As a teacher, I live for summer vacation – the season of sun, relaxation, and endless possibilities. But reality hits, and I realize I’m a mom. Instead of lounging on the beach with a good summer read, I’ve become a full-time chauffeur for my ever-so-active children. Buckle up because I’m taking you on a wild ride through my daily summer adventures, driving my kids from one activity to the next!
It all starts bright and early with a carpool to camp. As a seasoned mom, I know the only way to survive multiple dropoffs is to have a carpool and use the dropoff lane. Before the kids hop out, ensure they are slathered in sunscreen and wearing the appropriate dress for each theme day.
Now, don’t get confused and think I’m getting some free time. Most sports camps are only a few hours and cost a fortune.
Then, my teenage son likes to make his own plans, and I’m his ride. Sometimes, it’s off to the marina for some fishing. My son (and his friends) are armed with rods, bait, and the naive hope of catching “the big one.” On other days, it’s requests to be dropped off downtown or to hang out in someone’s pool with friends.
Or friends need to be picked up and brought to our house. When they were younger, I loved play dates. It was an unofficial support group meeting with coffee and was as much for my sanity as it was to build friendships. But now play dates have transformed into hangouts and I’m solo. It’s a chaotic gathering where kids scream, laugh, play video games, stare at their phones, and occasionally hit each other with Wiffle ball bats.
Next, I brave the grocery store and run any other errands. It’s an endurance test to see how quickly I can get in and out of the stores to fit in some work emails. My credit card gets more of a workout than I do.
After a quick pit stop for lunch, often any drive-through, it’s time to pick the kids up at camp and then cart them to lacrosse practice. The smell of freshly cut grass and the sound of teenagers clashing sticks is my new late-afternoon soundtrack. With a cold brew in hand, I watch from the sidelines, attempting to work while, in reality, I’m scrolling through social media.
Sometimes, I stop for ice cream to reward the kids (and myself) for surviving the day. The kids debate flavors like it’s the most critical decision of their lives.
Finally, we return home. The kids are exhausted but still full of energy, while I’m just plain tired. They recount the day’s adventures in detail as I nod along, secretly dreaming of my bed and stressing over my growing to-do list while I heat up dinner.
Once the kids are tucked in, I savor a quiet moment, knowing we’ll do it all over again because summer is all about making memories…and perfecting my driving skills.
