The school year ends, and suddenly it’s summer. Cue the confetti cannons… and the panic.
There’s something magical about summer vacation—bare feet on the grass, sticky popsicles, spontaneous beach trips. But for parents? It’s also a time of total upheaval. The predictable school-day rhythm is out the window, and you’re left staring into the abyss of unstructured days with kids who want to be entertained constantly.
Welcome to the season of “new routines”… or no routines at all.
The Stress is Real (You’re Not Alone)
Let’s just say it: transitioning into summer can feel like trying to fold a fitted sheet—frustrating, confusing, and mildly infuriating. Maybe you’re juggling work-from-home life while your kids are asking for snacks every 12 minutes. Maybe you’re cobbling together a patchwork of camps, grandparents, screen time, and sheer hope. Maybe you’re wondering if “feral child in swimsuit” is a valid lifestyle choice.
Whatever your situation, you’re not failing—you’re adjusting.
So What Is the Routine Now?
Here’s the thing: summer doesn’t have to mean chaos (well, not all chaos). It just might mean rethinking what “routine” looks like.
Try this:
- Anchor your day. Pick one or two consistent things: morning walks, quiet reading after lunch, or a family dinner. Predictability in small doses goes a long way.
- Create loose structure. Maybe Mondays are craft days, Tuesdays are water play, Wednesdays are library trips. Give your week a personality, but keep it flexible.
- Build in independent time. Kids need to know it’s okay to be “bored”—because boredom breeds creativity. Set up a space with reusable activities (hey, Buggy Bags anyone?) that kids can grab without needing you every second.
A Pep Talk for Your Peace of Mind
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just know: summer isn’t about doing it all. It’s about creating moments. Not every day needs a field trip or a Pinterest-level craft. Some days are cereal-for-dinner and movies at 3 p.m.—and that’s okay.
Your kids won’t remember the perfect schedule. They’ll remember the popsicle drips, the belly laughs, the lazy afternoons spent in bathing suits long after the pool.
So give yourself some grace. Take a deep breath. And remind yourself: you’re doing a great job, even if your “routine” today was just surviving until bedtime.
Bonus Tip:
Want a little help keeping things fun without planning a thousand activities? Check out our Buggy Bags—they’re screen-free, mess-free, reusable fun for kids ages 3–7. Perfect for travel, restaurants, or just buying you 20 minutes of peace and quiet.
Because sometimes the best summer routine is… let them play while you sip your coffee hot or iced if you’re anything like me.