Your Parenting Survival Guide: 5 Tips for Summer

Looking for tips for summer when your kids are no longer in school? This guide offers 5 actionable strategies to help you balance fun and structure, manage screen time, build family connections, and stay calm, so you can enjoy the season with your kids without losing yourself in the process. Grab my free summer schedules and routines printables here! This post may contain affiliate links.

Summer is here.

Along with summer comes a familiar mix of excitement and pure chaos, especially if you have kids who typically leave the house every day for school. Even homeschooling families feel this as they shift from a daily routine of school work to more freedom. 

As much as we look forward to the break from the hustle and bustle of the school year, summer brings its own set of challenges. With more unstructured time, kids are home all day or at camps and summer activities, and routines are typically out the window; it can feel like you’re juggling a dozen things at once. 

For parents, this shift can sometimes lead to exhaustion, frustration, and a need for one stinking moment of peace! 

Yep, I’m right there with you. With three boys at home, it’s easy for summer to become a whirlwind or resemble a WWE wrestling ring. 

The desert heat of Arizona, where temperatures can easily hit 120°F, makes things even trickier. Most of our days are spent indoors, either at home or at indoor skate parks and play places so that our faces don’t literally melt off! 

Swimming or any activity involving water is a saving grace, but even then, staying inside and surviving the heat becomes a major priority. Without a plan, we’d be scrambling to fill each day, and that chaos would take a toll on everyone.

We’re fortunate to have an RV, and we can escape for a couple of hours to cooler temps 30-50 degrees lower, but even that requires thoughtful planning to make it happen. Whether we’re staying at home or planning our getaways, one thing is certain: without a solid plan, summer can quickly test your patience, energy, and sense of sanity.

5 Tips for Summer To Stay Sane During Summer Vacation

In this post, I’ll be sharing five actionable tips for summer that will help you manage the chaos of summer while still making the most of the time spent with your kids. Even though summer can feel overwhelming at times, it’s also a beautiful opportunity to bond with your family and create lasting memories. 

Tip 1: Create a Summer Schedule with Flexibility

Summer can be a wonderful time to embrace more freedom, but that doesn’t mean tossing structure out the window. 

A structured yet flexible schedule is key to helping kids stay grounded during the chaos of summer while leaving plenty of room for fun and spontaneity. While kids thrive on routine, they also need the space to enjoy their break. A summer schedule doesn’t have to be rigid. It should feel like a gentle rhythm, guiding the day but still allowing for flexibility. This balance helps everyone stay on track without feeling too confined.

What to include in your summer schedule and daily routines:

• Time blocks for chores: Starting the day with a little productivity can set the tone. Consider dedicating a small window of time each morning for everyone to pitch in, whether it’s making the bed, cleaning up breakfast, or doing a quick tidy-up of the living room. Keeping it light helps establish a sense of accomplishment early in the day.
  
• Creative play and activities: Block out time for activities that spark creativity and imagination. You can read more about cultivating creativity in your kids here! For younger kids, this could mean free play with toys or arts and crafts; for older kids, it might be building LEGO structures or setting up a DIY science experiment in the backyard. These types of activities provide a healthy outlet for energy and spark creativity. 

Pro tip: Have an area or bins with makerspace-type materials that are free game for the kids to use. It may make a mess, but you can simply teach your kids how to clean up after themselves using a simple 4-step process! 

• Outdoor activities: Depending on where you live, outdoor play can either be an early morning or late evening event to avoid the heat. Schedule hikes, bike rides, or outdoor games like soccer or frisbee, but also leave room for spontaneous water fights or sidewalk chalk art sessions.
  
• Screen time: Yes, screens are part of life. Whether it’s watching TV, playing video games, or using apps for educational purposes, it’s important to set clear boundaries. Assign time blocks for screens and make sure there are clear rules on what’s acceptable (e.g., screen time only after chores or when creative play time is done). *My son has been creating his summer screen time plan for months!
  
• Downtime and self-care: Let’s face it, summer is exhausting! And not just for kids. Make sure there’s time each day for relaxation and self-care. This can be an afternoon nap for younger kids, quiet reading time, or even a calm activity like journaling or listening to music or our favorite, podcasts for kids! For you, this might be your moment to have a cup of coffee or take a breather before going back into mom (or dad) mode. 

