Despite common assumptions, most teachers do not go into the profession because they have off for the summer. I would be perfectly fine (in fact, I would prefer) if the school system changed to be year-round with shorter breaks between semesters or trimesters.
That being said, the summer does have its advantages.
Some things I love about summer include:
- Morning snuggles with my kids.
- No make-up!!
- Sometimes, I don’t wash my hair for days.
- Grocery shopping during the day.
- The possibility of squeezing in a short nap in the afternoon while 1yo takes his.
- Less pressure to get to sleep at a decent hour.
- The absence of the dark cloud that hangs over Sunday night.
Even with all these benefits, it’s at this point in the summer that I start to feel the itch to go back to school. I am not disciplined enough to be at home all the time. I admire stay-at-home-parents who can keep their families on a productive schedule, but I am not like that. I thrive when I’m busy. In fact, I would even go so far as to say that I am a better parent when I am busy.
I may eat my words next week when I’m gone all day to teach at an integrated arts camp, but I suspect not. In the meantime, I will continue to wear ponytails and declare afternoon snuggle times.