Enjoying Motherhood in Summer: Tips for Moms Juggling It All

Summer is filled with endless possibilities for making cherished memories with your little ones. But as a mom juggling life, work and family responsibilities, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to find the balance between enjoying summer and fulfilling your obligations. We’ve compiled our valuable tips and strategies to help you embrace motherhood during the summer months while managing your workload and family commitments.

Don’t Put Self Care on the Back Burner:

Taking care of yourself allows you to show up as the best version of yourself for your family. Make sure you set aside regular breaks to rejuvenate yourself. Whether it's a few minutes of quiet time, your 5 minute skincare routine, or an indulgent bubble bath, carving out space for yourself is crucial. Utilize support networks with family and friends, and don’t forget to ask for help when needed. My partner and I make our weekly kid-free date night a priority all year round. Mindfulness and exercise should also be a key part of your daily routine. Try deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Now, let's explore some fun ways you can make the most of the summer season with your little ones:

Get outdoors:

Plan family picnics and outings and head to a nearby park or beach. Spend quality time with your family, playing games, and enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Let your children burn off some energy while you soak up the sunshine and engage with other parents, or even respond to those work emails if you have to.

Make the Most of the Backyard:

If an outing isn’t possible, make your yard the adventure! Set up a kiddie pool, sprinklers, or water balloons in your backyard. Water play is not only refreshing but also a great way for kids to develop their motor skills.

In the evening, you can turn your backyard into a camping wonderland. Pitch a tent, build a campfire, and tell stories under the starry sky. Or try a DIY movie night with a white sheet and a projector and some popcorn and snacks. We do this at my house with a cheap inflatable pool and fill it with blankets and pillows for the “luxury” movie watching experience for the girls!

It's a fantastic way to introduce your little ones to the joys of the outdoors without the stress of packing everyone up to leave the home.

Take that Summer Vacation:

Summer vacations with little ones can be chaotic, but they are also where so many lasting memories are made. Here are some tips to keep them stress-free (or at least less stressful!) 

A little more time spent packing will help bring stress levels down. Pack extra sunscreen, beach toys, and snacks always! Make sure you have shade options like umbrellas or tents, games and outdoor toys, and remember changes of clothes, wipes, and diapers are key. 

Choose family friendly destinations. They are family friendly for a reason: to make your life easier! Look for resorts, theme parks and campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities like pools with waterslides, supervised children's activities, hiking trails, and play areas. 

Find Balance Between Work and Family:

Clearly communicate expectations and limitations with your work. Odds are your employer has a family too and will understand your shared challenges! Discuss the possibility of adjusting your work schedule to accommodate family activities. Flexibility allows you to spend quality time with your children while fulfilling work obligations. Discuss any potential challenges you may face during the summer months and work together to find suitable solutions so there aren't surprises. Plan for and explore alternative childcare options such as summer camps, babysitters, or engaging family members to support you during busy workdays. Finally, seek to connect with a community of other working moms in your community and plan joint activities. This way, you can support each other and create a support system.

Summer can be tough for us moms, but with some intentional planning (and some deep breaths!) it doesn't have to be.