“Is it just me, or is this... a lot?”
It’s not just you. Israeli summers are intense (Israeli parents are also struggling), especially the first one. And if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, bored, homesick, or just tired of hearing “אמא, משעמם לי” on repeat, you’re definitely not alone. This is your gentle reminder that it’s okay to lower the bar, take a deep breath, and give yourself credit for all that you’re managing.
This Isn’t What You Imagined
I remember moving to Israel (and I was single). I had so many plans! I bet you did too. Maybe you thought you’d be exploring the country, enjoying beach days, and finally connecting with your new community. But instead, it’s been 35 degrees for what feels like forever. Flights were canceled, and buying new tickets makes you think you will be the proud owner of an airplane. You’re trying to make sense of group messages in Hebrew, and your kids keep asking if they can go back to their old friends (which is unlikely because the prices are ridiculously high and the threat of cancellations is real).
That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you’re human and Israeli! Moving countries is hard, and summer doesn’t pause to give you time to catch up
Why It Feels Harder Than It “Should”
You’re not just managing kids home from school.
- You’re also adjusting to a new culture.
- You’re learning a new language.
- You’re trying to understand unfamiliar systems, from Kupat Cholim to Bituach Leumi.
- You’re parenting without the familiar support systems you used to rely on.
All of this takes a toll, even without the intense summer heat and a nine-week vacation.
Permission to Lower the Bar
If your summer expectations included educational outings, bonding experiences, and new friendships, you’re not alone. Many parents hope for the same. But maybe it’s time to gently shift the goalposts.
How about this instead:
- Everyone ate something healthy today.
- You got outside before 10 a.m. once this week.
- The kids worked on their summer holiday homework for 20 minutes
- No one cried during dinner, or at least not loudly.
That is enough. You are enough.
Three Small Things That Can Help You Through August
1. Create a simple ritual
Something easy to repeat. Popsicles at sunset. A cold foot soak on the balcony. Thursday movie nights in pajamas. One thing your kids can count on.
2. Choose one shared activity
Bake together (if you can do that in this heat, you are my hero), do a puzzle, or fold laundry while listening to music. It doesn’t have to be perfect. The point is connection.
3. Let go of the rest
Yes, the screens might be on more than usual. Yes, dinner might be watermelon on the floor. That doesn’t make you a bad parent. It means you’re adjusting, and that matters more than getting it all “right.”
You’re Doing Better Than You Think
If you’ve made it this far, you’ve already done something remarkable. You brought your family to a new country. You are figuring out how to navigate each day. You keep showing up, even when you feel tired, lost, or unsure. You belong here.
Even when it’s messy. Even when it’s hot. Even when you wonder whether you’re doing enough. And one day soon, you’ll look back and see that you didn’t just survive your first Israeli summer.
You made it through with strength, courage, and love.
