Let’s start with the obvious. Nobody is handing out medals for surviving summer.
Every June, many of us enter summer with the best intentions. “This is going to be THE summer. It’s going to be magical and breezy and full of lifelong family memories.”
The summer of homemade popsicles. Nature walks. Ocean frolicking. Screen-free afternoons. Educational outings. Family dinners, al fresco. The summer our children remember forever.
Then, (if you’re like me) approximately three days into summer break, someone is fighting over the last freeze pop, someone else is announcing they’re bored despite owning 4,211 toys, and you’ve reheated the same cup of coffee three times.
If this sounds familiar, welcome. You’re doing just fine. And in case you need reminding- it’s ok. The kids are ok. You’re ok.
Because we are in the summer trenches together and all deserve a little grace and ease, I’ve put together a little unofficial guide to surviving summer without losing your mind (Mom Edition). Your nervous system will thank you, too. Remember, no matter what, the memories will come, and so will the smiles. Sunshine and summer have a way of doing that.
1. Lower the Bar (No, Lower Than That)
You do not need to create a magical experience every single day.
- A trip to the library counts.
- Sprinklers count.
- Popsicles on the front steps count.
- Watching fireflies counts.
Children often remember how summer felt far more than they remember the expensive trips or perfectly planned activities. Aim for connection, not perfection.
2. Buy the Popsicles
This isn’t the season for overcomplicating things.
- Keep snacks on hand.
- Say yes to convenience when you can.
- Accept that dinner may occasionally involve watermelon and whatever you found in the freezer.
Summer nutrition doesn’t have to look Instagram-worthy. Fed is fed.
3. Let Them Be Bored
Boredom isn’t a parenting emergency. You are not responsible for filling every hour with entertainment, enrichment, or crafts that require seventeen supplies and an engineering degree.
Boredom teaches creativity, problem-solving, and independence. It also teaches children that discomfort isn’t something another person has to fix immediately. Their boredom belongs to them.
4. Drink the Coffee Hot If You Can
Moms have an incredible ability to anticipate everyone else’s needs while quietly moving themselves to the bottom of the list. We just do.
This summer, consider reclaiming tiny moments. It’s not selfish. It’s self-care. The more you fill your cup, the more you have to pour for others.
- Sit outside for five minutes before everyone wakes up.
- Read a chapter of your book.
- Take the walk.
- Close the bathroom door.
- Actually, drink the coffee while it’s still hot.
Small moments of care aren’t selfish. They’re survival.
5. Nobody Remembers the Color-Coded Schedule
Will your children remember whether Tuesday was Camp Day, Craft Day, or Backyard Olympics? Probably not.
- They’ll remember belly laughs.
- Late bedtimes and eating s’mores.
- Dance parties in the kitchen.
- Your presence.
- The feeling of being together.
The truth is, summer doesn’t have to be extraordinary to be meaningful. Reminder: you don’t have to earn the title of “good mom” through exhaustion. You’re allowed a gentle summer too.
Let go of the packed itinerary, matching beach outfits, or a perfectly curated bucket list. Real life in summer mode is more than enough. The families making the best memories are the ones that are together.
. Your nervous system will thank you, too. Remember, no matter what, the memories will come, and so will the smiles. Sunshine and summer have a way of doing that.){kind=link}