School is out and the juggling begins

First let me say I am aware of the double standard I am about to lay down.  When I was a kid there was nothing, repeat, nothing better than summer break.  I remember staying in bed 'til 11 and playing outside with friends for hours at a time.  A joyous, wonderful time that I will never forget.

Fast forward to parenthood and understand that I am not as nostalgic as I once was.  Granted, we have a few vacations planned.  However, my wife and I both work.  So, camps are very much in play.  And in-laws.  And play dates.  And who knows?  My only camp experience was team basketball camp in high school.  These days it is beyond mandatory.  I cannot very well take my daughter into work (although she will do some interning.)  And at age 8 she is not close to staying home alone. 

As of right now we have three weeks covered for the summer, at about $1,200.  For many that might not seem like much.  But, man, does it add up.  And it is the reason I am looking into juggling and outsourcing as a way to keep costs down all the while not burning out my daughter.  She should remember the summers as I do.  Mostly, she should want to play and swim and do what kids do.

Of course we will have to work in the summer curriculum (which I never had either.)  Reading and math work is required before she comes back in September.  This is fourth grade she is entering, not Oxford.  Whatever, I do want her to succeed and be prepared.

I get the deal...we want her to have all the opportunites we never had. Trying hard not to speak out of both sides of my mouth but either have school year-round or let the kids breathe a bit in the summer. 

Guess I just have to remind myself that I live in a town that favors the one-income household a bit more than two.  It is certainly not the worst thing in the world.  But excuse me for crossing off the days this summer anxiously awaiting the fall.

Especially when it is 100 degrees out!!!

For more please go to: guidetosomewhere.blogspot.com.