kids busy, it’s normal to start feeling overwhelmed or tired and in need of some peace.
“If you don’t have the money to pay or don’t want to send your kids to full-day camps, look for free workshops for kids so you can keep working or take a break for a few hours.
“Seeking a quiet period every now and then doesn’t make you a bad parent – in fact, it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.”
SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules may go out the window during the holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy kids.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, pediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: “Children get moody, test limits and become defiant when routines are broken.
“Following some sort of routine while on vacation is a good idea.
“We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal and sleep times are disrupted, it causes mood spikes and dips.
“Vacation is about having fun, but going to bed early once or twice a week will make everyone happier.”
EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get outdoors to tire them out – and make them healthier and happier.
Dr Bugembe says: “Sunlight also increases vital vitamin D levels, which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels are low in the winter, so let the kids fill up in warmer weather.
“Letting them run around in shorts and a t-shirt is the best way to recharge. Make sure they’re wearing sunscreen, go out and have fun.
“Encourage them to try healthy habits like cycling and walking. We hope they get hooked and want to carry them when the weather gets colder.”
“Explain that in exchange for allowance there will be certain expectations. It’s okay for them to lie down (although our home rule is 11am at the latest). And a little more screen time is okay, but all day is unhealthy.
“And at their age you don’t have to wait for them! They can get their own food, have them try new breakfasts or lunches, have them prepare some Cool snacks.”
To this, the anonymous mother responded, “A family reunion sounds like a really good idea. I’m married, yes!
“When my husband is at home, he is very helpful and often takes most of the household chores out of my hands. I’m very lucky.
Where can kids eat for free this summer?
Summer holidays are here, but entertaining the kids doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Here we reveal where you can get free and cheap meals for your little ones during the ‘endless’ summer holidays.
ASDA COFFEE: Pop into an Asda cafe to feed the kids after their weekly shop.
Under 16s receive a hot or cold meal for £1 at any time of the day.
Little ones are covered too.
Kids under 18 months get a free bag of Ella’s baby food with any purchase.
BEEF MEAT: This family-friendly pub chain makes mornings a breeze.
Two children under 16 eat free with the purchase of an adult breakfast for £10.99.
It is available from 6:30am to 10:30am midweek and 7am to 11am on weekends.
BEAUTIFUL ITALY: Book a table and order an adult meal at the Italian restaurant for children aged two to 11 to get three courses and a drink for £1.
Offer valid between 4pm and 6pm from Sunday to Wednesday.
On Thursdays, kids eat free all day when an adult meal is ordered from the a la carte menu.
DUNELM: Make shopping for household items a fun day.
Dunelm’s Pausa Cafes are offering free kids’ meals for every £4 spent on food or drink.
Available all day, every day.
ACCOUNTS: Dine at a Bill’s restaurant to get up to two free kids’ meals (normally £6.95 each) with one adult meal.
Valid only on weekdays until August 30th.
IKEA: Make a food day at the Swedish store.
Every day except Fridays, stop by their famous cafe from 11am to pick up a kids’ pasta or mac and cheese dish for 95 cents.
Other mini meals are available for £1.50.
EXPRESS PIZZA: Children ten and under can receive a free three-course Piccolo meal, including dumplings, pizza or pasta and dessert, with every adult meal purchased.
The offer runs every day until August 11th.
TESCO: Head to the supermarket cafe Monday to Friday until August 30 to receive free kids’ meals when an adult purchases any item from the cafe.
You must have a Clubcard to redeem the offer.
THE RANGE: Children under 16 get one free meal per adult purchased at The Range cafes.
Options include sandwiches, cooked-to-order breakfast and fish and chips.
All children’s meals include a piece of fruit and a drink.
“I like the rule of no later than 11am, that’s good. I started stepping back with my 14 year old daughter and talking to her about making what she wants for lunch and cleaning up the mess.
“It’s just the attitude that comes with it that drives me crazy when she says I’m playing favorites by still doing things for my 11-year-old son.
“Life is very overwhelming during the summer holidays.”
A second advised: “Sounds like you need to set some house rules. Wake the 14 year old up at a reasonable time, maybe 10/10:30am, they get ready, no iPad until necessary tasks are done (and no chit chat or any) talk about what is and isn’t acceptable.
“Certainly they can make their own food at this age, but why not teach them some cooking skills?”
Free summer vacation activities
You don’t need to spend a penny to keep your kids entertained this summer…
Museums – Some museums offer free entry to some exhibitions and also organize events for children.
Parks – Go to your local park to enjoy the playgrounds, game areas, courts and splash pads. Some even have trails for kids to enjoy.
Beach – It doesn’t need to be sunny to enjoy the beach, you can swim in natural pools, fish for crabs, build sand castles or stroll along the promontory.
Library – If the weather is bad, go indoors and borrow books, audiobooks, DVDs.
Cooking – Make your own mini cake or Come Dine With Me challenge.
Play dates – Invite friends for a convivial afternoon.
Board games – Enjoy a little sibling rivalry with rounds of Monopoly or stretch your brain with Scrabble.
While another person recommended: “A written routine or reminder list can help both.
“If you have a smart speaker, set alarms on it for your 11-year-old to remind her to eat, and offer to teach her how to prepare meals and snacks.
“Book one by one for both of them. School holidays can seem very intense!
PARENTS’ RELATIONSHIP
At the same time, many other mothers confessed that they also struggle with the six-week vacation.
One parent explained, “Yes, I’m having a hard time too. My kids seem to think I have an endless snack cupboard.”
Another added: “Yeah, I hate it too. I get so fed up and lonely.”
While a third commented: “I feel the same! My children are the same age and I also have a younger son. I’m quite worn out!
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
