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Original poster

Sad about kids starting school again

77 replies

MonsterBoo · 04/09/2025 19:56

Does anyone else feel really depressed at their kids starting school again? It's making me so miserable 😞 do other parents feel this way? I see so many saying they are glad they are back which I do understand but I just feel so sad and depressed about it and on the count down to the next time off

OP posts:
Rainbowdays123 · 04/09/2025 19:59

If I’m honest I don’t relate to this at all. I enjoy spending time together in the holidays but I wouldn’t want them home all the time and I think getting back into routine is good for all of us. I also feel knackered from the school holiday work juggle!

Original poster
MonsterBoo · 04/09/2025 20:01

Rainbowdays123 · 04/09/2025 19:59

If I’m honest I don’t relate to this at all. I enjoy spending time together in the holidays but I wouldn’t want them home all the time and I think getting back into routine is good for all of us. I also feel knackered from the school holiday work juggle!

Ah ok as I said I can understand parents who don't feel this way

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Rainbowdays123 · 04/09/2025 20:03

Can you look at the positives? Routine is good for them, school is a place of wonder and learning, you don’t have to book 8 million different holiday clubs, they get to see their friends, you can drink a cuppa in peace? Maybe it helps to reframe it in your head?

DublinLaLaLa · 04/09/2025 20:03

I also feel this way. However, I’m also a teacher so there is a bit of sadness over the fact that my holidays are over too! 😆

Thisiswhathappens · 04/09/2025 20:04

I feel like this, time is precious and I would rather have him home. It’s not practical though with work etc and it’s good for them to socialise and get into a routine. I think I’m the minority, I saw parents practically running out of the school gates on their return 😝

Ineedanewsofa · 04/09/2025 20:04

How old are your kids? Do you work? I love us all being off together but I work full time so only have a small amount of holiday I can use which is makes it not fun!
I think after 9 weeks off we all needed the structure of school back

Original poster
MonsterBoo · 04/09/2025 20:05

Rainbowdays123 · 04/09/2025 20:03

Can you look at the positives? Routine is good for them, school is a place of wonder and learning, you don’t have to book 8 million different holiday clubs, they get to see their friends, you can drink a cuppa in peace? Maybe it helps to reframe it in your head?

My kids don't go to holiday clubs

OP posts:
Rainbowdays123 · 04/09/2025 20:06

MonsterBoo · 04/09/2025 20:05

My kids don't go to holiday clubs

Show quote history

Ok but all those other things are positives aren’t they?

Original poster
MonsterBoo · 04/09/2025 20:06

Thisiswhathappens · 04/09/2025 20:04

I feel like this, time is precious and I would rather have him home. It’s not practical though with work etc and it’s good for them to socialise and get into a routine. I think I’m the minority, I saw parents practically running out of the school gates on their return 😝

Yeah I feel like I barely see them once they are at school and then we don't really get to do things after as they are always tired so it's just home dinner and bed. I've loved the holidays and spending time together feels like school takes so much of their childhood but definitely the minority to feel this way!

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BendingSpoons · 04/09/2025 20:14

I really enjoy the holidays with the kids. I do work but work less hours during the holidays, so can spend time with them.

However I tell the kids that you need routine and mundane to really value the special break from routine. So going to school makes us value the holidays more. If there was no school, then being at home would become the norm and less exciting.

Original poster
MonsterBoo · 04/09/2025 20:25

BendingSpoons · 04/09/2025 20:14

I really enjoy the holidays with the kids. I do work but work less hours during the holidays, so can spend time with them.

However I tell the kids that you need routine and mundane to really value the special break from routine. So going to school makes us value the holidays more. If there was no school, then being at home would become the norm and less exciting.

They are at school an awful long time though it's sad 😔

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ginginginnygin · 04/09/2025 20:29

I’m happy for them to go back. I just wish that we all had a four day week. We’re all exhausted by Fri and I’d love more down time. Term times feel so relentless but I’m a teacher and my kids have go to two different schools. As we’ve moved to two-parent working households being the norm, it feels like kids have an intense week of school and wrap around care and not enough down time/ play time.

ItsAWonderfulLifeforMe · 04/09/2025 21:24

I have had my 2 at home full time without a break and I can’t relate to this at all! Do your children not argue/ say they are bored/ disagree on what to play/ can’t agree on where to go / say they miss their friends etc?

Maybe you have lots of family help/ lots of holidays / disposable income for days out or you have the patience of a saint or really easygoing children, but 6 weeks was absolutely long enough and we all need the stimulation / routine and social side of school! (Edit, I think if I just had x1 I might think differently but having x2 girls constantly negotiating the whole day drove me slightly insane)

mumofoneAloneandwell · 04/09/2025 21:28

it makes me feel sad at how fast time is going by, I guess

Was looking at baby photos of dd today while she was at school 🥺🥺

But I don't miss not having time to myself. What do you do when she is at school? Maybe you need something to distract you?

I love to scroll on tiktok 😭 but thats not good for the mental. Maybe explore your area, if you're in a city? Or try a new book?

