10 Before & After Images That Capture the Struggles of Parenting in the Summer

We’re nearing the end of summer break and that means the shine of summer fun is starting to wear off, just a little, for parents everywhere.

For many moms and dads, summer starts off with all the expectations of a lavished three-month vacation with your kids, but at the end it feels more like an episode of Survivor.

So here’s my ode to summer–the before and after.

1. The chore chart you put together at the beginning of summer.

Your chore chart at the end of summer.

2. Spending quality time with the kids at the beginning of summer.

Quality time at the end of summer.

3. Waking up at the beginning of summer.

Waking up at the end of summer.

4. Planned activities with the kids at the beginning of summer.

Family activities at the end of summer.

5. Intellectual stimulation at the beginning of summer.

Intellectual stimulation at the end of summer.

6. Going to the pool at the beginning of summer.

Going to the pool at the end of summer.

7. When the kids are hungry at the beginning of summer.

When the kids are hungry at the end of summer.

8. Spending money at the beginning of summer.

Spending money at the end of summer. Where’d it go?

9. Your attitude at the beginning of summer.

Your attitude at the end of summer.

10. How you think summer will actually go.

How summer actually goes.

But, hey, that’s OK, because we’re all in this together, right?