While everything ticks over relatively well from September until the end of term, we can't exactly say the same for the summer months.
Whether we, like the kids, fall victim to summer fever or we're simply getting a little scatterbrained in our old age, there are a few things we do every summer which leave us a little dumbfounded.
Take a look at these five and see how many sound familiar!
1. Make a packed lunch for Monday morning
We might have spent all Sunday evening planning a family day out for the following day, but that doesn't mean we won't suddenly find ourselves cutting sandwiches for our children's school lunches the next day.
It's only when we realise the lunch boxes are suddenly on the highest shelf in the kitchen that we take stock of our activities and pull ourselves together.
At least you have some carby snacks to soften the blow!
2. Offer to play with your children and their friends
It's out of your mouth before you realise the implication of our words.
One game of Hide and Seek with the gang simply won't cut it.
Forget the rest of your responsibilities, you're in it for the long haul now.
3. Splash out on a summer wardrobe for the kids
The fact they're in a school uniform for most of the year pulls at your heartstrings.
So you decided to spice up their wardrobe and then instantly regret it.
No you can't wear all your new clothes at the same time and get in the neighbour's cement mixer.
4. Forget to stock the First Aid box
Every single one of us is raising a daredevil and summertime is when they decide to remind us.
You may spend most of Friday evening in the first aid aisle of your local supermarket, but you can be certain you'll be back there first thing on Monday regardless!
What are they doing with those plasters?!
5. Attempt to implement a bedtime
You may try it on a nightly basis, but as we all know, the kids simply won't be playing ball on this front.
While they may stay in their bedroom, you can be certain they're reading by torch light, communicating with the neighbour's kids across the lane which divides your houses or crawling around the room amusing themselves.
Whatever it is they're doing, it's certainly not sleeping.
