This Summer Isn’t Edited: A Single Mom’s Reality Check


Photo by Gagah Rizki on Unsplash

If you scroll through social media, it feels like everyone is on a perfect holiday. Blue skies, European cities, smiling families, sunset views. But our summer? It’s different. Not edited, not perfect — but full of small, real moments.

I’m a single mom. I’m a teacher. I’m also an expat. That means summer isn’t just a break. It’s time to breathe again. For me, rest doesn’t mean planning another big adventure. It means silence, space, and doing… nothing for a while. Just a glass of prosecco, a bit of Baileys on the rocks (not an ad 😄), a series I love, and hugs from my daughter. That’s the summer I need.

Here’s the thing: I love to travel. I really do. But I don’t love all the planning behind it. Packing, checking schedules, finding where to go, what to eat, and how to get there — it often means I’m back in “in charge” mode. And as a teacher and a mom, I spend the whole year organizing and thinking ahead. This summer, I just didn’t want that again.

We’ve had more active summers in the past. One year we went rollerblading regularly. Another time we explored places around the Czech Republic. We’ve done swimming pools, day trips, and all the “summer things.” But this year feels different — I felt like I needed to pause.

We’re staying close to home — and I’m happy with that. Just today, we went to my favourite aquapark near Ostrava. It has everything: a big swimming pool, a whirlpool, a toboggan. We had the best time! No stress, no suitcases, no long drives. Just water, relaxing, laughter — peace.

At home, we still find ways to enjoy the slow days. We’ve danced together (or tried to!) using YouTube videos to learn Latin American moves. I’m a Latina mom, but I’m not a dance expert 😄. My daughter is not always excited, but I’m thrilled when she joins in. We play cards, I read her stories in Spanish, and sometimes we watch El juego del calamar — in Korean with subtitles! She’s now dreaming of learning Korean one day.

Do I feel guilty sometimes? Yes. When I read or watch my favourite series (I know, not for kids), she plays or entertains herself. And she does well. But sometimes I wish she had a little cousin or a grandma nearby to keep her company. Then I could rest without that little voice in my head saying, “You should be doing more.”

And yes… I like things tidy. So if a friend wants to visit, I need a heads-up. Spontaneous visits are not my thing. I need to clean! 😅

So no, our summer may not look like a travel magazine. But it’s real. It’s calm. And it’s exactly what I need.

If you’re reading this and any of it feels familiar — you’re not alone. It’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to do less. Take a pause. You deserve it.

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