GORDON LIGHTFOOT | Culture
THE JUGGLE
Christchurch parents Ryan and Charlotte Andrews are facing facts this summer, discovering that both their leave balances had been completely drained, with little to show for it.
Ryan, 35, says reality “hit him in the face” as his son Fletcher had his first summer school holidays as a five year old. “Back in October we said nah surely we don’t need to fork out for a school holiday programme.”
Both sets of grandparents were reportedly happy to help and described the experience as lovely, while also quietly reminding Ryan and Charlotte that this was not how things were supposed to work when they had kids.
Fletcher meanwhile has fully embraced a lifestyle that involves constant activity, immediate attention and asking what’s for lunch shortly after finishing breakfast.
Charlotte said the couple had briefly fantasised about using some annual leave at the same time.
“It would be nice to have an actual break while you’re on leave,” she said. “Not just parenting as usual or sometimes in a slightly different location.”
Ryan confirmed that most days off now involved one parent working, while the other supervised Fletcher with the assistance of grandparents, snacks and lowered expectations.
“At work they think you’re refreshed,” he said. “At home they think you’re available. You’re actually neither.”
The couple said they were now returning to work with zero leave remaining and a shared dream of one day taking time off together to sit down and do nothing.
More to come.
