It’s that time of year again.
The school holidays are upon us, and at the time of writing there’s six looong weeks to get through until they’re over.
As a freelance journalist summer is one of the busiest times of the year for me, because everyone goes on holiday so more work is freelanced out, and because I can’t down tools I find the school holidays can be something of an ordeal.
Perhaps it’s because as a mum of three I’m outnumbered, or perhaps it’s because I work from home – probably both – either way, I find there are certain signs the school holidays have started, certain inescapable truths, whether it’s summer, Easter, Christmas or half term.
10 sure-fire signs the school holidays have started
1. The weather. After weeks, if not months, of glorious sunshine, you can put money on the start of the school holidays bringing with them rain, rain and more rain.
2. There are kids everywhere. And I mean everywhere. Who knew there were so many kids?
3. You develop The Look. The one that you and only fellow parents know. The one that says ‘I know, and there are still five weeks to go’.
4. You shell out money hand over fist and have precisely nothing to show for it. Except maybe whinging kids who still aren’t happy.
5. Your food bill goes through the roof. Who knew they could eat so much? It doesn’t cost this much in term time – it simply doesn’t make sense!
6. You suddenly realise the only clothes that actually fit them properly is their school uniform. And you have to spend even more money kitting them out with something that does.
7. The washing. That goes through the roof too. Literally.
8. All rules go out of the window. Like screen time and sugar. Anything for a quiet life.
9. There’s zero point trying to keep the house tidy in the daytime. Save your breath and let them get on with it.
10. Dens pop up in living rooms across the country. Save your breath and let them get on with that too, however bonkers it drives you.
Is it summer holiday time in your house too? How’s it going so far? Do tell!
Haha totally agree with these! #KCACOLS
Love this, no school runs will be great but having my house upside down and my fridge permently empty less so! #KCACOLS
Ah so true. Six weeks of empty fridge, within minutes of filling, more laundry than usual and rules being tested to the limit. I wouldn’t miss it. Roll on school breaking up this week. #MMBC
urgh the dens! and the money! and the whinging! It’s already started and he hasn’t finished yet!
Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time!
hahaha! I am laughing because it’s all true.
My two have had 3 weeks off already with moving house and I have spent a small fortune on food and I’m struggling to keep up with the washing. lol x
This made me laugh! Dens are big in our house this summer. #KCACOLS
Seriously though, we had glorious weather right up to the last day of term, then it tipped it down that day and all weekend! This is all so true, I don’t know whether to laugh or cry at most of it! x #KCACOLS
This is all so true. The house is a complete tip and there’s no way I will get back on top of it til September! #dreamteam
Haha! Loving the den building. I remember doing this when I was little. Sadly, mine isn’t a teeny bit interested in building her own out of chairs and sheets. It MUST be the teepee or beach shelter – complete with real wood fire and a suitcase filled with all the ironed clothing from her wardrobe. Roll on the summer! Thank you for joining us for the #DreamTeam xx
Yes, yes, yes to all these! We’ve had sooo many dens popping up already. We’re only a week or so in! #KCACOLS