Episode 23: Surviving Summer with Kids: Real Talk, Beautiful Boundaries & Sanity-Saving Tips

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Real Talk: Surviving Summer as a Tired Mom

If you’re in the thick of summer wondering how you’re going to make it to August without totally losing it—this one’s for you, Mama.

Don’t get me wrong, I love summer. The longer days, the fresh produce, the extra freedom with the kids—it all sounds amazing. And it is! But let’s be real: it can also feel like total chaos.

If you’re a tired mom juggling constant snack requests, screen time negotiations, sibling drama, and laundry piles that seem to multiply in the heat, I see you.

That’s why I’m sharing a few of the simple things that help me not just survive summer with my kids, but actually find some rhythm and joy in the middle of it.

I’m not a parenting expert, and I don’t have it all figured out—but these tips? They’re a mix of things I’ve picked up over the years from wise, wonderful friends. The kind of advice that makes you stop and go, “Oh wow… that’s so simple, but so brilliant.”

So today, I’m passing those little gems along to you—because they just might be the thing that helps make your summer a little smoother too.

1. Plan One Fun Thing Each Week

Let’s start with a simple rhythm that’s made a big difference for us: one fun thing a week.

Now, maybe you’re that magical mom who always has a fun activity planned. If so—go you! But if you’re anything like me, summer fills up fast. Between gardening, work, and all the everyday life stuff, it’s easy for the weeks to fly by without doing anything memorable.

So we made a rule: every week, we do one thing that feels like summer. It could be swimming, a park trip, popsicles on the porch, a backyard picnic—whatever fits.

It doesn’t have to be fancy. But when I plan for it, it happens—and those are the moments my kids remember.

2. Make Errands Less Miserable

When my kids are in school, I think they forget that groceries don’t magically appear in the fridge and that—surprise—Mom actually has a life. 😅

Now that they’re home for summer, errands are back on their radar… and let’s just say, they’re not big fans. Grocery shopping? Car rides? Anything that doesn’t involve snacks or a screen? Not exactly their idea of fun.

So to keep the peace, we’ve found ways to make errands more enjoyable. Our favorite trick? Kid-friendly podcasts in the car.

Some of our go-tos: Brains On, Wow in the World, Earth Rangers, Forever Ago, Tumble Science, and my kids’ current obsession—Flip and Mozi. (It’s basically adorable aliens + animal facts + musical numbers… and yes, it’s as entertaining as it sounds.)

Suddenly, errands become something they look forward to. I’ll even let them help choose one fun item for a meal we’ll make that day.

Are errands still errands? Yep. But a good story in the car changes the mood completely—and keeps me sane when the trip takes longer than it should, which, let’s be honest, is every time.

3. The “I’m Bored” Policy

This next one might be my personal favorite—and it’s pure genius. I picked it up from a friend a few years ago, and we’ve never looked back.

Let’s talk about that dreaded word: bored. The second I hear it, my response is always the same: “Oh, perfect! You can help me clean the bathroom.” Or sweep the floor. Or scrub the baseboards. You get the idea.

We have an official “I’m Bored” policy in our house, and I like to remind the kids about it right when summer break starts. If you say the “B” word—or any variation of it—you must be volunteering for chores.

Do they love this? Absolutely not. But does it cut down on whining? Drastically. And it teaches them something important: I love them dearly, but it’s not my job to entertain them 24/7.

I’m their mom, not a cruise director. And setting that boundary? Total game changer.

Honestly, some days I hope they say it, just so I can get a little extra help around the house. 😄

4. Boundaries Are a Gift—for Them and for You

Boundaries aren’t just helpful—they’re a gift. For your kids, and for you, mama.

Summer can feel like a wild free-for-all without a little structure. That doesn’t mean we schedule every minute, but we do have a few simple, non-negotiable rhythms that help our whole family function better.

Here are our big four:

1. Screen time limits
   
2. Snack windows (because “Can I have a snack?” 48 times a day is not my calling)
   
3. TV time boundaries
   
4. Daily quiet time
   

The best part? These boundaries eliminate so much decision fatigue. When someone asks, “Can I have a snack?” I can simply say, “After quiet time.” Boom. Done.

And you know what? It helps their attitudes too. Because even if they can’t have something now, they know the time is coming. It’s clear. It’s predictable. It feels fair. And it keeps all of us—especially me—more emotionally regulated throughout the day.

5. Quiet Time Is Holy Ground

Let’s talk a little more about that last boundary—because quiet time isn’t just for toddlers. And this, Mama, is tip number five.

In our house, quiet time is holy ground. Every day after lunch, we build in some kind of personal downtime. It’s not always a nap (sadly, we’ve outgrown those), but it is always space.

Sometimes I use that time to record a podcast—like this one. Other days I catch up on work or, honestly, just sit still and breathe. But the reason I love it goes way beyond productivity.

Quiet time sets a healthy example.

It shows your kids that rest isn’t lazy—it’s wise. Some kids need more personal space to recharge than others, and that’s okay. Quiet time teaches them to honor their own needs, recognize their limits, and respect the boundaries of others too.

It’s a reset for everyone.

Some days, my kids play so sweetly together—until suddenly, they don’t. Everyone hits their limit eventually, especially when they’ve been together all day. Quiet time gives us all space to reset before things spiral.

And then there are the mornings they wake up already pushing each other’s buttons. On those days? I am counting the minutes until quiet time.

