We are down to our last three days of school.
Which means we are in the end-of-the-year-party zone.
I hate end-of-the-year parties.
And all the activities that go along with them.
The relay races.
The water balloon tosses.
The ice cream sundaes.
The crafts.
I hate making awkward conversation with moms that I don’t know very well.
I hate pretending like I am having fun watching my kid participate in these games and activities,
when really,
all I’m doing is smiling,
and waiting for it to be over.
Thinking about all the other crap that I could be getting done.
Or that I’d rather be doing.
But I know the kids like having me there.
And I always feel bad for those one or two kids whose mom or dad can’t make it.
Those kids still have fun, but you can see it in their eyes.
They are bummed.
And that’s why we go to these things.
Because the look on your kid’s face when you walk in the door far outweighs the look of dread that you are hiding on yours.
Number 3 has his party today.
And for the first time ever,
he’s going to be one of those kids.
Without the mom at the party.
With that increasingly sinking feeling every time a mom or dad walks into the room.
And it’s not his.
I thought I’d be okay with this.
But now that I can’t go to his party,
I’m realizing maybe I don’t hate them quite as much as I thought I did.
Damn you, mom guilt.
Damn you.
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Susie, I understand the mom guilt. I just got back from my #1 end of year party. I really try to make the class parties, because I work full time and I can’t volunteer any other way. My daughter always asks, “Why can’t you come in every week like S’s mom or get a job at school so we can be together.” It breaks my heart to hear those words.
Don’t let the guilt consume you. There will be time to make another school event and he will remember that you were there.
Ahhhh the mom guilt!!
I made The Spouse go to the end of the year party, as well as few other things throughout the year. He rolls his eyes and says he doesn’t see the point, but I was always the kid without a parent in attendance and I remember the disappointment. We can’t be there for every single thing, but we can minimize the feeling that mom and dad are never there.
Hate mom guilt its the worst
Great post!
I was not ready for the end of the year until about a week before school was out and then I was COMPLETELY DONE… I didn’t bring things for final parties (although I admit I did make some cool card schools and put candy in them for the teachers and office secretaries… but I just puttered out and said that’s the way it is!
Hope you and your kiddos are enjoying the summer!