Mum guilt- not a single day downtime

[GotMooMilk]

Reading the thread on kids downtime in the holidays and all the posts on how many days just pottering at home chilling etc and I felt a massive stab of guilt.
Of the 6 weeks 3 weeks DC are in holiday club Mon-Thurs. One week there with my parents and the last2 we are on holiday. Fridays are all taken up- travelling to my parents or travelling on holiday. I don’t have a single day bar our holiday of pottering at home. I’m a nurse so get limited leave as does DH- we have used a lot go half terms etc.
This is normal/ok right? We spend time at weekend and evenings and obviously on holiday. I wish I could be off with them all summer it sounds blissful. I feel a bit tearful now which is silly.

Totally normal and your summer sounds like a lot of fun <3

I think it's so different for different children - some need the downtime & are happy to potter, and some (like some of mine and possibly yours too) are allergic to it!

Some of mine are super active and need to be out every day - they just don't enjoy downtime.

If yours are happy and not tearful/exhausted then their summer sounds incredible - 2 weeks away on holiday must be such a highlight for them. Enjoy x

It is exactly the same for us - one week with my parents, two weeks holiday with us and 3 weeks holiday clubs. I comfort myself that there will be some downtime with my parents. There is no other choice when you have to work and have limited leave though is there. And certainly for mine, it's what she is used to.

You work, they need caring for, they go to summer camp, like tons of other kids. It's perfectly fine and normal.

Don't feel guilty for having a job

Sounds like a lovely holiday! They can have downtime at your parents and whilst you're all on holiday if needed

A change is as good as a rest they say

Thanks all. Holiday will be chill- lots of pool and beach and child led which will be nice. My parents are busy people so will have plans but also there will be downtime.
We can't win can we! Thanks for all the kind words. At least kids clubs these days are a lot more fun than I remember them being as a child!

Whatever you choose to do someone will make you feel bad about it! Don’t worry. Your plan sounds great! Have a lovely holiday! Xxx