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Community Corner

Summertime Carpooling

How do you get through the craziness without getting a headache?

Summertime means kids are in the pool, at the movies or, if they are lucky, their favorite water park. Someone has to drive them to all these places, right? 

"Mom, can you take me?"

Fill in the blank with any location.

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It can get pretty crazy trying to organize everyone, even with the help of email.

"Sara can't make it Tuesday but I can drive Wednesday."

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These responses just multiply depending on how many kids are in your carpool.  

It appears as though there is no rest for all the weary moms. Yes, they could all go on strike, but a demonstration of that magnitude would probably just add fuel to the fire or worse, a global meltdown.

Q: Is there any way to survive the craziness of summertime carpool? Any answer will surely be a godsend.

A: There was one day during the first week of summer vacation that I went back and forth to the neighborhood pool three times. I picked up one child and dropped off another. By the end of the day, I was done driving.

"I am not a chauffeur," I told my daughters.

"But the pool is two miles from our home," they said to me.

"Ride your bikes," I told them. I must also mention the tennis drills and basketball conditioning that my daughters must get to during the week. Sometimes, I think it would really be easier to pull my teeth out than try to organize those carpool messes. In the meantime, I am counting down the days until my oldest can drive.

Leslie Olejnik, mother of two  

A: I am fortunate that my children aren't into very many summer activities. Our excursions primarily revolve around going to the pool. Because of their ages, I stay there with them. Even when they do have camps, I try and plan them so I can stagger the drop off and pickup. There are times, though, when conflicts inevitably arise. I am fortunate to have developed a good network of friends that either have kids doing the same activities or are willing to help out just because I need it. And I am always happy to return the favor when I can. So, I'm afraid I don't have much advice on this topic, but I will be sure to save any hints for future reference!

Melissa Holder, mother of two 

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