The first week of summer has finally arrived, and I could not be more excited! As I was driving home from the last day of school, I started to think about how this summer was going to be different from my last. And that got me thinking about how my view of summer is different from my parents. It always has been...
The Summer After Kindergarten
My View: We are one week into summer and I am still grieving over the fact that school is over. I loved school! But, it was OK because summer was going to consist of my awesome babysitter, games, naps and play dates. Who could ask for more?
My Parents' View: We are one week into summer and my kids are driving me nuts! One day, they are crying because school is over and the next day they are happily playing a game of tag. Now that they are home, I am constantly hearing complaints about how bored they are. And who knew how hard it would be to plan play dates?
The Summer After Fifth Grade
My View: I am beyond ready to take on middle school! I am tired of these petty elementary school teachers treating me like a baby. But this summer was going to be long. I could not wait to go to a bigger school with all the older kids! In the mean time, I would be "hanging out" (not playing) with my friends and taking a family vacation to Florida!
My Parents' View: I can't believe my baby is growing up so fast! I still remember dropping her off to her first day of kindergarten, and now she's in middle school! Time just flies by! The next thing you know, she will be going to college! Unfortunately, my daughter now thinks the older kids in middle school will think she isn't cool if she is seen in public with her mom. She has reached the stage where all she wants to do is play, or "hang out," with her friends.
The Summer After Eight Grade
My View: Middle school is over and I am officially a high school student! I am ready to take on all of those hard classes and get a little more freedom. But I am not in a hurry for September to arrive. My friends and I have already made plans to have weekly pool parties and movie dates.
My Parents' View: Is it bad that I am more worried about high school than my daughter is? She is so young! What if a big senior bullies her? What if she gets knocked down by an upperclassman? What if she gets... a boyfriend?
The Summer After Junior Year
My View: I am so relieved that school is over! I thought it would never end. The last couple summers have consisted of vacations with my friends, music festivals and water balloon fights. But unfortunately, I am working a countless number of hours this summer. And I have to complete my college applications and essays. And I am volunteering three days a week. And because my friends are all in the same boat, it is close to impossible to try and find a day that works for all of us to hang out. Sounds like fun, right?
My Parents' View: My baby is going to college next year! I can't even believe it! Where has time gone? She has her driver's license now, though, so I don't have to be her chauffeur. So this summer, I get to relax!
The Summer after Senior Year
My View: Hallelujah!
My Parents' View: Hallelujah!