Ensure the schedule is adaptable:

One of the best parts about summer is the ability to take things as they come. Your schedule should allow for those impromptu moments that make summer so enjoyable. 

A rainstorm can quickly change outdoor plans, or you might just decide to go on a last-minute ice cream run. That’s why it’s so important to allow for flexibility. A dust storm or monsoon (what we experience in summer) might shift your pool time to a craft project or an indoor scavenger hunt. A hot afternoon could be the perfect excuse for a surprise trip to the pool or a movie marathon.

Rhythms and routines that actually work:

The key to a flexible summer schedule is creating rhythms that feel natural, not forced. 

You want to set a foundation that gives your kids a sense of security without making the day feel like boot camp. 

Consider using a morning checklist to help kids transition from one activity to the next, and add a “wind down” routine for bedtime that keeps everyone on track. I have this great routine chart that we have used for years! 

Having a rhythm ensures that, even when things feel chaotic, there’s still a sense of structure that holds it all together.

For specific routine ideas and printable schedules that you can use to structure your family’s summer days, check out Picking the Best Summer Schedule blog post. I created 8 printables to offer you simple and adaptable routines for your kids, so you can customize them to fit your family’s needs. 

Tip 2: Implement Calm Down Strategies for You (and the Kids)

You can’t pour from an empty cup! Taking time for yourself is essential to staying calm and energized, especially during the chaos of summer. 

When we’re constantly giving to others, it’s easy to run on empty and become utterly overwhelmed. 

This is why it’s vital to implement self-care strategies that help you stay grounded and emotionally available for your kids. It’s also important to teach your kids how to manage their own emotions. By modeling calm-down strategies and infusing them into your family culture, everyone benefits.

Read Next: 7 Powerful Ways to Build a Strong Family Culture

Calm down strategies that work

Short moments of self-care: 

You don’t have to dedicate hours of your day to self-care. Sometimes, it’s the small moments that make a big difference. A peaceful morning walk before the kids wake up, journaling your thoughts, doing a few minutes of yoga, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee can recharge you for the day ahead. These moments give you the space to breathe, reflect, and reset your mind and body, even if just for 10 minutes.

Setting boundaries to allow for personal time: 

One of the biggest challenges in parenting is carving out time for yourself, but it’s a non-negotiable. 

Even if it’s just 10 minutes a day, it’s important to create personal time. Setting clear boundaries gives you permission to take care of your own needs. Let the kids know that you need this time to recharge so you can be the best version of yourself when you’re around them.

Download my free Calm Mom Toolkit here! 

Use the CALM and STEADY tools:

The CALM and STEADY Framework is a cornerstone of my 12-Week Parent Transformation Program. It provides a step-by-step approach to managing your own emotional regulation and supporting your child through their emotional ups and downs.

Here’s how it works:

CALM: Regulating Yourself First

• C – Check In With Your Body:
  The first step is to pause and notice how your body feels. Are you tense? Is your heart racing? Taking a moment to check in with your body helps you recognize how you’re feeling so you can address it before reacting.
  
• A – Activate a Regulation Tool:
  Once you’ve checked in with your body, activate a regulation tool that works for you. This could be deep breathing, gentle stretching, or using a grounding technique (e.g., feeling the floor beneath your feet). The key is to find what helps you calm your nervous system and make it a habit to use these tools when stress arises.
  
• L – Let Go of the Narrative:
  Often, our frustration is fueled by stories we tell ourselves, like “My child is being unreasonable” or “This will never end.” Let go of these unhelpful narratives and focus on the present moment. This shift helps you respond from a place of calm rather than frustration.
  
• M – Move Forward With Intention:
  After using your regulation tools, make a conscious choice about how you want to respond. Rather than reacting impulsively, respond from a place of calmness, staying connected to your values and parenting goals. This mindful approach ensures you act with purpose, which helps create emotional safety for both you and your child.

STEADY: Co-Regulating with Your Child

• S – Stay Present:
  Resist the urge to shut down, walk away, or immediately fix the situation. Your presence is powerful. Sometimes, just being there with your child, without speaking, can make them feel safe and supported.
  
