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Easter hols have destroyed me

143 replies

YukoandHiro · 16/04/2023 10:50

I'm an absolute husk. And there's an inset day tomorrow too!

I can't believe how hard I work only for my holidays to be much much harder work. For reference I have a 2yo and a 5yo and work 4 days a week. I am so much less exhausted when completely flat out working!

Tell me the teen years are a little easier on this point? I feel like a shell of myself

OP posts:
electricmoccasins · 16/04/2023 11:53

roarfeckingroarr · 16/04/2023 11:08

I know. Why can't they use one of the holiday days for training?! It's not like they're short of them,

Teachers do use their holiday days for training. In 1987, education secretary, Kenneth Baker, shortened the summer holidays by 5 days (from seven to six weeks, and reallocated those days as teacher training days. The children therefore still get that week but scattered throughout the year. The teachers lost those five days’ holiday.

BlackFriday · 16/04/2023 11:56

Why can't they use one of the holiday days for training?

But they already do! Inset days were originally taken out of teachers' holiday, not the children's. So if there was no inset day tomorrow for you, the children would still be home. It would be the teachers benefitting from the day off.

MissBPotter · 16/04/2023 11:58

roarfeckingroarr · 16/04/2023 11:08

I know. Why can't they use one of the holiday days for training?! It's not like they're short of them,

That would be because teachers’ holidays are unpaid so they can’t be expected to train on a day where they aren’t paid…. If you’re exhausted looking after two kids ever wonder how exhausting teaching is? Although I’m completely zonked after having my three this holiday so I agree with op on that.

Grimbelina · 16/04/2023 12:00

It does get easier generally (although less so with my neurodiverse child!). I am on my knees too... and one of mine has two inset days next week....

theWarOnPeace · 16/04/2023 12:01

My kids are much easier as time has gone on, but the last two weeks have depleted all of my energy reserves! I’ve had two weeks off work, but I’ve had to fit in spending quality time with them, doing nice activities, and sorting out our lives.

I did try to get as much done around work before Easter started but just didn’t have the time. In between days out, cinema, baking, I’ve been doing tonnes of family admin, doctors and dentists and a massive clear out (the last round now all in the boot of my bloody car!). As much as I’d prefer not to use my kids’ holiday time on boring stuff, I have explained to them that it’s part of life and that if they help it’ll be done quicker. They are pre-teens and are getting the hang of being more helpful, but I’ve still found the two weeks incredibly tiring.

Inset day Monday which I would have been thrilled with if it was one of our golden years of tropical holidays, but no! I’m back at work and need them all to keep quiet as I have lots of Teams meetings scheduled. Tuesday is going to be so relaxing, despite being at work.

It does get easier, but if like me you’ve let life admin pile up, that then can bite you on the arse. I will say though I feel good about the rest of the year with so much done. It was nice also that we put a lot of toys etc out the front with a sign saying ‘please take’ and people often knocked with their kids to ask if it was ok to take. We all enjoyed waving off the old toys, younger kids clutching them happily. My youngest said last night that was his best bit of the holiday, and he would remember it forever. The others loved pizza making and spring cleaning the garden. I think they’ve had a good break and maybe learned some life lessons along the way, it’s just me that’s wiped out!

DivorceConfusion · 16/04/2023 12:06

I read your thread title and instantly guessed the ages. Yes at that age holidays are harder than work!!!
Once they’re all in school it’s sooo much better. They can entertain themselves more, going on holiday is easier and there’s holiday clubs as well.
I remember having three under 5 during the holidays and counting the days till I could go back to work sometimes😂😂😂

YukoandHiro · 16/04/2023 12:10

@theWarOnPeace that is so lovely about your children waving goodbye to their old toys and happily seeing them going on to new lives - a new chapter for everyone!

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 16/04/2023 12:13

roarfeckingroarr · 16/04/2023 11:08

I know. Why can't they use one of the holiday days for training?! It's not like they're short of them,

Do you use your annual leave for mandatory work CPD?

When training days were introduced they were taken from teachers' holidays in the first place.

Caterina99 · 16/04/2023 12:14

Mine are 5 and 7 and although I’m very much looking forward to them going back to school tomorrow, I’ve quite enjoyed the holidays and the break from the morning routine. Kids are old enough to play together in garden, watch tv etc, and it’s just less intense than toddlers.

