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AIBU?

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AIBU not to understand parents dreading school holidays with their children?

186 replies

Fancycrab · 12/04/2026 10:32

A lot of my mum friends are constantly saying things like “counting down the days till their back in school”, and before the holidays, “I’m dreading this two weeks”, “what am I going to do with them?!”, “why are the holidays so bloody long” etc etc. Firstly, I just want to say this has nothing to do with work or money, I understand that school holidays can be difficult for working parents (myself included) but many of the parents I’ve heard saying this are SAHMs with plenty of money. Some of them have even said stuff in front of their kids or to them, like “god what am I gonna do with you for two weeks”. I feel sorry for their kids, it’s like they don’t like spending time with them or even like them. Makes me think why’d you bother having kids if you don’t like spending time with them?? School holidays are difficult for me cos I have to shuffle my working hours about and pay for a few holiday clubs, but I love spending time with them. I’m a single parent too and I don’t have a lot of money and yeah it’s a lot sometimes, but I love going on walks with them, taking them to the park or making something at home. I genuinely enjoy their company and realise these years while their young and actually enjoy spending time with me are going to be gone in a nano second and I’ll never get them back, so I make sure I appreciate these years and make the most of them. AIBU to not understand the mindset of dreading having your kids at home for the holidays (barring financial or work reasons)?

OP posts:
Notmyreality · 12/04/2026 10:51

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audhdandme · 12/04/2026 10:49

Mullaghanish · 12/04/2026 10:34

im finding school holidays with non sporty teens trickier.. their screen time sky rockets ..

I absolutely love the holidays with my children and actually feel sad when they go back to school but I also fine screen time increases. My oldest is at the age where he isn’t into toys anymore but not old enough to go out without an adult so is really limited to what else he can do in a day we’re at home (he does do football 5 days a week so he’s still getting out too

feistyoneyouare · 12/04/2026 10:49

Couldn't agree more. Why have children if you don't want to spend time with them.

Username19893847477374 · 12/04/2026 10:48

I'm a working single parent too and I suppose us using holiday clubs etc is the difference. If you are a sahm mum and used to having day times to get your stuff done/gym etc then having two primary kids under your feet for 2 weeks will be more difficult. Shifting work/taking AL/using holiday clubs/family help gives everyone a break from each other that sahm parents don't get in the holidays. My ex splits the holidays with me so I get an even better break than I usually would do during term time tbh!

DontReplyAll · 12/04/2026 10:48

Not everyone finds parenting easy.

Not all children are the same.

Holidays come with juggling annual leave and finances so can be stressful.

And sometimes people say it and don’t mean it.

But I do agree, I always enjoyed time off with my children and find it sad that not everyone does. It’s not a reason to feel superior though.

BewareoftheLambs · 12/04/2026 10:48

I completely agree, I often wish the holidays were more in line with those of the rest of Europe, especially in the summer. I feel they benefit so much from the extended down time too. I do understand it is hard if you are trying to juggle everything though.

Everlil · 12/04/2026 10:48

They’re not dreading them, it’s just something people say. I’m sure they love their children. It’s like when people complain about too much sunny weather. I’m sure they love spending time with them too. It’s just coping with a change of routine. I’d stop taking why they say so seriously as you’re coming across a bit judgemental.

Heraldry · 12/04/2026 10:47

Many people have absolutely no family support due to bereavement etc, and limited friendships, holidays with children in these situations can be pretty lonely feeling as you’re absent adult conversation.
Also, many parents have not actually instilled obedience and respect in to their children so the holidays are a free for all which must be exhausting.

VivaciousCurrentBun · 12/04/2026 10:45

I really liked the holidays, we used to have them in a holiday club for 2 weeks have 2 whole weeks as a family together and then DH and I would have a seperate week off each. I like you enjoyed doing crafts with the children. It was with major sadness I gave the cupboard of supplies to my primary school teacher friend when they were older. Who remarked who on earth has sparkly pipe cleaners at home, well I did.

Fancycrab · 12/04/2026 10:41

Mullaghanish · 12/04/2026 10:34

im finding school holidays with non sporty teens trickier.. their screen time sky rockets ..

Yeah I can see how it may be more difficult with older children who are more independent and less reliant on you, however I’m mainly talking about younger kids. Mine are 5 & 7 and still enjoy simple things like making play houses out of cardboard boxes and stuff!

OP posts:
Mullaghanish · 12/04/2026 10:34

im finding school holidays with non sporty teens trickier.. their screen time sky rockets ..