Ah, it’s that time of year again—Spring Break. A decade and a half ago, this phrase conjured images of sun-soaked beaches, wild parties, and flirty encounters. Fast forward to today, and it signals a week without school for my kids. While I still yearn for some adult beverages during this time, my motivations have shifted considerably.
But don’t despair, fellow parents! You might be surprised to discover the amusing parallels between college Spring Break and navigating this time as a parent with young children.
Similarities Between College Spring Break and Parenting
- You’ll see young girls running about in minimal clothing, giggling and shrieking with glee.
- Expect to hear grumpy adults complaining about the noise and demanding better behavior from the kids.
- There’s always the slight chance of encountering an unidentifiable substance stuck in your shoe by the end of the week.
- Your sleeping arrangements are never certain and could involve:
- Sharing a bed with a snoring friend who steals all the blankets.
- Cuddling up with a guy who has ulterior motives.
- Or, you might end up on the floor because bedtime negotiations didn’t go your way.
- Be prepared for late-night interruptions, like a child waking you up at 2 a.m. with tummy troubles.
- Your clothes have a tendency to disappear as your little ones “borrow” them without asking.
- You’ll feel perpetually exhausted thanks to the loud, inconsiderate crowd around you.
- Each day will likely include a teary-eyed child over some minor issue.
- You’ll start to lose track of when the bed linens were last changed, but you’re too drained to care.
- An unpleasant smell will mysteriously linger in the room, and no one will be able to identify its source or blame.
- You’ll find stray undergarments in unexpected places, and you may not want to know how they got there.
- You could end the night with one child and wake up to a different one—or two.
So, whether it’s Key West in ’97 or a suburban home in 2015, the similarities are striking!
For those of you managing this beautiful chaos, check out our other blog post on terms and conditions that can help you navigate parenthood, or explore this great resource to learn more about your family-building options. And if you’re looking for supplies, visit Make a Mom for an authoritative selection.
Summary
Spring Break has transformed from a carefree college experience to a week of managing chaos with kids. However, the amusing similarities between the two remain. From unexpected sleeping arrangements to mysterious odors, both experiences offer laughter amidst the madness.