As summer break approaches, there’s a mix of excitement and apprehension in the air. I look forward to fun activities with my kids—think berry picking, road trips, and lazy days by the pool—yet I also brace myself for the inevitable challenges of managing unstructured family time. As a parent who works from home, the usual quiet hours of productivity will be disrupted, adding another layer of complexity.
The freedom from early mornings, lunch preparations, and homework can be refreshing. We all enjoy lounging in pajamas and flowing with the whims of the day. However, this carefree approach can lead to restlessness and irritability, much like indulging in junk food; it feels good at first, but too much can leave us feeling sluggish. Our household thrives on routine.
After wrestling with the balance of enjoyment and structure over several summers, I know this season won’t be flawless—but I’m armed with a few sanity-saving strategies inspired by friends and my own experiences.
Go All In or All Out
I adore the advice of my friend, Jamie Collins, who gives her tweens her full attention during family activities and then fully focuses on her work when it’s time. No half-hearted responses while playing a game, nor interruptions for minor questions. This clear distinction allows her children to feel secure in their ability to entertain themselves while knowing their mom is present when it counts. I’m still mastering this concept, but I remind myself that even small tasks, like washing dishes, can wait. “Let me finish this, and then I’m all yours!” can work wonders.
Engage the Neighbors
In today’s world of parent-organized playdates, summers don’t resemble our childhood days of roaming the neighborhood. Many kids are either at camps or closely supervised, making it harder to let them explore freely. My neighbors and I have decided to change that. We share our cell phone numbers and text each other, inviting kids to join in on spontaneous fun—like running through sprinklers or heading to the park. It’s a win-win; the kids have fun, and we parents form stronger bonds too.
Establish a Flexible Structure
One of my friends, who also juggles a full-time job, has her children create a list of fun activities with their babysitter at the start of summer, balancing free and paid options. I’ve adopted this practice as well. It sets clear expectations and adds a touch of organization to our days. A little daily structure helps avoid the “What should we do today?” paralysis that can lead to hours of wasted time. In our home, we designate certain days for camps, establish no-screen hours, and plan evening outings—knowing a rough schedule can be comforting for everyone.
Embrace the Summer Vibe
While some structure is beneficial, summer is meant to feel different from the school year grind. It’s a time for relaxed routines. Let’s not stress over math workbooks and allow a little flexibility in our own schedules too, whether it’s shorter work hours or gasp actually using our vacation days.
Amid figuring out summer routines and preserving sanity, it’s essential to soak in the season’s magic—the hot afternoons, the sounds of thunderstorms, long evenings, and the joy of fleeting fireflies. Each summer marks a step toward my kids growing up, heading toward jobs, internships, and eventually, summers without them at home.
In moments of sibling squabbles and damp towels scattered across the floor, we must remember that this is the time for leisurely walks in the woods and creek playdates. It’s okay to skip the “shoulds” and indulge in ice cream for lunch occasionally. Now is when we blow bubbles, wear swimsuits at the picnic table, and enjoy the lingering dusk together.
This summer is ours to cherish. September will come soon enough.
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Summary
Balancing work and family during summer break can be challenging but implementing routines, engaging neighbors, and embracing the relaxed vibe of summer can create a harmonious environment. This approach not only allows for cherished family moments but also helps maintain sanity.
Keyphrase: summer with kids at home
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