Summer: The Season of Sun, Spontaneity, and… Chaos?

If you’re a mom, summer vacation might sound more like a juggling act than a break. Between the sunscreen battles, snack negotiations, and cries of “I’m bored!” five minutes after breakfast, it can feel like the longest short season of the year.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little prep and the right mindset, summer can actually be the magical memory-maker it’s meant to be. Here’s how to survive (and thrive!) this summer, mama-style:

Start with a Loose Plan (Emphasis on Loose)

You don’t need to schedule every minute—but having a basic game plan helps prevent that “What now?” spiral. Try this:

• Create a flexible weekly rhythm: Think “Library Mondays,” “Park Tuesdays,” “Water Play Wednesdays,” etc.
  
• Use a big wall calendar to plot out camps, trips, birthdays, and downtime. Bonus: Kids love being able to see what’s coming!
  

Don’t Overschedule

It’s tempting to pack in all the things—day trips, playdates, camps—but remember, kids need unscheduled time too. So do you.

Build in white space. Boredom breeds creativity (and gives you five minutes to finish your coffee).

Create a Summer Bucket List (Together)

Sit down as a family and brainstorm fun, doable ideas. Keep it realistic, like:

• Make homemade popsicles
  
• Camp in the backyard
  
• Visit a splash pad
  
• Have a tech-free day
  

Put your list somewhere visible and check things off as you go—it’s a great way to stay inspired without the pressure.

Have a Go-To “I’m Bored” List

Keep a list or bin of independent activities ready for those “I have nothing to do!” moments. Include things like:

• Puzzle books
  
• Sidewalk chalk
  
• Water balloons
  
• Fort kits (blankets + clothespins = magic)
  

Empower kids to pick something themselves so you’re not the cruise director 24/7.

Embrace the Mess (Within Reason)

Yes, there will be sticky floors, sandy backpacks, and more laundry than you thought possible. Let go of perfection.

Choose joy over judgment. Some messes are just evidence of a summer well lived.

Prioritize Your Time, Too

This one’s big. Moms need summer, too. Whether it’s waking up 30 minutes early for a quiet cup of coffee, scheduling a night out with friends, or letting the kids watch a movie while you read—take your moments.

You’re not just the planner and lifeguard and snack fairy—you’re a person, and you deserve sunshine too.

Capture the Little Things

Yes, the big beach trip is great, but sometimes the best moments are unexpected:

• Laughing over melted ice cream cones
  
• That look on their face when they catch a firefly
  
• Couch snuggles during a summer thunderstorm
  

Snap a photo, write it down, or just take a breath and let yourself feel it.

Let Go of the Pressure to Make It “Perfect”

You are not responsible for manufacturing a Pinterest-worthy summer. If your kids are loved, safe, and occasionally entertained, you’re doing more than enough.

The best memories often come from the simplest days.

Summer can be intense, but it can also be beautiful. The laughter, the connection, the memories in the making—it’s all worth it. And just remember: you’re not alone, and there’s no “right” way to do summer.

So here’s to sticky fingers, loud giggles, and a whole lot of love. You’ve got this.

Until next time,

Sonya