Teacher married to non teacher

I don't understand why someone would have children if they don't want to be with them. Such an alien concept. And yes, I'm a teacher.

You need to ask the DH that, OP is with them plenty!

It is hard work op and very full on, undoubtedly, but I do think it’s unusual to feel as strongly about the holidays as you. The fact you are already looking ahead to next year and the year after with dread is worrying.

How are you feeling about life in general? Your dh, your career? What do you do with your time off in the week? Would you prefer to work full-time and have your dc in childcare?

I’ve read the whole thread and didn’t see anywhere why dh can’t book a couple of weeks leave in the summer. Yes it will still be hard at times but at least there will be two of you.

Don’t be ridiculous. Of course parents can share when they are struggling with their kids.

All the anti-teacher rubbish gives yet another reason for a Bollocks button to sit alongside the Thanks.

Agreed. Best come back ever.

I hate it when anyone is brace enough to ask for advice and other people start tearing them apart. Like the OP isn’t feeling shit enough!!

Ridiculous…really. Get a grip. Parenting is hard, for everyone. You at least do not need to worry about childcare, you work part time, you do get some time to yourself every week…
i unticked to watch this thread. Too upsetting

:) nicely done

I don't understand why someone would have children if they don't want to be with them. Such an alien concept. And yes, I'm a teacher.

That's fine. It's fine to say omg 6 weeks???

So why don't you ask their dad to take 3 weeks of that off as annual leave?

I left teaching recently but I have an almost two year old and a three year old. I worked such long hours in term time that I loved being to spend the holidays with them. Granted it was full on at times but my husband always did his fair share when not at work. We always made sure we broke it down by having a week off together as a family in the middle of the holidays and I did of course always have lots of work to catch up with over the summer so would usually put them into nursery 3 or 4 times over the 6 week period. We would also put them into nursery once on a day when my husband was off so we could have a date day. We are lucky to have a very flexible nursery. If you’re finding it tough, why not send them into nursery for one or two days a week to break the week up.

@allsummereverysummer I am a teacher. I work full time. I get zero time to myself. Although my husband doesn’t work away like yours so everything is so much easier. I’m so happy we don’t have to pay for childcare when we’re off but Christ I totally get where you’re coming from. Being in school with 30 kids is so much easier! The 6 weeks are going to be filled with some enjoyment but mostly exhausting!

My reply doesn’t help you, but your post has helped me to realise that I’m not the only one who feels this way.

I don’t think it’s ever easy posting on mumsnet because you get the “perfect parents” I suspect these parents are the ones that always want “a quick chat” each morning at the school door. 😂

I am a retired teacher and agree with your comments. I always looked forward to every school holiday to enjoy the time off with my children and not have to worry about the usual routine.

All parents have their children their entire holiday time don’t they?

I totally get where you're coming from. I loved having my children home in the holidays but 6 weeks is hard, keeping them entertained and the endless meals, snacks, drinks, having their friends over etc! By the end of the 6 weeks I was so ready for them to go back to school!! Can DH take some leave to give you a break so you can nip off and meet friends or do your hobby - or just book into a hotel for the night, have a massage and sleep! You've got your hands full with 3 little ones and teaching is exhausting - you deserve a bit of a break too!

I’m a teacher and DP isn’t. He picks up a lot of the slack during term time so I do it during the holidays.

DC are older now so when I go into work to get ready, I sometimes take DC if they can be helpful. Otherwise, we rely on play dates or DP will WFH so I can get on.

I stayed in teaching so holiday care was easier as we have no family nearby to help.

I think it IS unrelenting when they are little but once DC are in upper juniors they become much more independent and the grind of keeping them entertained really lessens.

OP, what did you want from this thread? Maybe we can offer advice?

Teaching is hard and stressful. I couldn't do it. The contracted hours are only the minimum and it is emotionally draining and difficult.

But come on...

You work a three day week and are wondering how you'll cope looking after your own lovely children for six weeks?

I don't think there are "haters". Just people with differing opinions.

Why did you have kids if you can't even bear to spend one day with them?

To be fair OP you are only having them 3 days a week and then 2 days to do nothing with them.

Whilst I understand you may find 3 days tiring, you are in an extremely fortunate position.
Remember you don't have to go out every day. Cars, TV, trains, stuff in the garden all mean little mess and minimal effort. I used to love the Orchard Tree games as well.
Don't put so much pressure on yourself and enjoy.

It is tough. Especially with a DH away and no family.
OP ignore the haters. You'll feel the benefit in 2/3 years. For now hang on in there!!