The Mama Perspective

The school summer holidays hold so much light from my childhood. I want to give Freddy the same or even more fun memories. Back then, I played outside constantly, knocking on for my friends. But my favourite memories were always with my granny and grandad. And as I’ve grown up, I’ve come to really appreciate the planning, money, and effort it took to create those memories. I think that’s why my grandad holds such a special place in my heart. He made anything happen. Alright, he wasn’t a magician but if something made me and my brothers happy, he made it his mission to give it to us.

Summer holidays always meant trips out – funfairs, the circus, the park, and most memorably, a week in Blackpool organised by my grandad.

Most people go on Haven or Butlin’s holidays these days, but we went to Pontins back then. We had such a good time. I only went that one year, in the break between my first and second year of high school. I remember taking a couple of friends from my class and I’ll never forget the fun we had. Pontins had everything a kid could want. And although Blackpool is sometimes called “run down” nowadays, back then it was the place to go for beach, rides, donkeys, and let’s not forget the doughnuts… YUM!

Sadly, my grandad passed away in my second year of high school, but I’ll always be grateful for that last adventure we had together – a special one to hold onto.

The first summer holidays for Freddy

This has been my first time getting through the whole of the six weeks holidays as I’m on maternity leave. When the six week summer holidays started, I woke up on that first day of no school and told myself, “Right, I can do this! Let’s get out the house for a walk—with my boys.” Completely alone, just the three of us. We left the house and let’s just say I wasn’t okay. Freddy switched and got upset because… he didn’t want to cross the road at the time I did. And then he just cried when he eventually got to the other side and didn’t want to go anywhere. Fast forward 24 hours and ever since that first day, he holds my hand or pushes the pram when we go out and is happy. I think the newness thrown him a little bit and to be honest looking back, I kinda get it now. So, it goes to show that he was listening, he just wanted to test mummy I guess?

Freddy’s birthday fell right at the start of the holidays. His face lit up seeing his friends from in and outside school, seeing family, and bouncing away on the trampolines at a play centre. He didn’t want to leave and honestly, I can’t blame him. That’s just one example of his endless energy!

The rest of the days have been spent going on little “adventures” (Freddy’s word) including a trip to dino golf, with the odd day or two inside, chilling, playing games, or sitting in the garden. We’ve been lucky enough to have some sunshine.

And guess what? We even managed a day out in Blackpool – “Mummy, daddy, Freddy, and Jack went to the seaside!” Bless his little heart. We spent a couple of hours on the beach while daddy and Freddy made sandcastles and jumped in the sea. We had some food, wandered around, went on a few rides on the pier, had fun in the arcade, and tried not to fall asleep on the way home. Well, Freddy actually did, and I ate some doughnuts obviously.

It was such a lovely day.

We didn’t go abroad this year because we welcomed Freddy’s little brother, Jack. And honestly? The two of them have formed such a sweet bond and the summer holidays have helped that more so. Freddy puts in so much effort to show his love, thoughtfulness, and caring nature. “Freddy, Mummy, and Jack” go everywhere together.

I can’t wait to go on a family holiday in the future. Freddy loves going on a plane and was born to splash about in the pool and sea. It’ll be lovely to see him and Jack playing in the water together.

As hard as the first week was, I’ve had the best time with my boys. Chaos, hectic days, bedtime (what’s that?) haha, just kidding… kind of. It’s been full of relentless energy some days but we survived. And seeing the summer holidays through my son’s eyes has brought back my childhood nostalgia.

Getting ready to go back to school

It’s almost September. That’s nearly one whole year since I was a nervous mum waiting for my firstborn to start nursery in primary school. I second-guessed everything then – the settling-in days, making friends, the new routine, whether people would understand his speech, the list goes on. But now? I’d like to say I’m more relaxed.

Freddy’s had his challenges, but he takes each day with so much happiness (excluding the occasional overtired morning or after-school pickup). His teachers have said he’s the one who says “morning” to everyone and scans the room to see who’s around. And if I know Freddy, he’s probably just waiting for the part of the day when the class does their maths! He’s our little maths genius, and we love how much he enjoys doing what he loves.

Learning at school didn’t come naturally to him at first, but now he’s shining and I’ll always be proud of him for exactly who he is. Our little boy, but also our biggest boy.

The uniform is ready and hung up. The school bag is bought. The winter coat is waiting. The lunch bag is in the cupboard. And Freddy cannot wait to start Reception.

I really hope this will be another year of loving to learn for him. Let’s go, Freddy!