• T – Tune In:
  Pay attention to your child’s cues, including their body language, facial expressions, and energy shifts. These subtle signs can tell you what they’re feeling before they even express it in words, allowing you to connect with their emotional state on a deeper level.
  
• E – Empathize First:
  Once you’ve tuned in to your child’s emotions, acknowledge what they’re feeling. You might say, “It looks like you’re feeling really frustrated,” or “I see you’re overwhelmed right now.” By naming their emotions out loud, you help your child feel understood and connected, which is essential for emotional regulation.
  
• A – Assist with Regulation:
  Offer co-regulation tools to help your child calm down. You might take deep breaths together, offer a favorite sensory item (like a stress ball), or give a gentle hug or rub their back. These tools help your child regulate their emotions by connecting with your calm energy. It’s important to meet them where they are and not introduce new tools when they’re already in a heightened emotional state.
  
• D – Don’t Demand Logic:
  When emotions are running high, reasoning or problem-solving won’t be effective. The brain has a hard time processing logic during a stressful moment. Instead of trying to solve the problem right away, focus on calming your child first. Save logical explanations for later, once they’re in a more regulated state.
  
• Y – Yield to Their Process:
  Allow your child to experience their emotions fully, without rushing or trying to shut them down. Let them “ride the wave” of their emotions. This helps them learn that emotions are natural, and they can move through them without being overwhelmed. Avoid interrupting their emotional process, as this can create more resistance.

Personal Trigger Map:

Understanding your own triggers and your kids’ triggers is a key part of preventing meltdowns before they happen. 

A personal trigger map can help you pinpoint situations that tend to escalate quickly and help you prepare for those moments. Keep track of times when your patience wears thin, such as when your kids are bickering, refusing to follow directions, or getting overstimulated. Notice what specific actions or circumstances set you or your kids off, and then create a plan to address those triggers.

If you’re unfamiliar with what a trigger even is, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a great article you can read called, Understanding Mental Health Triggers. 

For example, if you know that the heat causes short tempers in your family, plan to have calming strategies in place when the temperature increases. If you or your kids tend to get frustrated when routines are disrupted, have a “reset” plan, such as taking a break, practicing a calming strategy, or engaging in a distraction to restore calm and move forward.

Actionable tips for summer:

• Involve your kids in the process: Kids can learn and practice calm-down strategies, too. Try incorporating family activities that encourage mindfulness and self-regulation, such as family walks or doing a group breathing exercise. Independent playtime can also give you a much-needed break while helping your kids develop their own coping skills. Encourage your kids to use a calm-down corner so they can reset when they’re feeling overwhelmed.
  
• Create a Calm-Down Toolkit for Your Family: Assemble a box or a “calm-down kit” that includes things your kids can turn to when they need help managing big feelings, items like fidget toys, calming music playlists, a journal for writing feelings, or a favorite stuffed animal. Having these tools readily available gives kids a tangible way to self-soothe. 

Read Next: Calm Down Kit Ideas to Help Kids Manage Big Emotions | Free Printable

By implementing calm-down strategies for both you and your kids, you’ll build an environment where emotional regulation becomes second nature. This practice not only helps prevent meltdowns but also promotes a peaceful atmosphere for everyone, allowing you to stay grounded and enjoy the summer together.

Tip 3: Set Screen Time Boundaries with Purpose

In our technology-driven world, screens are often an unavoidable part of daily life, but too much screen time can have negative effects on kids’ sleep, behavior, and family relationships. 

Overindulgence in screens can disrupt sleep cycles, increase irritability, and foster unhealthy dependencies. When screens become the default for entertainment, it leaves less room for imaginative play, physical activity, and quality family time. 

Experts are now advising parents not to even hand over a device with a screen on it to a child until they’re over the age of 6 or 7. We did this with our youngest and most adults, who meet him, comment on how they see a huge difference in his development versus his peers who were introduced to screens as a baby or toddler. 

Setting thoughtful, intentional boundaries around screen time can help preserve your family’s well-being and encourage more balanced habits.

What to do instead of handing your kid a device

This is mainly for parents who have kids who are elementary-age and older. 

There are a lot of things kids can do; I mean, if you were born before 2005, chances are, you were able to entertain yourself without an iPad, computer, or cell phone. 

