Top summer survival tips for moms
It was only a matter of minutes of school being out for summer that my kids began fighting. One declared, “Stop looking at me!” to the other across the kitchen table. I knew it was going to be a long summer, so I began planning in my mind what we’d stay busy with for sanity’s sake.
Two weeks in, I can say we’re surviving, even though mornings are challenging with their fighting and name-calling. I’ve already implemented several of the suggestions below, and they’ve brought more joy to our summer. I hope these can spark ideas and provide encouragement for your family’s summer break too!
1. Give yourself loads of grace and patience. This is at the top for a reason. Moms don’t just carry a lot of laundry in the summer, but guilt too. Be sure to extend grace to yourself every day.
2. Plan one outing a day. Sometimes you just need to get out of the house, and then everyone is in a better mood when you return.
3. Utilize paper plates and cups. Sure, it costs extra and creates more trash, but this will help you tremendously when you’re making breakfast, lunch and dinner all summer long.
4. When it’s possible, separate yourself from the noise and chaos. Because if you don’t, you’ll be drowning in it. Allow yourself space each day from your kids and from one another.
5. Treat yourself to self-care. Schedule a massage or manicure, go for a walk, go to the chiropractor — whatever it is that you enjoy. Take care of yourself and don’t feel guilty.
6. Don’t reward your kids with TV shows or electronics until they’ve cleaned their rooms and picked up after themselves. Then let screen time be their reward.
7. Have a family movie night. Choose one child a week to pick that night’s movie. Pop popcorn and enjoy resting on the couch together out of the hot sun.
8. Make root beer floats or ice cream sundaes. Sometimes a “hey kids, let’s get in the car and go get some ice cream” really lightens the mood and helps them savor summer. Don’t be afraid to finish their cones either!
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