There was a time in my life when I eagerly awaited the arrival of summer. Back then, as a school-aged kid, summer meant freedom from tests, teachers, and the dreaded dodgeball games where I was always the last one picked. It was a season filled with afternoons spent splashing in the pool, evenings enjoying popsicles, and listening to my favorite tunes blasting from my boombox. (Don’t judge—“Crocodile Rock” still brings back great memories!) It meant sleeping in and staying up late, with the occasional spontaneous trip to Disney World.
But now? Is it summer already?
As a parent to my spirited 2-year-old son, I’ve come to realize that for those of us with toddlers, summer doesn’t quite hold the same charm. With little ones under five, structure is limited to mealtimes and nap times, and even those feel like a game of toddler roulette. Days blur together, with each morning starting with a diaper change and demands for milk and cartoons, and every evening ending with requests for cookies, more cartoons, and another diaper change. Seriously, what’s the fascination with that little red monster? I was always more of a Super Grover fan myself. We sing “Wheels on the Bus” so often that I find myself secretly wishing for a dramatic turn of events to stop the incessant spinning of those wheels.
Craft projects? Let’s just say they typically end in a confetti of shredded paper scattered across the floor, so much so that it’s become the norm. Blocks, books, and toys find their way to the floor as well, and I spend at least half an hour every evening cleaning up after this tiny tornado. Life from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. would make even Phil Connors from Groundhog Day question his sanity!
Thus, the concept of summer doesn’t exactly thrill me for several reasons: I can’t sleep in, late nights are a dream (not happening), days off are a myth, and having cocktails before 4 p.m. is just not socially acceptable. Instead, summer feels like one long, sweaty day filled with mosquitoes.
However, there is something I do look forward to: daycare. My son attends part-time daycare, which gives me a much-needed break each week. Those few hours allow me to catch up on work, attend appointments, and even enjoy some rare moments of quiet. (Let me tell you, I had the most relaxing MRI a few months back!) Sure, I could pull him out for summer adventures like trips to the zoo or playground, but let’s be honest—why disrupt his routine and my sanity?
I adore my son, but at two years old, he’s still mastering the basics of life. I mean, he eats snacks off the floor and thinks playing with kitty litter is a fun idea. Would he truly appreciate a visit to the botanical gardens or a day at a waterpark? Probably not. While he might enjoy the ice cream from the overpriced snack stand, I can guarantee the day will likely end in tears—who’s crying, I’ll leave to your imagination. At daycare, he’s surrounded by wonderful teachers who nurture his development in ways that I simply can’t while juggling work, and he has built-in playdates, saving me from the awkward conversations with other parents at the park.
So, to those of you enjoying a nostalgic summer filled with carefree fun, enjoy every moment. I’ll be thinking of you each morning as I rise at 6 a.m. to repeat the same routine, with just a touch of envy.
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Summary
The article humorously explores the challenges of summer for parents of toddlers, highlighting the lack of structure and routine in their lives. It contrasts nostalgic summer memories with the current reality of parenting a young child, emphasizing the importance of daycare as a necessary break for parents. The author expresses love for her child while acknowledging the exhausting nature of toddlerhood and the desire for a moment of peace amidst the chaos.