But we did spend a long weekend at grandparents, who don’t see them much and are very happy to entertain them, do bedtime routine, cook all meals etc, so it was a nice rest for me. I might feel less relaxed if I’d spent 2 weeks solid at home with them!

ilovesooty · 16/04/2023 12:17

Sailingaround · 16/04/2023 11:17

Whether they have children/ caring responsibilities or not is even irrelevant. No one should be expected to do training on their holiday, but I think that poster was joking tbf.

She probably isn't joking. I've seen enough of her posts to suspect she's serious.

OconsRazor · 16/04/2023 12:17

I have a 10 and 12 year old and don't find it easier. They still need an adult present all the time, one wants to go out and the other doesn't, the stuff they want to do costs a fortune...

Nonverbalmum · 16/04/2023 12:19

Completely hear you OP. I have DS (5 with additional needs and is really full on at the moment) and his 6 month old brother (who spends most of his time screaming in frustration at his lack of crawling ability). I’m on my knees and thankfully DS is back at school tomorrow, at least I only have one to contend with at home.

It started off so well with a sunny warm few days, I bought a pool, new garden bits, hoping it would be easy but the rain has ruined and DS’s friends having chickenpox has most plans. I felt overly optimistic about MIL’s week long stay as she claimed she wanted to ‘help with the kids’ but just sat watching Pointless and other game shows for five days so 🤷🏼‍♀️

The house is a tip and I just want to have a piss on my own without two spectators. I honestly can’t wait to go back to work.

Ithoughtsummerwascoming · 16/04/2023 12:20

I was a sahm op.. Yes it's absolutely exhausting.

However this Easter has been wonderful and so much easier. They can dress themselves, get breakfast or a drink and mostly entertain themselves. I'll never forget how hard it was though especially in the holidays and in cold wet weather with small dc.

IJustHadToLookHavingReadTheBook · 16/04/2023 12:22

I thought that my two had an INSET tomorrow and found out on Thursday that they haven't. I couldn't be happier if I'd been awarded a cash bonus. I did a little dance.

SazCat · 16/04/2023 12:22

2 and 6 year old here, and yes work is so much less exhausting and easier!!!

I'm actually increasing work from 3 to 4 days next year when free hrs kick in for an easier life 😂

Caspianberg · 16/04/2023 12:28

I actually had an ok Easter week with 3 year old. We barely did anything instead of rushing around everywhere and I think it really helped. We have all been getting over sniffles the weeks before so just tried to rest more.

Potted around garden and house doing bits, baked, local walks and park. Supermarket, small local garden centre. Popped to friends. Thats it.

Far more relaxed that stressed about getting to holiday swim session, or events.

MyMachineAndMe · 16/04/2023 12:29

Mine are 10&12 and they more or less entertain themselves. They always have, even when little. The holidays are easy when they go out and play and all I have to do is make sure they eat, drink and come home at appropriate times!

AnneElliott · 16/04/2023 12:35

I agrée teen-agers are easier. Mine sorts his own plans mostly and even if he is at home he's in his room sleeping or playing the guitar. Much much easier than when he was a full on toddler!

midnightblue12 · 16/04/2023 12:36

You're not alone!
I'm a single parent to a 2 and 6 year old. I work 3 days also.
I just have mum guilt no matter what I do, I never feel like I do enough even though I do!! I just can't bare to be sat in front of the tele and my children hate crafts and drawing!
I've also had Covid over the Easter holidays. I've put half a stone on through comfort eating 🙈
I love my children more then anything but I've found these rainy poorly Easter holidays hard!!!
I'll miss them tomorrow ♥️

dottiedodah · 16/04/2023 12:43

Why on earth should Teachers have to use their precious holidays for Training ? No one else does! DH works for BT. Im sure that he and his colleagues would be pleased to do likewise /not! Weather is a bummer sometimes.Probably be sunny this week!

thatsn0tmyname · 16/04/2023 12:46

Teachers do use their holidays for INSET. They lost 5 days in 1988 when Baker days were introduced. Pupils still attend school for 195 days per year.

ilovesooty · 16/04/2023 12:48

I'm still interested in whether @roarfeckingroarr uses her annual leave for mandatory CPD.

I bet she doesn't.

thatsn0tmyname · 16/04/2023 12:49

Beg pardon, teachers work 195 days, pupils attend 190 days PA.

lipikar · 16/04/2023 12:49

I have another whole week of Easter to tolerate, so no sympathy from me, sorry,

Pepperama · 16/04/2023 12:53

Much easier from middle childhood. I get precious time to just sit down and relax without a small human being wanting something every minute of every day!

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