It’s May, the trees are blooming, the school year is winding down, and summer is peeking around the corner! If you’re anything like me, you’re feeling a mixture of excitement and maybe a little nervousness about having the kids home 24/7. The thought of lazy mornings and family adventures sounds wonderful…until reality hits and you remember you also have work, chores, and life to manage.
But guess what? It is possible to find a balance where you can enjoy summer and stay sane (mostly). It’s all about giving yourself permission to slow down, plan ahead, and adjust expectations.
How to Balance Family Time and Work Without Losing Your Mind
1. Create a Loose Summer Rhythm, Not a Rigid Schedule
Kids thrive on some structure, but summer calls for flexibility. I like to block out our day in chunks—mornings for errands or outdoor play, afternoons for quiet activities or work, and evenings for family fun. If one block goes sideways (which it will), the whole day doesn’t feel like a failure.
2. Set Boundaries for Work and Honor Them
When it’s work time, it’s work time. I let the kids know when I’ll be unavailable and set up a snack bin, activity bin, and some “only-during-work-time” special toys or projects to keep them occupied.
3. Embrace Independent Play
Boredom is a gift. It teaches creativity, problem-solving, and self-reliance. I keep a few simple ideas ready—building forts, Lego challenges, simple art projects—and let them run with it.
4. Plan One “Daily Highlight”
It doesn’t have to be big. A backyard picnic, a popsicle after dinner, a bike ride around the block—small, intentional moments become the memories they’ll treasure.
5. Ask for (and Accept) Help
Summer’s a great time to team up with other parents for playdates, or even to swap “mom days.” And remember: screen time isn’t the enemy when used intentionally.
Summer isn’t about perfectly curated activities—it’s about connection. The messy, chaotic, laughter-filled days are the ones our kids will remember. Give yourself grace, embrace the imperfections, and enjoy these fleeting seasons.
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