We asked our mums how they cope with having us home for summer

Some were more brutally honest than others


Exams are finished, the sun is shining, you’ve shoved all your possessions into a few overpacked boxes and you’re finally ready to migrate home for summer. You’re excited – freedom awaits you, but with the beautiful bonus of having someone to cook and clean for you at home.

However we must consider how this feels for the mums awaiting our return. We return home with too much stuff to ever fit in our rooms, and so clutter the whole house with nick nacks and rubbish fancy dress, and their peaceful routine is shattered. The house suddenly feels claustrophobically small as we spread ourselves over every available surface, aided by the help of all the clothes we seem to have acquired.

But ultimately this is rite of passage, something that is as unstoppable as the changing of seasons, and so we asked our mothers how they really felt about the emotional, mental and financial burden that we were putting them under this summer. First, I asked my mum.

What preparation did you do for me coming home?

I made sure your room was clean as you left it in such a state. I got in all your favourite food – in your case I stocked the fridge with diet coke. I also mentally prepared for the onslaught of terror.

What are you most looking forward to about me coming home?

Having another girl in the house, to help me cope with the boys. Even better as you’re bringing your hamster home, so I’ll have two soon.

What are you least looking forward to about me coming home?

Wet towels on the bathroom floor. And the bedroom floor. And the sitting floor. Basically wet towels around the house. Also I am not looking forward to hearing you and your brothers bickering all day.

How long would you like me home for ideally?

Eternity, darling.

I basically haven’t used the computer since you’ve been gone as angry messages keep popping up and I don’t understand. I also want you to try and find a partner for your lonely socks that have been sitting abandoned for months now.

What would be the worst thing I could bring home for the summer?

A blow up sofa (like last year) and a million more odd socks.

Cathy Cooper, 19

What preparation did you do for me coming home?

Mentally, I calmed myself. Spiritually, I prayed for peace. Physically, I slept a lot.

What tasks have you lined up for me to do while I’m home?

Looking after the pets, spending some time with your grandparents, ironing and weeding. Oh, and learning how to cook.

What would be the worst thing I could bring home for the summer?

A tattoo. Or a silly facial piercing. Or worse, an unmentionable bodily part piercing.

Zoe Rundle, 20

What are you most looking forward to about me coming home?

Spending some time as a family together and just a fuller house in general. Also seeing your friends is always nice.

What are you least looking forward to about me coming home?

Trainers being left all around the house and things getting broken like the washing machine and the kettle were last week.

How long would you like me home for ideally?

365 days a year.

Grace Gawn, 20

What preparation did you do for me coming home?

Literally nothing.

What are you least looking forward to about me coming home?

You telling me you’re hungry all the time.

How long would you like me home for ideally?

About two weeks.

What would be the worst thing I could bring home for the summer?
I don’t know, a bloody hypodermic needle full of heroin, I suppose.

Natalia Buenaventura, 19

 

What are you most looking forward to about me coming home?

I’m looking forward to our cuddles, spending time together again, family vacations and having girl time!

What are you least looking forward to about me coming home?

I’m not really looking forward to having to ask you to clean up after yourself. I also am not looking forwards to how you complain sometimes – but at this point I am missing that as well.

How long would you like me home for ideally?

I want you home forever. I don’t understand why you have to leave.

Mireille Cassandra, 19

What preparation did you do for me coming home?

Making sure that you come home to a warm relaxing home environment. Bedroom retreat not quite there as yet. New candles needed. Trying to rid the house of residual dust after the kitchen refurbishment. I don’t want my Empress choking! I’ve already experimented with new and delicious recipes which you are going to enjoy. Of course your favourite meals will be waiting. Generally ensuring that I get as much done well in advance so we can spend quality time together. Planning a few outings/trips but really leaving the decisions to you about how you would you would like to spend your time.

 

How long would you like me home for ideally?

Oh forever darling! This question is so unfair!

What tasks have you lined up for me to do while I’m home?

I’ll have you know that my computer skills have improved considerably since you left. Perhaps helping me to chose a printer.

What would be the worst thing I could bring home for the summer?

One of those awful nose piercings that hang.

Tash Morgan, 20

 

What are you least looking forward to about me coming home?

Nothing.

What would be the worst thing I could bring home for the summer?

A boyfriend I don’t approve of.

Izzy Mackay, 20

What preparations did you do for me before I came home?

I went to wild thyme – the whole foods store – and bought: quinoa, chia seeds, gf porridge oats. Also, I made the most of having a ready supply of mugs to use.

 

What are you most looking forward to about me being home?

Hanging out, banter and having my makeup artist back.

What are you least looking forward to?

The excessive cat pampering, mugs disappearing and the daily complaints about our wifi.