Offer alternative activities 

Encourage a mix of activities that don’t involve screens. Board games, puzzles, crafting, cooking together, or outdoor adventures like hiking or biking are great alternatives that encourage interaction and creativity. These activities not only provide entertainment but also foster family bonding and allow for more meaningful connections.

Read Next: Why You Should Stop Buying Tech Toys For Your Kids According to Experts

Make screen time intentional

Not all screen time is created equal. 

Instead of mindlessly scrolling or watching hours of TV, make screen time purposeful. My friend Kaity at Prenda uses the analogy of digital vegetables vs. digital candy. My kids are well aware of what constitutes a digital vegetable or what is digital junk. 

Use educational apps that encourage learning, play interactive games that stimulate thinking, or watch movies together as a family and discuss the plot, characters, and messages afterward. Intentional screen time can become an opportunity for shared learning experiences, rather than just a passive way to pass the time.

Tech boundaries from Dr. K’s Healthy Gamer framework

I recently read How to Raise a Healthy Gamer since one of my sons is extremely susceptible to screen addiction. Dr. K’s approach to healthy gaming emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries around screen time, especially when it comes to video games. Key principles include:

• Set limits on game time: Designate specific times for gaming, and stick to those boundaries. Encourage balance by ensuring that gaming doesn’t eat into time for sleep, physical activity, or family interactions.
  
• Prioritize healthy content: Choose games or apps that promote positive skills and thinking, like strategy games, learning-based apps, or cooperative multiplayer games that involve communication and problem-solving.
  
• Monitor and discuss screen time habits: Regularly check in with your kids about their gaming or screen habits. Discuss what they’ve been doing online, what games they’re playing, and how it’s making them feel. Lean into connection and show that you are interested in what they are interested in!

Actionable tips for summer:

• Use apps to help manage screen time:
  
  • OurPact: This app lets you set schedules for device usage, block apps, and even enforce screen-free times.
  • Screen Time: This app offers real-time activity tracking and enables you to set daily limits for each app.
  • Aura Parental Controls: “Set screen time limits, block inappropriate websites and apps and get real-time alerts about cyberbullying or predators from online games.” 
• Screen-free challenges: Encourage your kids to take part in a fun, screen-free challenge to limit their screen time. You could set up a “no screens” day once a week, where everyone commits to activities that don’t involve screens. 
• Create tech-free zones: Designate certain areas of your home as screen-free zones, like the dinner table, bedrooms, or during family time. This helps to establish natural boundaries and encourages everyone to engage in the moment without distractions.
  

By setting purposeful screen time boundaries and offering fun alternatives, you can ensure that screens don’t become the main focus of your family’s day. This balanced approach promotes healthier habits, better sleep, and more meaningful connections, both with each other and with the world around you.

I want to mention that depending on your child’s temperament, personality, and brain chemistry, this may be INCREDIBLY difficult. These generic screen time tips often don’t help with him, but I’ve learned from Dr. K to make sure our relationship is number one, and it’s okay if he doesn’t like it. Stay consistent and regulated. His healthy brain development and emotional development are priorities, and there’s a fine balance. For my other kids, these tips work great! 

Tip 4: Build Connection Through Fun Family Activities

During summer break, it’s easy to forget that one of the most important things for both you and your kids is simply spending quality time together. Connecting through shared activities not only strengthens your bond but also creates positive memories that can last long after the season ends. 

What you can do to build connection and have fun!

With the right activities, you can cultivate a sense of togetherness while also offering your kids opportunities for growth, learning, and fun.

Plan family outings

Whether it’s a trip to a local park, a visit to the zoo, or a beach day, family outings are a great way to spend uninterrupted time together. Plan at least one outing a week where everyone can enjoy each other’s company outside of the usual routine.

Try new things

Use the summer as an opportunity to explore new activities that everyone can enjoy, whether it’s a new sport, a DIY project at home, or trying out new recipes together in the kitchen. Trying new things encourages teamwork and adds a sense of adventure to your family dynamic.

Incorporate learning into fun

Educational activities don’t have to be boring! 

Plan fun experiments, scavenger hunts, or outdoor games that challenge your kids’ problem-solving skills. You can even make learning a part of your family activities, like a nature walk where you identify local plants or animals, or a cooking session that teaches them math through measuring ingredients.

