Often synonymous with fun, diverse activities, and sometimes even travel for children, school holidays can also be a real headache for parents. Between sports activities, last-minute back-to-school shopping, and office hours, they have to juggle a schedule that doesn't always leave much room for rest. On the eve of the new school year, we went to the streets of Marigot to ask parents how their summer holidays had gone.
Charlotte, with Iloha:
“I was really enjoying my vacation, but well, there you have it, we don't have a choice, it's back to school. I'm not too worried, we have plenty of other things to do so it's fine, except maybe for the traffic jams. There just need to be a little bit more vacation. It's us who don't have enough vacation!”
Karima, with Sonia and Syrine:
“The holidays went very well. Afterwards, I think two months is too long; keeping them occupied is complicated. My eldest is fine, but I have two younger children, so… We don't have as much vacation time as they do, so we have to find activities for them. I work from home, but well, I'm still working. Even if we go away with them for three weeks, keeping them at home during the day is a long time.”
Christy, with Dalya:
“We were going through a particularly complicated period. Between moving house and opening a new shop, because I'm also an entrepreneur, it was very demanding. Reality catches up with us when we spend full days with our children and not just half-days like when there's school. Usually, we're with them part-time, actually! We're eagerly awaiting the start of the new school year, even though they're sweethearts and we love them, but it's not easy. My daughter still had a great time though!”
Fabiola and Zahir:
“For me, it was complicated. So I sent my children to my country, the Dominican Republic, so I could work and take care of my business here; otherwise, it was impossible. I would have needed a nanny, but it's expensive here. I got them back two weeks ago, but with work and all the school supplies I have to buy for the start of the school year, I can't really rest. I'm glad school is starting again!”
Interview by DR
