Summer is so long and it’s the worst for kids and parents.

[Anonymous]

Well, I put my kids in summer camp for 10 weeks full time. To me, summer is just we have to pay extra $ for childcare, and a way for mu child to exercise and try some new things. My kid seem to enjoy it so far

[Anonymous]

10 weeks!? I wish. Not at DCPS.

[Anonymous]

When I was a working parent, I found the one off teacher work days and snow days to be far far worse. At least summer you can plan and plenty of fun camps.

[Anonymous]

It’s too long.
My kids are bored. We don’t have the money for expensive camps, and there isn’t much for tweens/teens.
They could really use some 2 week breaks during the year and have a shorter summer break.

[Anonymous]

It’s way too short this summer in DC. So many great camp options, and I couldn’t fit it all in with our vacation trip for DS.

He’s having a blast and loving it so far.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a single parent and this is my first summer having to do camps (prior to was daycare and pandemic). It's stressful figuring out which ones, matching up dates, drop off and pick up. It's expensive too!

Do you think it would be more or less stressful if summer was shorter and instead they just had random time off throughout the year? Like instead of needing to find camp all summer, you have to find childcare for 2 random weeks in February?

[Anonymous]

^ Pp above here
To be clear, it wouldn't just be the 2 random weeks in Feb. it would be those...and maybe a random week in March, and then another 2 random weeks in April, and a random week in May, etc.

[Anonymous]

Since we are all just wishing here, I’d vote for longer school year (6 week or less summer break) and maybe just a few more days off. But then lots more recess (twice a day or at least longer) and more gym time during the school day. I know lots of kids struggle to sit all day and need more exercise. I know it’s not going to happen but if I had a magic wand that is what I’d do

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^ Pp above here
To be clear, it wouldn't just be the 2 random weeks in Feb. it would be those...and maybe a random week in March, and then another 2 random weeks in April, and a random week in May, etc.

A lot of places that have year round school offer onsite childcare at schools during breaks. Like the aftercare programs are up and running anyway, so they just expand to hold camps during those days. Some families take time off and go on trips, some have SAHPs, and older kids who don’t need that kind of minding hang out with friends.

It really is easier because summer isn’t different. It’s like winter break, spring break, fall break. And kids don’t get that restless boredom they get in the summer. They relax, let loose a bit, then go back to school. More like an actual vacation. Ten weeks really is too long.

[Anonymous]

To answer your question - wealthy families with a stay at home mom are the ones who love summer. They also pay the most taxes, and school is catered to them. Also teachers who want to be home with their kids in the summer (I don't know any teachers who DON'T love summer).

[Anonymous]

No it’s too short. I’m an immigrant and back home summer started June 1sr. And no matter what, school year always started September 1st. Always. I kind of hate having to check the school calendar instead of just knowing it’s September 1st.

[Anonymous]

What does middle schooler do in summer break? Camps or stay home? I don’t think they are old enough to work, but summer break is too long to stay at home. They have no transportation, so how do they spend time over summer if parents are out working?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:WHO benefits from 10 weeks off in summer??!

Not teachers: we would much prefer a year round schedule with frequent breaks.

Not kids: it’s too long without friends and work

Not parents: it’s too long to find childcare

It’s just crazy long. Why has the USA not adopted a year round schedule yet?

Speak for yourself. Many teachers “would prefer” no such thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Move to China then you blowhard

I think you would be surprised at the number of countries where summer break is 6-8 weeks.

Neat. And irrelevant. It’s not happening here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s too long.
My kids are bored. We don’t have the money for expensive camps, and there isn’t much for tweens/teens.
They could really use some 2 week breaks during the year and have a shorter summer break.

Same for my tween. I used to love summer - lazy days, pool, doing fun things with my kids—but they’re older now and we have no neighbor friends. I have to drive them everywhere. I get how everyone else is having blast though.