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Original poster

Anyone else relieved that the Summer Hols are drawing to an end?

57 replies

Nightjar1 · 27/08/2019 11:38

3 dcs in the mix including a toddler who is into everything and an extremely energetic 7 year old plus a teen. Trying to get them out anywhere in the heat etc, single handed (dh works full-time) feels difficult (packing all the essentials to take with us especially with toddler, thinking about food etc. unless it is a visit to the park) the constant drip drip drip of eating/drinking and making a mess throughout the day. The constant battle and pressure to get them away from screens via some other form of entertainment (including the teen) and find some more stimulating activity. Fortunately, they don't tend to argue an awful lot though, I've spoken to some people who say that they have children who bicker a lot when together.

Some people with older children fair a bit better I think and those tend to be the people who relish the Summer hols which is positive because it is something to look forward to. My 7 year old has some challenging behaviour and playdates have not been readily forthcoming whilst my friends have older children and are doing more adventurous thing, I have found the holidays really isolating at times.

Don't get me wrong turning out in all weathers on the school run can be tough but I actually think being a sahm, it gives a structure to the day and forces me out of the house. With a toddler I have not benefited from any lie-ins either except when dh has been off. Our family holiday is long gone (feels like a distant memory now), yes, all in all ready for the new term to begin. Anyone else?

OP posts:
Rockbird · 27/08/2019 11:42

Nope. My 7yo has been a non stop pain in the bum but I'll miss her. 11yo has been a bit better but a wind up merchant.

But DD1 is starting high school, DH will be taking on a new contract abroad and I'm starting a new job so we're not looking forward to next week. Only DD2 is going back to what she knows Grin

Original poster
Nightjar1 · 27/08/2019 11:56

A lot of change there, Rockbird, good luck.

OP posts:
100timewforgotten · 27/08/2019 11:59

I am more than ready. Tired of the I'm bored comments lol!

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Titsywoo · 27/08/2019 12:02

No not really - I love the summer holidays but I only work part time so it's quite chilled for me and now my kids are teens I don't have to worry about childcare. I suppose I'm glad to be getting back into a routine from next week - my house will certainly be cleaner! DD is starting her GCSE courses though so the next 4 years (her 2 GCSE years then her brothers straight after) may be stressful!

Original poster
Nightjar1 · 27/08/2019 12:08

Bumped into a teacher yesterday. When I commented about getting stuff ready for school because the children would be going back soon, she looked less that pleased, not helped by the fact that I think I was grinning (unintentionally) out of relief.

OP posts:
SpeedyShutter · 27/08/2019 12:09

Yes, me. I am looking forward to next Wednesday so much. One child has adhd and, although the medication helps, has difficulty coping with his emotions as well as finding days out quite stressful, especially when it's busy. The other child loves to be outside and to play with friends etc and struggles with not going on many days out or with those days out being cut short. They love each other and are really close but omg the arguments and tension when they're together for prolonged periods of time! I'm looking forward to peace and quiet and a tidy house and not having to prepare food that will only be met with cries of, "I don't like that!"

Bubblysqueak · 27/08/2019 12:15

Not really, it means I have to go back to work and actually get up in the morning

Original poster
Nightjar1 · 27/08/2019 12:16

Speedy, my dc has never been diagnosed but can be overwhelmed by emotions (though this is gradually improving), she doesn't tick all the boxes for any one thing but is definitely challenging and at times displays slightly unusual behavioural traits which I am hoping she will grow out of. It is hit or miss whether we have a successful day out which makes me reluctant to plan ahead and meet up with others, hence the sense of isolation plus toddler who is naturally into everything - climbing etc and really is better with one to one attention when the other two are at school. School is not childcare, I get it but with no extended family, it undeniably provides relief.

OP posts:
SpeedyShutter · 27/08/2019 12:30

Nightjar1 I had suspicions for a while because he isn't like what I'd grudgingly call "normal" child his age (through my job I meet lots of children his age and ds just seems different) so I asked school and they agreed. He isn't hyperactive but has the concentration span of a gnat, is very impulsive, hates writing and goes around making silly noises. The medikinet seems to have reduced that quite a lot. His issues have been much more apparent since y1 and got a lot worse in y2. He was diagnosed in July this year.

He isn't diagnosed but I sometimes wonder if he also has asd, albeit high functioning. He doesn't tick all the boxes but there are enough for me to feel some concerns and I might have to request a meeting with his teacher in the new term.

In your shoes, if you are concerned, give your dc a chance to settle in to the new class and then raise your concerns with their teacher.

ems137 · 27/08/2019 12:39

I am, but not necessarily because the kids have done my head in, more because I just feel so lazy. Even a walk around a huge park is at a snails pace. I need to get back to power walking with the pram.

I've got 4 children, 2 12 year olds and then a 4&2 year old so the age gaps have been challenging to find activities for everyone. I'm on my own and don't get a break at all from the youngest 2, the older 2 go to their dads, go out with their friends etc.

