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

[Nightjar1]

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?

Well the anxiety over school starting back has now kicked in for ds, no sleep, and shouting and throwing stuff over the slightest thing before melting into a sobbing wreck.......big fucking yay.

Nope. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with DS. I’ll really miss him next week.

I'm not looking forward to getting up earlier but my god I will enjoy the peace. DS does not shut up. He's constantly chuntering on, most of the time it's repetitive twaddle like his granny but he also gets up in the night Just To Talk as well. There's no break from it. And all cushions will remain on the sofa for longer than 5 minutes and there will be no children rolling around on the floor. I'll only need to go to the supermarket once a week and won't be constantly feeding and emptying the dishwasher.

By 9 am this morning (when she would have been safely tucked up at school) middle dc was jumping on my settee and encouraging her sister who is a toddler to follow her (that's after dc2 had cleaned the bathroom floor with my shower sponge and tormented toddler with a football). At 10.30 am eldest dc still in dressing gown etc smuggled an ice lolly out of the freezer whilst I was tending to toddler dc. It goes on and on and on...

Just 5 more days here: mine go back on Wednesday.

I only have 2 dc and they're both school age but one has additional needs which can make days in or out difficult.

We don't have much in the way of childcare either so we rarely get a break. My mum took them to the caravan for 2 days at the start of the holidays but has had to work and look after other grandchildren since then so I don't like asking. All other family members work odd shifts so I never ask them either (and, as a supply teacher, I get the summer holidays off work I refuse to let them use me as an unofficial holiday club so it works both ways!)

Your morning sounds hectic and I'm not surprised you're exhausted! You said your middle child can concentrate on drawing and colouring for a time. Would it work if you set that up on a table away from your toddler and then plonk the toddler in front of Peppa for an hour?

In Ireland and they went back yesterday. Our house was serene and amicable last night. It was heavenly. Mine are delighted to be back with their friends

@IRememberSoIDo mine are back tomorrow.Im in Ireland as well.And i cant wait.