5/18/26:  Work + Kids + Summer: How to Make It All Work Without Losing Your Mind

Are you still trying to figure out how you are going to work AND play this summer?

I’ve been balancing work and kids for 14 summers and can say, some of those have been easier than others, but here are some tried and true methods for keeping balance and controlling the chaos.

1. Don’t overfill the summer. 
   
   I get it, you want to make the most of the time you have with your kids, but they probably crave rest and relaxation as much as you.  Find that fine balance of worldly adventures and chill at home time.
   
   Personal experience tip:  Let your kids recover from draining situations.  We used to plan to camp after our kids came back from camp and just realized they have no energy for two weeks away from home.  Allow recovery time from adventures.
   
2. Stick to your boundaries.
   
   As a mostly stay-at-home mom, I know the pressures of people calling on you for little favors here and there or asking for your time for this or that, because people believe you can or you should. 
   
   Now I am not saying that you don’t do anything for anyone ever – do exactly what you feel comfortable committing to.  If you are heading to the ballpark and a neighbor asks you to take a +1, go for it.  If you are a mom of four who is already riding the struggle bus leaving the house, probably not the best idea to say “yes” to being a shuttle for several neighborhood kids to various activities.
   
   Say “yes” to what matters and “no” to what doesn’t.
   
   Personal experience tip:  Once upon a time, I offered to be a free drop-in babysitter for a friend who had unreliable childcare.  It turned into a disaster!  I wasn’t able to enjoy the summer with my kids because we had to plan around another family.  Be thoughtful about what you take on, do not be impulsive in committing.
   
3. It’s your summer, too!
   
   It is just how moms are, we try to make summer a blast for our families, but it’s your summer too!  Make sure at least some of the adventures, or better yet, not adventures, are built for your sanity and pleasure. 
   
   Whether it is going to your favorite hang out – mine is Target Field, or doing the exact opposite and saying “hey, we aren’t doing anything or going anywhere today-entertain yourselves,” take your stand and do your thing every once in a while.
   
   Personal experience tip:  I love being out and about, but if it was up to my youngest, we would do 100 things a day, everyday, forever, and quite frankly, I don’t have the energy for it.  There are plenty of days where I say backyard pool party while I sit on the deck and read.  Do this guilt free!  It gives more energy for the things you can do tomorrow.
   
4. Don’t feel bad for working.
   
   Whether you are your own boss or working for “the man”, don’t feel bad if you have to spend the summer working. 
   
   This can be having an 8-5, sending the kids to a sitter or having them fend for themselves, or running your own business with flexibility.  Whatever it is, if you want to or need to work, do it. 
   
   It is great for your kids to see you work, especially if you are doing something you love.
   
   Personal experience tip:  There have definitely been times where I feel guilty for saying “I have to work,” but I tell my kids what I am doing, how long it will take, and what they get from me when it is done.  I let them know “I have this meeting until 11:30, then I will get you guys lunch, and after that we will go to the library.  While I do all that, you girls need to do your chores.”  They know I’m working, but I’ve set a clear expectation for them.
   
5. Keep schedules…or don’t.  Your call.
   
   I love a good schedule, and if you do too, feel free to keep one during the summer.  You can still be carefree and fun with a plan.  If you are going to work and play, this will probably be important. 
   
   On the other side of that, if you want to live wild and free, go for it!  If you have the option to just let things happen, go for it. 
   
   Personal experience tip:  Keeping a schedule or not usually depends on my work schedule.  I try not to overcommit, but if I tell my kids we’ll do something tomorrow, I will let them know if I have other things scheduled so they know that the time is sort of fixed.
   
6. Lower your expectations.
   
   It doesn’t all have to be perfect and polished. 
   
   Kids are home, your house will probably look like a shit storm…and that is fine.  Meals don’t have to be the healthiest, exceptionally balanced, or freshly made.  The routines may be a little (or a lot) off.
   
   Whatever it is, just know it may not look the same as the other nine months out of the year.
   
   Personal experience tip: I’m going to be honest, our house is the opposite – I work less in the summer so it looks a little more together here.  However, I know I’ll have paw prints, pool water, 87 pairs of shoes strewn about, and that is just what is.
   
7. Protect your energy.
   
   This is different from “it’s your summer, too”.  This is protecting your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 
   
   Summers are short…but long.  Pace yourself!  Don’t overplan, spread out the fun.  Set aside time that is just for you, and plan self-care.  Hydrate, get good rest, eat well, just all the things to take care of yourself.
   
   Personal experience tip: I do not sacrifice lunch with friends, massages, reading time, or any of the other things I value when my kids are home.  I tell them I’ll be back in an hour and go.  Find a way to keep the things that charge you up present in the summer.

Do you have any “summer hacks” that you cling to in the chaos?