Visiting day is over and/or right around the corner. And for many, visiting day is the center of summer. For those who have sent their kids to sleepaway camp for a half session, tell me if this sounds right….
You could not conceive of letting the kids go away for the whole summer because it just sounds too long. 52 days is a typical full summer camp and that is just not happening (says many the first year)….. So here is what probably goes on once they leave.
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Go to work, in the home or out of the home.
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Add an extra (workout routine, cooking class, reading time…) because you don’t have to make lunches, make beds, rush kids out of the house…..
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Several hours a day sitting in front of the computer pouring over the 500 pictures posted by the camp in order to find the one picture of your child (smiling, grumpy, busy, messy)….
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Start creating the to-do list of big projects.
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Prepare for the grown up trip you plan to take with your significant other.
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Enjoy your trip and return to the to-do list that never left the drawing board.
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Welcome the kids home from camp or go to visiting day and pick them up.
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Do laundry and hear stories.
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Go back to work and send the kids to day camp, back to making lunches and rushing them out the door.
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Wonder why you thought 26 days was too long….
You now have the kids home for almost 6 more weeks before school starts again. And the thoughts going through your mind are:
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Let’s take a short family vacation to break up the 6 weeks. Can we afford it?
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It is really hot and raining almost every day. The kids are getting a bit grouchy and the camp carpool line is crazy!
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Never did get anything done on my to-do list….
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I am glad to have the kids back but wow, I really enjoyed the break.
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And they seemed to be really happy….
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What if after visiting day, they stay… how would it be?
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Hmmmm…. it really went fast, almost too fast.
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I still have lots of time with them all June….
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Maybe next year???
And keep in mind, when the kids are home, there is a definite cost involved. Granted, having someone else care and feed for the kids all summer is a pretty penny. But before you just say “no way” to full summer camping, be sure to analyze dollars and cents and everyone’s mental health.
Let me know your thoughts and keep enjoying the summer.