I loved 'the seven husbands of Evelyn hugo' - was really good xx

Comedycook · 04/09/2025 21:32

No I don't feel like this and never have to be honest. Even when they're in school I feel we have plenty of time together after school and at the weekends.

Is there nothing you would like to do while they're at school that you can't usually....I like going for a peaceful swim or walk and baking quietly in my kitchen...or even just decluttering in peace.

Onionringsforbreakfast · 04/09/2025 21:33

We had some lovely times this summer and it was nice to chill out but I need to work which I cannot do at all with DD around.

DD is an only child but likes and wants the company of other kids so I found the holidays financially and emotionally draining as I’m constantly either paying for activities or arranging / hosting play dates that are never reciprocated.

Fatiguedwithlife · 04/09/2025 21:36

I used to miss my eldest when it was just me and her. I even home educated for a number of years. Now she’s grown up and the younger two are both in school, I must say I enjoy the peace. But only because I know they’re content and settled.
You need to focus on occupying yourself if DV are happy, it’s not fair on them for you to need them to be fulfilled in yourself iykwim

Original poster
MonsterBoo · 04/09/2025 21:38

ItsAWonderfulLifeforMe · 04/09/2025 21:24

I have had my 2 at home full time without a break and I can’t relate to this at all! Do your children not argue/ say they are bored/ disagree on what to play/ can’t agree on where to go / say they miss their friends etc?

Maybe you have lots of family help/ lots of holidays / disposable income for days out or you have the patience of a saint or really easygoing children, but 6 weeks was absolutely long enough and we all need the stimulation / routine and social side of school! (Edit, I think if I just had x1 I might think differently but having x2 girls constantly negotiating the whole day drove me slightly insane)

Edited

I didn't start this for a debate so if you don't feel this way please feel free to scroll by, I did acknowledge that I understand why most parents don't feel this way. I am neither rich nor do I have lots of family support in fact I'm a single parent and days out don't have to cost a lot.

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WhatMe123 · 04/09/2025 21:39

Mine spent most the holidays bickering and arguing so tbh I need the break and I think they need the break from each other so no I feel quite glad they're back 🙈🙈

Original poster
MonsterBoo · 04/09/2025 21:39

Comedycook · 04/09/2025 21:32

No I don't feel like this and never have to be honest. Even when they're in school I feel we have plenty of time together after school and at the weekends.

Is there nothing you would like to do while they're at school that you can't usually....I like going for a peaceful swim or walk and baking quietly in my kitchen...or even just decluttering in peace.

As said I am aware many parents don't feel this way so please feel free to scroll by as didn't mean this to start a debate otherwise would have posted in AIBU.

OP posts:
Original poster
MonsterBoo · 04/09/2025 21:40

WhatMe123 · 04/09/2025 21:39

Mine spent most the holidays bickering and arguing so tbh I need the break and I think they need the break from each other so no I feel quite glad they're back 🙈🙈

Again that's fine if you don't feel this way I hope this doesn't come across as rude but I'm asking if anyone does? I know most parents are over the moon their kids are back at school

OP posts:
Runnersandtoms · 04/09/2025 21:42

MonsterBoo · 04/09/2025 19:56

Does anyone else feel really depressed at their kids starting school again? It's making me so miserable 😞 do other parents feel this way? I see so many saying they are glad they are back which I do understand but I just feel so sad and depressed about it and on the count down to the next time off

I always love the school holidays but then I work term time so never had to deal with the childcare juggle. I do understand people who are desperate for kids to go back but for me the six weeks always go by too quickly. I love spending more time with my kids (even now they're teens).

LavenderBlue19 · 04/09/2025 21:45

Do you have anything else going on in your life, OP? A job, other family/friends to see, hobbies you can start up again? I ask because it is quite normal for parents to be pleased their children are back at school. Humans tend to thrive on routine, and they're getting an education which is vitally important. Holidays are lovely because they're not the norm.

My child seems really happy to be back at school, full of chat and singing (and better behaved than he was towards the end of the holidays). Him being happy makes me happy.

Triffid14 · 04/09/2025 21:46

yes @MonsterBoo I do feel this way and can relate to you. I also don’t have any help at home. I really enjoy spending time with my DC during the holidays and find school routine more stressful than anything. The rush to get out, the lack of flexibility in what we can do with the day. Plus one of my dc dislikes school and I don’t particularly like sending them somewhere that stresses them out.

lets count down to the next long break :)

Original poster
MonsterBoo · 04/09/2025 21:47

LavenderBlue19 · 04/09/2025 21:45

Do you have anything else going on in your life, OP? A job, other family/friends to see, hobbies you can start up again? I ask because it is quite normal for parents to be pleased their children are back at school. Humans tend to thrive on routine, and they're getting an education which is vitally important. Holidays are lovely because they're not the norm.

My child seems really happy to be back at school, full of chat and singing (and better behaved than he was towards the end of the holidays). Him being happy makes me happy.

I'm fully aware of that as I've said many times, I have seen relentless posts of people going on and on about how great it is that their kids are back at school so I'm definitely aware the majority of parents prefer their kids at school I'm asking if anyone else doesn't feel this way..

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