Just a few more days until summer vacation starts for the kids. For us, that's a full two months—or exactly 9 weeks and 64.5 days. It feels immensely long!
I'll be thrilled to ditch the alarm clock, though my own 'Girl Alarm Clock' will still wake me bright and early. The best part? No more rigid schedules or morning rushes—that alone saves so much stress.
But bridging two full months is no small feat. As a stay-at-home mom, the kids are with me all summer. Yet after just two days, they're bickering nonstop, and by week's end, they're whining, 'When does school start again?'—leaving me utterly drained.
Throughout the year, I stockpile activities to keep school holidays fun: game books, craft supplies, crosswords, crochet wool, coloring pages, paper... sourced from local stores with deals. But that won't fill an entire summer.
So, we plan outings too. My son heads to a 5-day soccer camp in the Netherlands with friends, joins circus week at his sister's circus school, and spends a few days at Speelplein with schoolmates whose parents work there. My daughter visits her foster mom to stay socially connected. All told, that's just 15 days of 'occupational therapy'—and very spread out.
As a mom with health challenges, keeping the kids engaged daily is tough. In past summers, a wonderful young helper joined us for half-days of tinkering, painting, beach trips, and playground adventures—an extra pair of hands made all the difference. But she grew up and started working, so we've been searching for a replacement: someone reliable and affordable to watch my special youngest daughter and energetic son while I rest.
Looking ahead, we're hoping to secure the PGB we've requested, making childcare easier for our youngest—especially since her foster mom retires next year. The oldest is easier to occupy.
Still, two months is a marathon! Yet I'm counting down to sunny days, poolside clothes, a cluttered garden, restful kids, and silencing that school-pickup alarm.
And I know... on the first day of school, I'll sit here in my suddenly quiet house, missing my children 😉
Also read: activities during the summer holidays for the children
