I hate summer break
By an Interwoven Connections Community Caregiver
I hate summer break. There, I said it. I hate seeing so many people on social media posting family adventures, while all I'm trying to do is survive. Call me a pity party, but living with AFCCA makes summer just plain hard.
Summer break used to be my favorite time of year. I remember those carefree days as a kid—playing outside until the streetlights came on, family vacations, sleepovers with friends. It was a magical time. But now, as a parent living with AFCCA (Aggression towards Family/Caregivers in Childhood & Adolescence), summer feels like an endless marathon with no finish line in sight.
I scroll through Instagram and see families at the beach, kids smiling with ice cream cones, and parents relaxing with a book while their children play happily nearby. Meanwhile, I'm over here navigating a minefield, trying to keep the peace and avoid the next meltdown. Every day feels like a battle, and there’s no “off” switch.
It’s not that I don’t love my child. I do, more than anything. But the constant hypervigilance, the emotional rollercoaster, and the isolation can be overwhelming. Friends and family mean well, but they don’t really get it. They suggest playdates and outings like they’re simple solutions, not realizing these situations can trigger episodes that leave everyone exhausted and defeated.
The worst part is the guilt. I feel guilty for envying those carefree summer posts, for wanting just a fraction of that ease and joy. I feel guilty for not being able to provide my child with the same experiences. And I feel guilty for even feeling this way because, as a parent, I’m supposed to handle it all, right?
I know I’m not alone in this struggle. There are many families out there dealing with similar challenges, even if we don’t often see their stories on social media. That’s one reason why I’m so grateful for resources like Interwoven Connections and their support groups. They provide a space where I can learn, connect, and feel understood without judgment.
This summer, instead of trying to keep up with the highlight reels on social media, I’m focusing on small victories. If we can get through the day with a few smiles and no major incidents, that’s a win. If I can find a few moments to breathe and recharge, that’s a win too. And I’m reminding myself that it’s okay to feel the way I do. It doesn’t make me a bad parent; it makes me a human one.
So, if you’re scrolling through your feed and feeling like you’re the only one struggling, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to admit that summer break is hard. It’s okay to seek help and support. And it’s okay to take things one day at a time.
If any of this resonates and you are looking for similar support, I suggest checking out the AFFCA Supports Program here: https://interwovenconnections.ca/afcca-family-supports
Here’s to surviving summer, one day at a time.
The opinions expressed in blogs posted reflect their author and do not represent any official stance of Adopt4Life. We respect the diversity of opinions within the adoption, kinship and customary care community and hope that these posts will stimulate meaningful conversations.