Original poster
Nightjar1 · 27/08/2019 12:39

Speedy, it was the constant meltdowns at one point (in comparison to other children her age). Thankfully, this seems to have dramatically reduced. Also, PDA tendencies and can be impulsive (though again, I think the later is reducing gradually). She can concentrate, though on the things that she wants to concentrate on - drawing/colouring/a film etc. and can seem a bit over familiar with strangers.

OP posts:
Original poster
Nightjar1 · 27/08/2019 12:42

ems, I understand what you mean about the age gap and finding activities to suit all, I am in a similar situation. Unfortunately, eldest dc hasn't been pro-active in organising meet ups with friends and invariably reverts to screens sadly, she also has late nights/lies in until late morning - she needs more structure too I think, it has gone on long enough (I'm all for having a break/rest from school - but enough now!)

OP posts:
Tempjob · 27/08/2019 12:45

Yes I am. Similar to you, OP, my 6 year old has ASD and challenging behaviours including aggression and severe meltdowns. My 8 year old struggles (as we all do) from his outbursts. And they argue like cat and dog.

We have invested some money into childcare during the summer holidays to give me a break. I find if I'm exhausted I don't react well when dealing with meltdowns.

In terms of days out, we tend to go to quiet places eg the beach or large country parks where it is quite isolated. We cannot meet up with friends due to 6 year Old's meltdowns. It's hard but I see it as a challenge to get to the end!!

Thesearmsofmine · 27/08/2019 12:49

Yes I am but for different reasons. My dc are home ed and we are looking forward to the parks and libraries being a bit quieter again.

Original poster
Nightjar1 · 27/08/2019 13:17

Temp, I invested in a bit of childcare these hols and it has made a difference plus given dc some stimulation but it is not available this week/end of last week plus it isn't daily. I know what you mean about re-energising to deal with tantrums/outbursts, this childcare has been invaluable for that. Interesting that you have re-framed it as a challenge, I keep dwelling on all of the things that we can't do instead of the things that we can, it's trying to keep a positive mind and throw yourself into things, is probably key.

OP posts:
SudowoodoVoodoo · 27/08/2019 13:44

I've got a senory 8yo on a long waiting list for ASD assessment, plus a younger sibling for him to bicker with.

I vowed after the ordeal of last year that I would get the younger one into sports club to give them a break from eachother which has helped. We've also timed going away to straddle the middle two weeks to break it up.

I seem to be finding it hard to psych up to get them out to do things and the changeable too hot/ too wet weather hasn't helped. They've just wanted to chill out with screen time which is much more limited in the busy term time. On the plus side, I can sneak off to a quiet corner until the next round of brother baiting takes place!

Just under two weeks left... I don't like being on the tail end of the country. Ours have to limp on exhausted as the rest of the country breaks up, then halfway through, everyone else seems to start dripping back in after their break.

dustarr73 · 27/08/2019 15:10

I have the countdown clock on.Next Monday,and i cant wait.Peace and quiet.

sheshootssheimplores · 27/08/2019 15:11

Yep. They’re ready for school again now 👍

topcat2014 · 27/08/2019 15:16

Our adopted 7 y/o joined us early August - and it has been full on!

EvilEdna1 · 27/08/2019 15:18

No because I work in a school.

EveryFlightBeginsWithAFall · 27/08/2019 15:20

Can’t wait , 6 year old has asd and possibly the 8 year old too. They constantly bicker

I don’t mind keeping the 16 year old off a few more weeks though , he’s great

TheBrockmans · 27/08/2019 15:25

Late family holidays help here, few weeks to adapt to not being at school, arrange to meet friends before they break up, sorting out stuff for holiday and next term, all sorted out before we go away then go on holiday just as they start to get sick of each other. The change of scenery means they are doing new things and forget to get bored/ argue.

ComeOnGordon · 27/08/2019 15:28

My teenagers are driving me crazy. A fight every day to get them off screens so end up having to spend money to get them out the house. It’s raining today so I was playing video games with them and then they started proper fighting. Roll on school

FormerlyFrikadela01 · 27/08/2019 15:34

This has been our first summer holidays since ds started preschool. I've enjoyed it and its been nice spending time with him but it's so clear that the change in routine effects him. Hes been fighting bedtimes, been very demanding and all round a bit more defiant than usual.

I'm looking forward to getting back into a routine but I will miss him on my days off. Me and DP work opposite shifts so its never been about childcare for us. The teachers at his nursery are so good and he gets so much benefit from it.

Oh and I'm not looking forward to sitting in school traffic after a 12 hour night shift. The holidays are bliss for this.

hazeyjane · 27/08/2019 16:27

3 dcs, 13 and 12 year old dds and 9 year old ds. Ds has complex needs, so that can be hard.

Screens on too much, snackbuffet seems constant, house is a wreck and the 3 of them swing from boredom to wrestling each other like angry bear cubs.....but god no, I'm dreading the end of the holidays. I hate it when they go back to school, and am a fucking emotional wreck about it (fuck you very much, menopausal hormones)