I wasn’t exactly thrilled about sending my kids back to school this week, and here’s why.
Yesterday marked the final day of winter break for my children, and I must confess, it felt like a bittersweet end for me too. It was the last morning to indulge in a leisurely sleep-in, the last chance to sneak downstairs alone and enjoy a couple of hours of uninterrupted freedom while my teenagers and tweens snoozed peacefully. The aroma of coffee filled the kitchen (thankfully not tears or the sound of repeating myself), wrapping me in a blanket of tranquility that is hard to come by during the school year. This sense of calm was something I savored daily over the past two weeks.
By around 10 a.m. on a vacation day, I usually feel refreshed and ready to wake my still-sleeping kids because I am eager to spend time with them—after all, they are often too busy for me these days. But during the holiday break, I had them all to myself, and that was precious.
The Changing Significance of School Vacations
As they grow older, school vacations hold a different significance for me. We find ourselves needing these breaks more than we did when they were younger. The usual weekdays are a chaotic whirlwind of appointments, sports, and never-ending permission slips that seem to multiply overnight. When the break finally arrives, it’s a welcome opportunity to escape the madness, especially with the added challenge of managing exhausted kids fueled by teenage hormones. Everyone craves that little escape.
Like many families, we tend to get irritable when our schedules become overwhelming, and we often take it out on each other. As my children get older, our quality time together has diminished, with longer gaps between moments spent together. We attempt to connect over dinner, but the demands of homework, practices, and chores loom over us like a cloud.
During school breaks, we can take advantage of our time together in ways that are much harder to manage when they were younger. There are no diaper bags to lug around or strict nap schedules to adhere to. We can explore new cities, visit an indoor rock climbing gym, or enjoy a leisurely lunch where I can sip wine without worrying about spills or tantrums. The freedom to be spontaneous, even if it’s just for a week or two, is a luxury that I cherish.
A Bittersweet Return to Routine
While many parents are relieved that school resumed this week, I can’t help but feel a little wistful. I remember the days when I welcomed the return to the school routine, escaping the chaos of sibling squabbles and the clutter of toys strewn across the floor. However, the moment my alarm rang at 6 a.m. this morning, I felt a pang of dread knowing that our structured life was about to return. I longed for just a bit more time to hold on to the relaxed pace of winter break.
So, no, I didn’t exactly leap for joy as I sent them off. We navigated the morning rush (we always do, with varying degrees of grace). But once the house fell quiet again, I missed the comfort that comes from having a full house—filled with laughter, movie nights, and lingering conversations at the dinner table. The peace of an empty home simply doesn’t compare to the joy of a bustling one.
I find myself counting down the days until I can once again wake them up late and say, “Hey, let’s grab some fast food and catch a movie together. We have nowhere else to be, and it’s going to be amazing.”
Further Insights
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In summary, while I understand why many parents are happy to return to routine, I can’t help but miss the peaceful chaos and unique connections that come with school breaks.