Summer Survival Guide for Busy Working Moms: Maintaining Routine When the Kids Are Home

Summer is supposed to feel like a break, right? Longer days, sunshine, and more time with the kids. But for many busy working moms, summer can feel anything but relaxing. After spending years researching my own productivity patterns and working alongside hundreds of mothers, I've seen how the routines that kept everything (mostly) running smoothly during the school year suddenly disappear, replaced with endless snack requests, unpredictable schedules, and the pressure to "make the most" of summer.

If you’re already feeling the weight of keeping up with work, maintaining your home, and ensuring your kids have a great summer (without losing your mind in the process), you’re not alone. The good news? With a little planning and the right mindset, you can keep your sanity, stay productive, and even carve out time for yourself.

Here’s your Summer Survival Guide to help you navigate the chaos and find a rhythm that works for your family.

Set a Flexible but Predictable Routine

Routine doesn’t have to mean rigid. Kids thrive on predictability, and having some structure will help everyone feel more settled.

• Morning Check-In: Start the day with a simple plan—what’s happening today, any must-dos, and fun activities to look forward to.
• Work Blocks & Play Blocks: Identify times when you need to focus and times when you can step away for quality time with your kids.
• Meal & Snack Times: Having designated eating times minimizes the constant “I’m hungry” interruptions.

Pro Tip: Use a visual schedule or a simple whiteboard to list the day's plan so kids know what to expect. Research consistently shows that children experience less anxiety and exhibit better behavior when they can anticipate what's coming next in their day, even during vacation periods.

Create Independent Activities for Kids

Whether you work from home or need uninterrupted time for personal projects, having go-to activities for your kids is key.

• Activity Bins: Rotate a few different sets of toys, crafts, or puzzles to keep things fresh.
• Screen Time with a Purpose: If screens are part of your summer plan, choose shows or apps that encourage learning and creativity.
• Summer Challenges: Create a reading challenge, an outdoor scavenger hunt, or a DIY project list to keep them engaged.

Embrace the Power of ‘Good Enough’

You don't have to be the perfect summer camp director. It's okay if:

• Your kids are bored sometimes (it builds creativity!).
• Lunch is the same three things on rotation.
• You say no to yet another playdate when you need a quiet day.

I learned this lesson the hard way after spending one summer trying to recreate Pinterest-perfect activities every day, only to end up exhausted and resentful by July. When I simplified our routine and embraced "good enough," everyone (especially me) was happier.

Give yourself permission to keep things simple.

Communicate Boundaries Clearly

If you’re working from home, it’s important to set expectations with your kids.

• Door Sign System: A red or green sign on your office door (or desk) signals when you’re available.
• Dedicated “Ask Later” List: If your kids have questions while you’re busy, they write them down and ask when you take a break.
• Practice Self-Sufficiency: Teach your kids how to get their own snacks, handle minor issues, and respect quiet work times.

Prioritize Self-Care (Without Guilt!)

When your schedule is packed, self-care often takes a back seat. But you set the tone for the household. If you’re running on empty, everyone feels it.

• Wake up 15 minutes earlier for a quiet coffee or journal session.
• Take a short evening walk alone or with your kids.
• Listen to a podcast or audiobook while prepping meals.

Small moments add up, and prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

Lower the Bar & Ask for Help

Summer isn’t a test of how much you can handle alone.

• Trade Playdates: Coordinate with other moms to swap kid-free hours.
• Sign Up for Camps or Activities: If it’s within your budget, even a few structured programs can give you focused work time.
• Enlist Your Kids: Even younger kids can help with chores, making your load lighter.

Reframe Your Mindset

Instead of feeling like summer is something to "get through," look for ways to enjoy it, even in small ways.

Find little traditions:

• Weekly ice cream nights, backyard movie nights, or spontaneous dance parties.
• Be present in short bursts; 10 minutes of undivided attention can go a long way.
• Let go of the pressure to do it all. Some of the best summer memories are the simplest ones.

Remember that what works for one family might not work for yours. Take these suggestions as starting points and experiment freely. Your perfect summer rhythm might require some trial and error to discover, and that's perfectly okay.

You’ve Got This

Balancing work, kids, and life in the summer isn't always easy, but it is possible to create a season that feels manageable and enjoyable. Give yourself grace, plan for what you can, and don't forget to take care of yourself.

Your first step? Take 15 minutes tonight to create a basic template for your summer weeks. Don't worry about filling in every detail, just establish the rhythm that will serve as your foundation. Then, commit to one small self-care practice to maintain during these busy months.

With love (and support for your summer journey),

Erin