As the first day of school arrives, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude. Thank you for everything you do. After navigating the chaos of the past 95 days with my energetic children, I’ve been reminded of how much we truly rely on you. Your patience and skill in managing these little ones deserve all the accolades, financial support, and perhaps even a glass of wine (or two). Honestly, you are remarkable.
Right alongside my immense gratitude is a heartfelt apology. Back in May, I had grand visions for the summer—a family book club, math practice, kitchen science experiments, Spanish lessons, and piano sessions. I thought, “What summer slide?” My kids would return to school in September even more knowledgeable than they were in May.
Well… that didn’t quite happen. I sincerely apologize for letting our academic pursuits slip into what I can only describe as the “summer slip and slide.” Despite our good intentions to read more, the heat and the allure of the swimming pool took over.
I regret the unfinished activity sheets, the absence of a writing journal, and the neglect of math flashcards. I envisioned daily educational moments, but some days, it took all my energy just to keep my kids from turning the house upside down. Math facts? Those were out of the question.
I’m also sorry that we’ve forgotten what a “schedule” is. Our living room became the popsicle parlor, and dinner was often enjoyed in front of the TV. Bedtime turned into a vague concept, and our pool adventures occasionally substituted for actual baths. We even indulged in cookies and cupcakes for breakfast while having scrambled eggs for dinner. I apologize for the lack of routines and for the bad habits we embraced during the summer months.
We stayed up late, embraced lazy days at the pool, jumped off the diving board countless times, and went on spontaneous road trips. We collected shells from the lake, learned to throw a knuckleball, and enjoyed the rain. We played video games and indulged in junk food. In essence, we lived a summer filled with fun and adventure.
While I apologize for many things, I’m not sorry for allowing my children to relish their childhood. That fleeting time is precious, akin to summer itself, and sometimes you need to cast aside the “shoulds” to savor every moment of joy.
I know you understand this. You recognize that children need space to be themselves. So, my apologies may be more for my own peace of mind than anything else. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel guilty for simply allowing kids to be kids.
As I drop off my spirited child, who might resemble a wild animal more than a student, I want to convey my deepest thanks and sincere apologies. I’m sorry that the initial days (let’s be honest, probably the first few weeks) will be a whirlwind of overexcited kids who have forgotten how to sit still, let alone focus on reading or math. Our relaxed summer schedule and sweet treats will make your already challenging job even tougher.
I apologize for the transition you’ll face as you guide these sun-kissed, energetic little ones back to school. I know you’ll greet them with enthusiasm, even on those early days when you might want to escape to a quiet place with a drink. You’ll be asking, “What did you do all summer?” knowing that the answers will likely not include anything academic.
Thank you for your dedication and hard work. You are truly a superhero in our lives. Here’s to the school year ahead—just 276 days until we embrace summer again!
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In summary, thank you for your tireless efforts and understanding as we navigate this transition. We appreciate you more than words can express.