I'm exhausted, but it was my own doing. I took my little girl out yesterday, turning a teachers' strike into a rare weekday adventure just for us—right on her big brother's birthday. He still had school, so I made it a special mom-daughter day exploring the city. By day's end, my wallet felt the hit, and my verdict? A teachers' strike definitely costs money 😉.
As a mom of three, I suspect many parents shared my experience—the city was packed! Yet, it was a golden day. This was our first real shopping outing together, complete with a delightful lunch. My daughter is growing up fast, evident not just in her dress sizes or emerging style preferences. Just 18 months ago, she wanted nothing to do with city trips, preferring books instead.
I also see her maturity at the table, confidently ordering new items from the lunch menu and devouring them—including the side salad. Pride swells in me as a parent who's guided her through these milestones 😉.
We wandered through De Bijenkorf and H&M, scoured Coolcat top to bottom, and I queued multiple times at fitting rooms, arms full of her picks. I loved it. Pink is officially out, replaced by her cool, independent choices. Her chatter made it magical. Now I understand why my own mom cherished our shopping trips. Sharing this with my daughter feels special and fleeting.
It's ironic that a teachers' strike prompted this date. Who knows how long—or short—this phase will last? Soon, she'll prefer friends over Mom. So yes, the financial sting was worth it. I nurse my budget wounds and cherish the success of our day.
Teachers, I support your strike wholeheartedly—you deserve better pay and conditions! And secretly, a few more days off mean more mom-daughter dates 😉.
