I hate summer. I never know if it's latent covid ptsd or just selfishness or the screens or what. Whatever it is, I have it bad. Every year I try a new approach- this year it's pretending we aren't traveling because "seattle is it's best in the summer!" when really it's because we can't afford it (Being smug rather than being honest is one of my worst traits, and summer brings out my worst traits! Deal with it, everyone.)
Also, slow death, no dignity (mom edition) is the title of my summer, my year, my heart and mind at every moment. I know you get this hell, and your ability to be funny on the other side brings me a lot of hope.
In the US, we had 12 weeks of summer break in a smoggy place that was always too hot to go outside. Ugh... how do Americans deal with that? I was ready to riot. Now back in the EU, we are down to 6-1/2 weeks and really, honestly, *what a difference* this makes, even if the kid can fend for herself while every other family takes three weeks at the seaside. The only thing we had in common in both places is that no one anywhere understands "we can't afford to take a vacation," and I really would like to have a conversation about that aspect. Like, can we not talk about class, especially now that Americans are coming to Europe to "work remotely" while sending their kids to "cheap" camps and pricing us locals out?
I would kill for 6.5 weeks!! It seems like the perfect amount of time. Don’t get be wrong I’d still lose my mind… two weeks is too much in the winter.
And yes you’re right! I’ve been trying to talk about not being able to afford stuff more, which is totally normal with some friends but feels increasingly verboten or just uncomfortable in parenting circles. Be the change, I guess. It’s funny because since when is spending 5-10 grand on a family vacation a few times a year the NORMAL position?
OMG that Cup of Jo thing - I wanted to send it to you, but that seemed weird, but I somehow knew it would be your favorite part! I am adding the Fawn book to my list, because I loved On the Calculation of Volume Part 1. Part 2 is on deck!
AI pep rally at a middle school does not surprise me which is very depressing. Also, I didn't think anyone had a longer summer than we do (state mandated bc of tourism?!!), but ours is "only" 10.5 weeks.
Your writing always pierces right through me with how good it is. Also, why isn't it more universally accepted to hate summer break with kids? I truly don't understand.
10 weeks in British Columbia and it’s one more week than usual this year because of calendar weirdness (late Labour Day). I’m trying out “parent camp” this summer and already hate it (it hasn’t started yet).
I am heartbroken to read about teachers being furloughed because of budget reasons.
Wall to wall day camps is the way to go and also OUCH 🤑. For two kids under 12 and only 10 weeks of summer (one of the kids is doing 2 weeks of sleepaway camp), we will prob spend around $4k…and some of these camps still end at NOON. As someone who would also prefer 4 hours of solitude per day to not lose my mind, this ain’t cutting it.
I hate summer. I never know if it's latent covid ptsd or just selfishness or the screens or what. Whatever it is, I have it bad. Every year I try a new approach- this year it's pretending we aren't traveling because "seattle is it's best in the summer!" when really it's because we can't afford it (Being smug rather than being honest is one of my worst traits, and summer brings out my worst traits! Deal with it, everyone.)
Also, slow death, no dignity (mom edition) is the title of my summer, my year, my heart and mind at every moment. I know you get this hell, and your ability to be funny on the other side brings me a lot of hope.
Love your writing - glad to see more of it!
In the US, we had 12 weeks of summer break in a smoggy place that was always too hot to go outside. Ugh... how do Americans deal with that? I was ready to riot. Now back in the EU, we are down to 6-1/2 weeks and really, honestly, *what a difference* this makes, even if the kid can fend for herself while every other family takes three weeks at the seaside. The only thing we had in common in both places is that no one anywhere understands "we can't afford to take a vacation," and I really would like to have a conversation about that aspect. Like, can we not talk about class, especially now that Americans are coming to Europe to "work remotely" while sending their kids to "cheap" camps and pricing us locals out?
I would kill for 6.5 weeks!! It seems like the perfect amount of time. Don’t get be wrong I’d still lose my mind… two weeks is too much in the winter.
And yes you’re right! I’ve been trying to talk about not being able to afford stuff more, which is totally normal with some friends but feels increasingly verboten or just uncomfortable in parenting circles. Be the change, I guess. It’s funny because since when is spending 5-10 grand on a family vacation a few times a year the NORMAL position?
LOVE
Missouri. Summer break because of new calendar is 13 weeks
13 weeks...
May 20 to August 25.
I have 10 weeks of kid camps. 3 weeks of me off with them.
Noooooooo
If this is anywhere near you, I highly recommend it as a weekend activity if you guys haven't been.
https://thebelmontgoats.org/
I've been a few times, at their last location and this huge new space when down to see friends, it's great. So much (free) goat petting!
Also, the Cup of Jo piece was beautiful (and your mother really was beautiful, too).
Oh man yes, my mom used to take my kids to visit them, it’s probably time to go back!!
OMG that Cup of Jo thing - I wanted to send it to you, but that seemed weird, but I somehow knew it would be your favorite part! I am adding the Fawn book to my list, because I loved On the Calculation of Volume Part 1. Part 2 is on deck!
AI pep rally at a middle school does not surprise me which is very depressing. Also, I didn't think anyone had a longer summer than we do (state mandated bc of tourism?!!), but ours is "only" 10.5 weeks.
Hahaha you KNEW. I think you’ll like night night fawn. The bigotry is a different flavor than southern but the dance is the same 🕺🏽
I'll report back!
"Unfortunately, my favorite part" LOL ILY
Lolol
Love thissssssss 👏👏👏👏👏
you are so funny and also i want to note that you influenced me into reading NIGHT NIGHT FAWN and i love it
yess this makes me so happy
Jesus fucking Christ re: the AI pep rally!!!!!!!!
Dude
Your writing always pierces right through me with how good it is. Also, why isn't it more universally accepted to hate summer break with kids? I truly don't understand.
10 weeks in British Columbia and it’s one more week than usual this year because of calendar weirdness (late Labour Day). I’m trying out “parent camp” this summer and already hate it (it hasn’t started yet).
I am heartbroken to read about teachers being furloughed because of budget reasons.
Yeah we are too broke this year for my (imperfect) preference, wall-to-wall day camps. Though I’m pretty sure that ship has sailed for my 12yo. 😩
Wall to wall day camps is the way to go and also OUCH 🤑. For two kids under 12 and only 10 weeks of summer (one of the kids is doing 2 weeks of sleepaway camp), we will prob spend around $4k…and some of these camps still end at NOON. As someone who would also prefer 4 hours of solitude per day to not lose my mind, this ain’t cutting it.
OUCH that is a long summer break
PS wtf w/ that AI assembly?!
12 weeks in Michigan!! They were done May 29th 😫
A) ours is FOURTEEN WEEKS
B) i loved every sentence in this post
C) when will my time in the bosom of CoJ commenters come please god
D) couldn’t have ordered night night fawn faster
Fourteen???????????
this was so good