Surviving Summer
A Gentle Guide for Stretched Parents
Ah, summer. That magical time when school’s out, routines unravel, and parents everywhere are left asking themselves, "How am I going to make it through the next two months without losing my mind?"
If you’re feeling this way, you are absolutely not alone.
Surviving summer with your kids at home, especially if you’re working or juggling multiple responsibilities, can feel daunting. The days are longer, but so are the to-do lists. There’s pressure to make it special, while still holding onto some sense of structure (and sanity). Let’s talk about a few ideas that can help you and your family not just survive the summer, but maybe even enjoy it.
Give Yourself Permission to Not Do It All Let’s start here. It’s easy to get caught in the trap of thinking every summer moment has to be magical. But kids don’t need constant entertainment. What they do need is connection, some freedom to explore and play, and a parent who’s doing their best. That’s enough.
Set a Loose Structure Most kids thrive with a bit of predictability, even when school’s out. You don’t need a rigid schedule, but having a basic rhythm to your days can help. Think morning routines, rest time, outside play, creative time, chores, and screen time. Even simple visual schedules or daily checklists can offer some structure that reduces the constant "What are we doing next?" questions.
Make Room for Boredom Boredom isn’t the enemy. In fact, it’s the birthplace of creativity. When we resist the urge to constantly fill every moment with activities, we leave space for our kids to use their imagination, tinker, explore, and play freely. Unstructured time is one of the most valuable things you can give your child this summer.
Create a Summer Toolbox Whether you’re working from home, out of the house, or taking on full-time parenting during the summer months, having a few go-to activities or systems can save you. Fill a bin with art supplies, puzzles, board games, or sensory materials. Bookmark a few simple recipes your kids can help make. Keep a running list of local parks, splash pads, and library events.
Use Community Resources Camps, childcare programs, and local events can provide structured, supervised opportunities for your kids to engage with peers and try new things. Many libraries and community centers offer free or low-cost activities during the summer. Don’t be afraid to lean on these supports. They exist for a reason.
Prioritize Connection Over Perfection It’s not about being the perfect summer parent. It’s about having small moments of connection with your kids. Sit and color with them. Ask what they’re excited about today. Let them spray you with the hose. These little gestures build the kind of connection that matters more than a full calendar of activities ever could.
Take Breaks (For You) Let’s not forget about you. Build in time for rest when you can. Trade off with another parent, sign the kids up for a short camp, or let them have screen time guilt-free if it means you can catch your breath. You deserve a summer too.
Remember, Summer Is a Season There’s no need to nail it every day. Some days will be chaotic. Some days will feel like magic. Most days will fall somewhere in between. That’s okay. If you’re showing up with love and intention, you’re doing a great job.
And if things are feeling extra tough—if your child is struggling emotionally or behaviorally, or if you’re noticing big shifts in how your family is functioning—it might be a good time to connect with a therapist who works with children and families. Summer can be a perfect time to work on emotional regulation, family communication, and building skills for the year ahead.
You’ve got this! One popsicle-sticky, sunscreen-scented day at a time.
References
Brain Balance Centers. (n.d.). Keep your cool this summer: Ideas for parenting breaks. Brain Balance. https://www.brainbalancecenters.com/blog/keep-cool-summer-ideas-parenting-breaks
Child Mind Institute. (n.d.). Strategies for a successful summer break. https://childmind.org/article/strategies-for-a-successful-summer-break/
Modern Parenting Solutions. (n.d.). Make this the best summer ever with your child. https://modernparentingsolutions.org/make-this-the-best-summer-ever-with-your-child/
Mental Wealth Hub. (n.d.). Parents’ survival guide to the summer holidays. https://www.mentalwealthhub.com/blogs/parents-survival-guide-to-the-summer-holidays/
Psych Central. (n.d.). A working parent’s guide to summer child care. https://psychcentral.com/lib/working-parents-guide-to-summer-child-care
Rochester Regional Health. (n.d.). 12 fun activities to keep your kids active during summer break. https://www.rochesterregional.org/hub/kid-activities-summer-break
Society of Behavioral Medicine. (n.d.). Lazy days of summer? How to keep children active all year long. https://www.sbm.org/healthy-living/lazy-days-of-summer-how-to-keep-children-active-all-year-long
Arizona PBS. (2020, July). Ask the expert: Should my kid take a break during summer? https://azpbs.org/2020/07/ask-the-expert-should-my-kid-take-a-break-during-summer/
