Tomorrow Boy 1 goes back to school after 5 weeks of fun with me and Boy 2. Whilst he is ridiculously excited to be starting junior school and reuniting with his friends, I’m quietly mourning the loss of the summer. Not because of the blistering sunshine or an amazing foreign holiday (I live in Manchester remember), but the length of time we’ve had together. 

This has been the first and, as it has recently dawned on me, the last chance for me to spend an entire summer with both of my children. It’s usually a case of juggling a couple of weeks of annual leave, trying to find activities that my amazing childminder hasn’t already done, whilst wishing I could squeeze in a couple of hours’ rest so I don’t return to work feeling more tired than when I left.

Swimming, cycling, playing chess (he taught me!), museum trips, movie afternoons, afternoon tea, you name it – we’ve done it. The only restrictions being feeding and nappy changes. It has been so refreshing to see him enjoy himself and spend quality time with his new little brother and just be carefree. 

It seems almost unfair that with 52 weeks in a year, I’m only ‘allowed’ to spend 5 of those with my children. 

The only reason I’ve been able to have this special time is the arrival of Boy 2 and maternity leave. So I’ve been trapped between managing my tiny budget and trying to make this time as fun and special as possible.

Whilst we haven’t been able to do anything particularly expensive or extravagant, I’ve realised how fun it is to just have that time together. People always tell you to ‘enjoy every minute’ with your children and that phrase has never felt so true. 

We’ll never get this time again. Who knows when we’ll next be able to have a long summer together. And when we do, he’ll be older, cooler and (it breaks my heart to admit it) probably won’t want to hold my hand to cross the road or cuddle his little brother to the point of near suffocation. 

So, thank you boys. You’ve made my summer so special.