Written by Eileen Wacker
Every year at this point in time, I’m just trying to survive the end of the school year. Intellectually, I know the big bang of stress and crushing amount of must do’s are coming, but I still get caught unaware. My four kids are exhausted so I’m dragging everyone to the finish line. There are field days, class parties, end of year tests and projects, sports celebrations and more. I’m holding out hope for a strong finish, even as mounting evidence indicates that they are melting down.
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Every year at this point in time, I’m just trying to survive the end of the school year. Intellectually, I know the big bang of stress and crushing amount of must do’s are coming, but I still get caught unaware. My four kids are exhausted so I’m dragging everyone to the finish line. There are field days, class parties, end of year tests and projects, sports celebrations and more. I’m holding out hope for a strong finish, even as mounting evidence indicates that they are melting down.
Learn more about The Moms Code. Like The Moms Code on Facebook Follow The Moms Code on Twitter. Find on Instagram.
Part of my survival strategy is kicking some cans down the
road. What gets pushed out is my fabulous get ready for summer diet and cute
dresses to go with it, working out, organizing the house, me time, catching up
on work. I work from home for flexibility but there is no barrier and all the
chaos leaks in continuously. Bottom line, all my stuff gets pushed because I
can’t push off getting all the items on the packing list for the sports
broadcasting program, the tennis camp, the basketball and acting camp. The
average number of items on each packing list is 42. It’s not drop off sun
screen with a water bottle; it’s sheets, towels, footwear, shirts, shorts,
swimsuits, hats, medical forms, risk clearance and countless other items.
I recognize and accept to some degree that summertime has
now become about being strategic. It’s not all ice cream and bicycle rides;
they have to get scheduled in. There is no way around it. Tutors for
standardized tests, relatives fighting for the little precious time, summer
school, sports and acting camps, and volunteer projects for each child to the
degree possible. This year we have an 80th birthday party, a high
school graduation, a college graduation, a cousin’s wedding, a one-year old
that we have not met. Every relative from both sides of the family lobbies for
us to come. We try but it’s never enough and I have to avoid feeling guilty
that someone feels short changed and someone always does.
So how do I survive?
1 1)
My family is almost too tired to celebrate, but
I insist we do. Because we have to. We are running so fast that we have to stop
and reflect, even for a moment and recognize the accomplishment. So I’ll go to
my little girl’s favorite restaurant and let her order the cheese fries and mac
and cheese, even as my bathing suit self protests.
The Moms Code author Eileen Wacker also writes the acclaimed childrens books The Fujimini Adventure Series. Many proud parents just like you appreciate multi-cultural education for your children. Find the book series by clicking here.
The Moms Code author Eileen Wacker also writes the acclaimed childrens books The Fujimini Adventure Series. Many proud parents just like you appreciate multi-cultural education for your children. Find the book series by clicking here.
2 2)
I make an agreement with my kids that I will try
to say yes as much as I can but each one of them has to be nice and
appreciative. No fighting and complaining. I tell them, “You want the one off
ride to the beach, movie, friend’s house, pool, mall or wherever, make it
charming for me in the car.”
3)
I pull out little happiness tricks. For example,
I’ll wake my little girl up with a Starbucks run or put a $10 itunes card on my
son’s pillow. Whatever small item I can think of. I do this for teachers and coaches
so I do it for my children as well.
4
4) I find a small window to see my girl group and also the female relatives I’m close to over the summer. Engaging in meaningful discussions that have nothing to do with the advancement of any one or anything is cleansing and feels like a cold glass of wine on a summer’s night. We all understand that we are venting and would not change out our reality for anything. Our souls know each other and it’s wonderful to reconnect.
4) I find a small window to see my girl group and also the female relatives I’m close to over the summer. Engaging in meaningful discussions that have nothing to do with the advancement of any one or anything is cleansing and feels like a cold glass of wine on a summer’s night. We all understand that we are venting and would not change out our reality for anything. Our souls know each other and it’s wonderful to reconnect.
5 5)
I vow to stay nice to my husband who is honestly
a good guy, when he says, “How long are you gone? What about the dogs? Everyone
is abandoning me to have a fun summer while I work like a mule. I can’t take
care of dogs.” I just smile, make some arrangements, and continue to text him
heart emojis while I’m gone.
Congratulations to all the moms who are surviving yet
another year end and into the summer cycle.
Good tips. I will try these while I have my two niece and nephews this summer. My son is 17 and ships out to Parris Island for Marine Corps basic training in just 45 days. So anything to make these days go smoother so that we have more time with him. We spent our past 4 summer's hauling all of his JROTC buddies from event to event. But, we knew 4-5 years ago that he had chosen To defend our freedom, flag, and, country. Senper Fi
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