I love my children - really I do. And yes, I have this preface to minimize the guilt in what I’m about to say: when do they go back to school?

While I anticipate vacations as much as they do, once the days off actually come around, I find myself progressing from prickles of irritation to a slow simmer of resentment.

It could be that they are transitioning from the busy school day schedule to the sleep late, stay up late schedule. Slacker mom that I am, I let them have a couple of days with few demands so they can truly enjoy vacation. But when they start to argue over which show they should watch for their 5th consecutive hour of TV, my sympathy starts to go. They are used to having the stimulation of school, not of “Full House” repeats.

Although they spend their school days working and negotiating with classmates, they have to get used to doing that all day with their siblings. Monopoly is the game of choice these days. My oldest (just call him Donald), develops a gleeful grin as he loads up on houses and hotels on his properties. My youngest (just call her Paris) thinks it’s not fair that “Donald” is trying to bankrupt her. Numerous explanations that that is the POINT of the game go to waste. Tears ensue, along with laments that no one cares, is listening, understands, yada yada yada.

Maybe it’s the simple idea that instead of schlepping them off to school in the morning and having my own time until afternoon carpool, every errand is done by committee. To get anything done, serious buy-in is sought. Promises are made. Favors are exchanged. When they grow up, they could be governors for Illinois.

Yes, I know that one day I’ll look back on these days wistfully. It won’t be long before my oldest just calls home his layover stop. And while I cannot imagine a Christmas without all of my babies home with me, I could still stand just a little more peace on my earth.