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Original poster

A question for teachers

12 replies

hippospot · 22/08/2023 17:23

If you have a) no kids, b) teenagers who are quite independent or c) grown-up children, and you're a teacher, but your OH is working, how do you occupy yourself during the summer?

My teens don't really need me much, although we've had plenty of outings. They are mostly quite happy at home, seeing friends from time to time, relaxing. I've done some deep cleaning and prep for the upcoming term but I'm now feeling really guilty just reading, seeing friends and relaxing because my OH is upstairs WFH every day 9-7. I took on his share of the chores so his domestic load is very light, but I still feel guilty nearly all the time. Seems ridiculous to be unable to actually enjoy my time off!

We did have a family holiday for two weeks all together last month.

How do you do things?

OP posts:
grafittiartist · 22/08/2023 17:27

Busy doing nothing! Well, not doing nothing- but just every day jobs, and taking my time over them.
I do feel a bit guilty about hobbies I should get back into, but happy just relaxing and recharging batteries.
Aren't we lucky!!

Lovetotravel123 · 22/08/2023 17:28

Use this as time for you. Term time is very busy and I imagine you work more than your DH during that time. Consider the holidays as a time to focus on your health. This is what I do. By looking after your own health and recharging you are also helping your family.

Maddy70 · 22/08/2023 17:28

Meeting friends for lunch , catching up on appointments dentist optician etc
Wasting hours on social. Media because I can

Original poster
hippospot · 22/08/2023 17:53

But is your partner working under the same roof? I think that's what I feel bad about!

OP posts:
Juniorjunior · 22/08/2023 18:20

I am a teacher (in Scotland though so already back at school) and my DH works full time from home. I think if you have taken over most of the mundane household tasks and often cook, then you don't need to feel guilty about relaxing in your summer holidays. I do find myself apologising if I feel like I haven't been very productive, but my DH always reminds me how hard I work and that I have earned this time.
Lose the guilt and make the most of your r and r!

Summermeadowflowers · 22/08/2023 18:24

hippospot · 22/08/2023 17:53

But is your partner working under the same roof? I think that's what I feel bad about!

I find this hard. I finished work at 37 weeks to go on maternity leave and DD arrived at 39 + 6. I felt lazy and sloth like trying to nap or watch TV with DH around.

I feel bad saying this but I really don’t like him WFH and wish he’d go back to the office. He’s supposed to be there two days a week but often doesn’t. I hate living in an office!

FoodieToo · 22/08/2023 19:09

Hippospot, I am in EXACTLY the same position !! However, I just tell poor DH he should have been a teacher !!
It all kicks off again next week and you will be dreaming of these lazy days ....
Enjoy !

Smartiepants79 · 22/08/2023 19:18

Not quite at this point yet with my kids but I can see me doing more of my hobbies. Visiting friends and family more. Projects on our house.
Don’t feel guilty. You’ve earned your time off.

stayingaliveisawayoflife · 22/08/2023 19:20

I am moving schools and classes this year and teaching new topics so I have been doing lots of prepping. Also making vocab key rings for my children. I had quite bad sciatica for two weeks so am now enjoying relaxing before going into school next week.

OctogenarianDecathlete · 22/08/2023 19:32

My kids are younger, not teens quite yet, and DH was a teacher so I don't feel guilty for him (he made choices!).

But my kids have moaned at every suggestion or attempt at outings this year. And then moaned at home. Trying to sort the house out is pointless, it's destroyed again in seconds.

I feel like we've done nothing. But I also feel like I/we can't do anything because of the moaning. I can't just go out by myself because I would feel guilty about leaving DH effectively responsible for the kids while he's supposed to be working.

I feel guilty because DC2 isn't out doing activities like we did when DC1 was his age. The tween moaning has infected him early.

Guilt. And waiting for nothing. It's been rubbish.

There's a massive pressure to have an amazing summer holiday. I've got friends who have travelled all over Europe etc. I don't even want to go to the coast, or anywhere in the car (both DCs get travel sick). We haven't been to see family (see aforementioned travel sickness).

I just feel so guilty. But also paralysed.

(And I have a hospital appointment tomorrow that I'm shitting it about and can't think about anything else or plan past tomorrow. I've been like this for the last fortnight at least.)

Groovee · 22/08/2023 19:35

I work in a term time nursery and I use the holidays to catch up with my friends who work full time or full year. Find it soon passes by.

Bluevelvetsofa · 22/08/2023 20:55

I always spent the first week of the holidays in school, then would usually do some deep cleaning and decorating. Sometimes we had a holiday for a week or two, then back into school for some days and doing shopping, meeting friends as well.

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