I have a whole list of educational activities you can do here: The Ultimate List of Over 225 Home Education Resources

Actionable tips for summer:

• Create a Family Bucket List: Sit down with your kids and brainstorm a list of activities you’d all love to do together. This could be anything from a camping trip to a movie marathon or building a treehouse in the backyard. Keep the list visible and check off items as you complete them. It gives the family something to look forward to and helps ensure everyone feels involved.
  
• Set aside tech-free time: Dedicate certain times during the week where all screens are put away, and everyone focuses on engaging with each other. Whether it’s a family game night or an afternoon of crafting, these moments will help you reconnect without distractions.
  
• Practice intentional listening: During family activities, practice being fully present and engaged. Let your kids share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences without interruptions. This builds trust and creates an open, communicative family culture.
  

You can download the Summer Bucket List here.

Tip 5: Manage Expectations and Let Go of Perfection

Summer doesn’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay! 

As parents, we often hold ourselves to high standards, but summer is about enjoying the season and creating memories, not about perfect schedules, perfect days, or perfect kids. 

How to shift your mindset

Letting go of perfection allows you to experience the joy of the moment, even when things don’t go as expected. This shift in mindset helps reduce stress and increases your ability to embrace the unpredictability of summer.

Shift your focus from perfection to presence

Summer is full of opportunities to connect with your family and make memories, but it’s easy to get caught up in expectations. Instead of worrying about how things should go, focus on being present and enjoying the experience as it unfolds. 

You’ll find more joy in the moments that happen naturally, rather than stressing over every detail.

Accept that things won’t always go as planned

As I mentioned above, plans change. It’s all part of the parenting journey. Embrace these moments as learning opportunities for yourself and your children, and remember that they will look back on the fun, not the perfect execution of the plan.

Set realistic expectations for yourself and your family

While having a schedule can help create structure, it’s important to allow flexibility. Not every day needs to be packed with activities, and it’s okay if you don’t check off every item on the bucket list. Sometimes, a quiet day at home with a puzzle or a movie is just what everyone needs to recharge.

Actionable tip for summer:

• Let go of the “perfect” summer image: Maybe turn off social media first so you have nothing to compare your summer plans to. Ha! You can also reframe what “perfect” looks like. Focus on the little wins, such as moments when everyone is together, when your kids are laughing, or when you find time to rest and recharge as a family.
  
• Practice self-compassion: As a parent, you’re doing your best. Give yourself grace when things don’t go according to plan, and avoid comparing yourself to others. Or complaining to others. When we continuously focus on the negative, it’s really hard to see what IS going well. Embrace the messy moments, and remember that perfect doesn’t always equal happy. The joy is found in the imperfections and the relationships you are cultivating with each of your kids. 

By managing expectations and letting go of perfection, you’ll create a more relaxed, enjoyable summer for everyone. These simple shifts will help you embrace the season with a more peaceful mindset, allowing for more freedom, laughter, and fun family moments.

Free Summer Schedules & Routines

If you’re looking for ways to have a great summer with your kids. Follow the survival guide above and use these schedules and routine charts to keep everyone regulated (as much as you can)!

Summer Fun!

Summer is a time for FUN!!! 

It’s also a great opportunity to strengthen your family bonds and to relax but of course, it comes with challenges, especially depending on your kids’ ages. 

By implementing a balanced, intentional approach to summer parenting, one with structure, self-care, boundaries, and connection, you can create a season that’s enjoyable for everyone without losing yourself in the process. The key is to stay flexible, prioritize quality time, and embrace the imperfections along the way.

Remember, summer is a precious opportunity to build lasting memories with your kids. By following these tips for summer, you can ensure that both you and your children have a fulfilling, joyful summer. 

What are your favorite summer tips? I’d love to hear from you in the comments! If you’re looking for more personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to schedule a complimentary coaching call. Let’s work together to make this summer your best one yet!

Adriane (Raising Kids With Purpose)

Hello!!! I’m Adriane. I’m a mom to three loud boys, am a research-a-holic and very passionate person who writes at Raising Kids With Purpose. Parenting can feel so hard sometimes but with mindset shifts and understanding, it can be very enjoyable. My hope is to inspire parents like you to create lifelong connections with your children and enjoy the journey along the way!