As summer rolls around, the dynamics for working parents shift, often leading to a heavy dose of guilt. While some families are navigating the chaos of summer vacation, others face a different struggle. For working moms, the main challenge often boils down to one overwhelming feeling: guilt.
When the summer months resemble the school year—aside from a few vacation days—it’s easy for working mothers to feel like they’re not providing their children with the summer experiences they deserve. Many find themselves juggling full-time daycare or a patchwork of camps to fill the weeks until school resumes.
In an insightful piece for the Chicago Daily, Emma Turner articulates the common sentiment among working parents: “By mid-July, I realize that summer barely feels different from the rest of the year. We’re still rushing around from one obligation to another (Camp! Work! Soccer practice! Grocery store!). Each year, I vow it will be different, but it never is. My kids don’t even have time to express that classic childhood sentiment: ‘I’m bored.’”
I can relate to this. When I was employed full-time, our summers felt like a blur once my kids started school. Even before they were school-aged and attended year-round childcare, summer only brought about the need for swimsuits instead of snowsuits.
Turner shares that during her family’s actual vacation, her kids briefly experienced what she believed summer should be like—playing board games, enjoying late nights outside, and swimming. That’s when guilt hit her hard. “Somewhere along the way, I internalized that summers should mirror my own childhood—less structured, filled with hours of unplanned time.”
I too fondly recall carefree summers spent at home, waking up whenever I chose and going outside or staying in, playing video games, reading, or chatting with friends—sometimes even feeling bored. Yet, like Turner, I began to feel that by working full-time, I was depriving my children of a rich summer experience.
Eventually, I realized that this guilt was misplaced. Even though I now work from home and my kids enjoy a more relaxed summer, the camps they attended in the past were wonderful experiences. My son made friends, learned new skills, and had a blast, while I was the only one fretting about our situation.
Now, I fill my days off with activities to maximize summer fun, while on workdays, I grapple with the guilt of them spending time alone. The cycle of guilt seems unending, but it shouldn’t be. The truth is, kids will thrive. They will create memories, regardless of whether it’s a day packed with activities or one spent at home while I work. They’re focused on fun, while I’m tangled up in guilt.
It’s time to silence that nagging voice in my head and embrace the joy my children find in each moment. If you’re looking for more information about pregnancy and home insemination, be sure to check out this excellent resource on MedlinePlus.
In summary, working moms often experience guilt during summer, feeling they can’t provide their children with the ideal vacation. However, it’s essential to recognize that kids can still have fun and create lasting memories, whether at home or at camp. Embracing this reality can lead to a more enjoyable summer for everyone.