Getting back to ME

Why you won’t see me posting cheesy ‘back to school’ pics on Facebook

My son is back at school tomorrow and I’m happy as……

- Larry

- A pig in shit

- Mr Happy

For my son, because he LOVES school…..but also FOR ME.

For my sanity.

I can’t wait to see friends again, get my routine back and spend some time alone in the house.

To not feel like someone’s entertainer.

It’s taboo to say it, isn’t it?

I don’t care.

What I’m supposed to do, is put a photo up of my son stood against a wall and say “obligatory first day back pic”, “time please slow down….”, “please stop growing” or some other syrupy bollocks.

Well, it’s not me, is it?

I won’t be shitting you.

My family struggle with the school holidays.

Life isn’t all buckets, spades and rose lemonade.

When the teacher says “enjoy your break” as she waves us off at the end of term, I almost expect a cartoon villain laugh to follow it.

We go through money like water, feel lost without our routines and days can often feel like holes to fill, trying to avoid conflict.

Space apart is healthy for us.

That’s not to say we don’t have some nice times, we really do.

When it’s good, it’s amazing.

We’ve picked berries together, been to the seaside, funfair, boat rides, a museum and trampolining. We have had lovely long cuddles and fab chats - but in terms of expectation, there is massive pressure on families, both materially and socially. It’s second only to Christmas.

I know there’s always some Serene Sally or Barefoot Beth pops up on these kind of posts to say her Johnny needs only a cardboard box and is entertained for hours whilst she taps away on her laptop to the scent of freshly made sourdough.

Well, GOOD FOR HER but that isn’t me or my family.

Why am I doing this post?

For all those other parents - particularly those of kids with additional needs and behavioural problems - whose life doesn’t look like what we’re conditioned to think it should do.

For those feeling guilty that they couldn’t wait for the school hols to end.

Admitting this doesn’t mean you love your child any less. It just means that different things work for you and your family.

And owning that rather than bottling it in, is healthier for everyone.

So, on that note, here’s a picture of ME…….NOT stood against a wall.

Bloody happy