It gives us all a chance to take a breather, recharge, and come back together with a little more patience and a lot more grace.

Make Quiet Time Enjoyable and Age-Appropriate

We usually do quiet time for an hour or two each day, and over time, I’ve learned a few things that make it work even better—especially with younger kids.

First tip? Help them find something they enjoy. Quiet time isn’t just about sending them to their room and hoping for the best. It’s about helping them create personal space that feels calming and even fun. If “quiet time” doesn’t feel like the right fit for your family, try calling it “personal space time” or something else that sounds positive and peaceful.

For littles, this might look like playing with Play-Doh, coloring, watercolor painting (just make sure it’s washable!), or a simple craft that doesn’t require constant supervision. Even building blocks or playing in a sandbox. Give them options that foster independence and creativity.

A Quiet Time Tool That Changed Everything

One of my favorite hacks for this season: a visual timer clock. My youngest can’t tell time yet, so we use a color-changing clock that turns green when quiet time is over. It was about $50 on Amazon, and honestly? Worth every penny.

It eliminates the endless “Am I done yet?” questions and helps him feel secure and relaxed knowing he can play or rest until the clock turns green. We started using it when he was still napping, and it gave him the freedom to rest well without constantly wondering if he was missing out.

It’s one of those small tools that makes a big difference—for him and for me.

It works for more than just naps. We also use it in the mornings. It has a yellow light that turns on 15 minutes before his wake-up time—usually 7:00 a.m. So if he’s already awake, he knows he can play quietly in his room, but when the clock turns green, it’s time to come out.

This was a game changer for me during a season when I finally committed to waking up early to read my Bible. I’d be so proud of myself for getting up at 6… and guess who would wake up right after me? 😅

As much as I love my kids, I didn’t wake up early for them. I needed that sacred, quiet space to spend with God. And this little clock made it possible.

Use this link if you want to check it out. It’s been a lifesaver in our home!

6. Creativity Happens in the Margin

Here’s something beautiful I’ve learned—creativity thrives in the margin.

When we set screen time limits and establish a few boundaries, something amazing happens: my kids remember how to play. Like, really play. They build forts. Create domino runs. Make up stories. Play card games. Paint. Knit. Build with Legos. One of my boys recently tried to weave a hat. He also loves science experiments—whether it’s from a kit or a YouTube idea.

And none of that would happen if they were on screens all day.

So don’t be afraid to let them be bored. Boredom isn’t a problem—it’s the birthplace of imagination. Once they realize you’re not going to rescue them with an iPad, they get creative.

Reading is another daily rhythm in our house. For my youngest, if I can’t sit and read with him, he’ll often listen to a story on his Yoto player. For my older son, we used to pay him for every book he read—just to get the habit going. A big book might earn $2–5, while a short one earned less.

That early motivation worked. Now, we visit the library at the start of summer, and he always finds something he loves. I don’t even have to make him read anymore—it happens naturally. When he’s bored, he reaches for a book.

And honestly? I’ll choose a book over screen time for my kids every single time.

7. More People Home = More Mess = More Help

Let’s talk about chores, shall we?

During the school year, I’m pretty lenient. I usually aim for one small chore a day from my kids—especially my older son. But now that he’s in middle school, the homework and after-school activities are no joke. Sometimes, by the time we get home from an event, I’m not about to turn into the chore drill sergeant. He’s already working hard.

But summer? Totally different story.

They’re home all day. They have more energy. They’re eating what feels like 3,927 meals and snacks (okay, we do have snack limits—but still), tracking in grass and dirt, and the house just gets messier, faster. So it only makes sense that they help more too.

Wiping counters, folding laundry, prepping dinner—summer is a great time to teach responsibility, lighten my load, and give them a sense of contribution. And bonus? It keeps them occupied when it’s too hot or the pollen count is out of control and we’re stuck inside.

Honestly, summer is our best time for deep cleaning. While most families are spring cleaning in March, we’re outside working the garden in that cool weather. But in the middle of summer, when we’re spending more time inside, it’s the perfect time to tackle the inside mess.

We’ll knock out baseboards, closets, toy bins—whatever needs a little love. We’re not as busy, the kids are home, and we can actually do it together. It becomes a project we can all contribute to—and it teaches them that caring for a home is a team effort.

Give Yourself Grace, Mama

And lastly, Mama—give yourself grace.

Summer can be a lot. If you’re knee-deep in snacks, sibling squabbles, and sunscreen battles right now, just know: you’re not alone.

Not every day will go smoothly. Not every plan will work. And that’s okay. A little intention and a few boundaries can go a long way in helping you create a rhythm that works for your family.

You’re doing better than you think.

So let the laundry pile up sometimes. Throw together a simple dinner without guilt. The goal isn’t to create perfect summer memories—it’s to be present in the ones that are already happening.

What matters most is that you’re showing up with love, modeling what it looks like to care for yourself too, and embracing the beautiful chaos that comes with raising kids in this season.

And if you need some summer recipe inspiration—from healthy snacks to easy grilled dinners or potluck ideas—check out my Pinterest board (link in the show notes!).

If this blog blessed you, would you send it to a fellow mama who might need a little encouragement too? You’ve got this, friend. And I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

Until next time, remember—you are beautifully designed by God to live with energy, clarity, and joy. You’re not just surviving, Mama—you’re stepping into the vibrant life you were created for. I’m cheering you on!

Blessings & Wellness,

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