A mother from the US Midwest found solidarity with other mothers after telling them about her difficulties in welcoming a new baby over the summer.
Emily (@takeaminutemama) shared a video on TikTok asking if other parents know the hardships that come with having their children in the summer heat and if they might be missing out on what summer “should be” for families.
“Okay, I want to tell you about my recent struggle because I feel like sometimes we only see the good things, and even though there is a lot of good in my life right now, I’m currently struggling with summer with a baby in the Midwest. It’s hot almost everywhere right now. And it’s just tough,” Emily began.
“I have everything she needs to be comfortable in the heat, but she can’t use sunscreen unless it’s absolutely necessary. It’s not like going on vacation and having tons of help. This is my everyday life and I just feel like I’m stuck.”
She goes on to say that she feels like she’s “missing out” because with a small baby, they can’t spend all day laying on the beach or by the pool enjoying the sun. She’s alluding to the concept of “sunshine guilt,” which basically means that when the weather is temperate, people have a nagging feeling that they should “go out and enjoy the day.”
“You feel guilty because you missed it and it was such a beautiful day,” she explained.
Emily realizes that this is literally a phase in her life, but right now everything is just difficult.
“I know next summer will look different. I’ll have a one-year-old running around and capable of a lot more, but I just want to tell you that if you’re also feeling stuck with a baby this summer, as much as you love it, as much as it’s everything you wanted, it’s still hard because it doesn’t look like last year,” she concluded.
After Emily’s video gained traction, several TikTok users responded to her honest opinion and agreed that summer with babies can be challenging.
“I’m so glad this popped up on my FYP. I can relate. I feel bad for my toddlers because I don’t go out with them as often now as I used to with my 2 month old,” wrote one user.
Another wrote: “YES! I feel so bad for my two year old because we can’t go out with the newborn until daddy gets home…”
“Summer babies are NOT what I imagined 😭,” said another.
One mom suggested the OP use sunscreen and get outside. “Girls, use sunscreen! I use it on my 5 month old. Get a bucket hat, a fan. A baby flotation device!! Go outside and enjoy. Promise,” they wrote.
In a video update, Emily thanked her followers for validating her complicated feelings about summer with babies.
“I also have a six-year-old and a three-and-a-half-year-old, so my summer looks so different. Right now I’m in the house and the older two are playing outside with a little wading pool. I can see them and they’re having a great time,” she said.
“And to everyone who’s commented, ‘Go out! Just go!’ ‘You know, I’m just going to do it!’ That’s great and we really do go out and do a lot. We do a lot of things, but when you go from two completely independent children to a baby, a lot of things change.”
It’s a hard truth about parenting: some phases are harder than others. Having a baby in the summer isn’t ideal. The logistics are just difficult.
