By: Jamie Larson
Updated: Jan. 4, 2023
Originally Published: Jan. 4, 2023
Yesterday marked the end of winter break for my children, and if I’m honest, it was the end of my break too. It was the last chance for us to sleep in, the last morning when I could wander downstairs alone and enjoy some quiet time for a couple of hours while my house was filled with snoozing teens and tweens. The aroma of coffee lingered in the kitchen—not the sound of my voice repeating the same questions or the cries of “I’m bored.” I finished my workout and relished a moment of tranquility, something that’s hard to come by when our regular lives resume.
By about 10 a.m. on vacation days, I’ve usually soaked in enough peace, and then I wake up my big kids, eager to spend quality time with them. They often seem too busy for me these days, but during the holiday break, they were all mine.
As they grow older, school vacations take on new significance for me. We find ourselves needing these breaks more now than we did when they were younger. The usual Monday through Friday feels like a constant scramble—trying to remember appointments, sports events, and those pesky permission slips. The chaos can be overwhelming, and with overtired kids navigating their adolescent hormones, a break is something we crave.
Like many families, when we feel stretched too thin, tensions rise, and we unintentionally take it out on each other. Quality time has become harder to come by as my children age; the moments we spend together grow rarer. We attempt to connect over dinner, but there are always distractions—homework, practices, chores—hanging over us.
During school breaks, we can explore and partake in activities that are more challenging when they were younger. There are no diaper bags to worry about, no double strollers to manage, and no naps to schedule around. We can venture to different cities, visit rock climbing gyms, or enjoy leisurely lunches where I can sip on a glass of wine without fear of spills or tantrums.
The freedom of having nowhere to be is a luxury, even if it’s fleeting. It allows us to catch our breath from our busy lives and truly appreciate our time together.
Many parents express relief when school resumes, and I understand that sentiment. I recall the days when the return to school brought me peace from the bickering, the clutter of toys, and the chaos. But this morning, when the alarm rang at 6 a.m., I felt a wave of dread. Our lives were shifting back to a tightly scheduled routine, a race to ensure everything gets done while maintaining some semblance of sanity. I found myself wishing for just a bit more time to linger in that relaxed pace, both for my kids and for myself.
So, no, I didn’t feel joy as I sent them off this morning. We navigated the usual morning rush, and once the house fell quiet, it lacked the comforting chaos I cherish. The serenity of an empty house is a different kind of peace than the one that comes from a lively, happy home.
I’m already counting the days until the next chance I can wake them up late and say, “Please get up. I can’t wait to grab some fast food and catch a movie with you—let’s enjoy this freedom together.”
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Summary: The article reflects on the bittersweet feeling of sending kids back to school after a relaxing winter break. While many parents find relief in the return to routine, the author longs for the cherished time spent with her children during the holidays. As they grow older, the opportunity for connection becomes scarcer, making school vacations even more precious.