Summer Vacation From a Mom's Point of View

In a few weeks (maybe sooner), kids across the country will trade in their backpacks for beach bags. While kids couldn't be happier to do away with books and teachers' dirty looks, moms have mixed emotions when it comes to Summer vacation. Sure, there are plenty of perks that come with some time away from school — three months without carpool duty, last-minute science projects, and Common Core assignments — but there are also a few downsides. Here, we take a look at all the things, both good and bad, that come with Summer vacation. Source: Warner Bros.

01
The last day of school arrives, and everyone is excited!

The last day of school arrives, and everyone is excited!

You actually can't tell who's happier — you or your kids! Source: Bunim-Murray Productions

02
The first few days are filled with fun in the sun.

The first few days are filled with fun in the sun.

03
You enjoy a trip to the beach.

You enjoy a trip to the beach.

Source: Warner Bros.

04
You indulge in the best Summer food.

You indulge in the best Summer food.

05
A few weeks in, the kids start to complain.

A few weeks in, the kids start to complain.

Source: NBC

06
You search the web for fun ideas, only to come up short.

You search the web for fun ideas, only to come up short.

Source: NBC

08
You try to get them to go outside, but they refuse.
Disney

You try to get them to go outside, but they refuse.

09
But you don't worry too much, because camp is just around the corner.

But you don't worry too much, because camp is just around the corner.

Although that's a whole other emotional roller coaster. Source: NBC

10
Giving you and your partner some time to yourselves.

Giving you and your partner some time to yourselves.

Source: ABC

11
But then you start to miss your little ones and long for their return.

But then you start to miss your little ones and long for their return.

Source: ABC

12
They come home, and all is right with the world.

They come home, and all is right with the world.

Source: BBC

13
Until you start to see all those back-to-school ads.

Until you start to see all those back-to-school ads.

In July, no less! Source: NBC

15
You try to get them excited by buying each of them a new outfit.

You try to get them excited by buying each of them a new outfit.

OK, more like five. Source: NBC

16
But even that doesn't stop the waterworks.

But even that doesn't stop the waterworks.

Source: ABC

17
They cry so much, you almost want them to return to school.

They cry so much, you almost want them to return to school.

Source: NBC

18
You try to squeeze in a few last hurrahs before the first day of school.

You try to squeeze in a few last hurrahs before the first day of school.

19
There's even a part of you that wishes Summer wouldn't end.

There's even a part of you that wishes Summer wouldn't end.

Source: Warner Bros.

20
But on the first day of school, you push your kids out the door and enjoy some much-needed peace and quiet.

But on the first day of school, you push your kids out the door and enjoy some much-needed peace and quiet.