I was informed by my nine-year-old son this week summer is for fun only. What an idea! No chores, no work, just play, play, play all day long.

I liked it. I mean who needs clean clothes, or even food—because I consider shopping a chore, pumpkin. Suddenly, he didn’t like where this was going. Then he tells me mommies aren’t included in this fun only rule—just kids.

“Too bad kids don’t get to make up the rules—just mommies.” I flash him my biggest smile. “Now keep stacking those bricks. In this house we play after the work is done.”

If that makes me a meaner, then I’m a meaner. It’s not that I don’t like to have fun, but work is something none of us can ever completely escape. Sure, it can be put off until later, but then the list of things-to-do is just looming all day. I say, “Get it over with.” The worry-free fun you’ll get afterwards is worth it, though my nine-year-old son still doesn’t believe me.