Summer has arrived, and if you listen closely, you can hear the sighs of working parents everywhere. While we appreciate the longer days and the joys of warm weather, the summer months also bring the challenge of balancing work responsibilities with kids who want to indulge in endless popsicles and splash around at the pool until their fingers are pruney.
Finding that sweet spot where kids can enjoy their summer while ensuring that I stay sane is no easy feat. Some parents can effortlessly adapt to the chaos of hot and humid days. I know many who manage to work amidst the joyful screams of children on waterslides and swings, and I can’t help but feel envious. I struggle to juggle work and motherhood during the summer months, and I admit that I’m not the type of work-from-home mom who easily goes with the flow.
As my children grew older, I felt the pressure of not being the adventurous mom creating magical summer memories. With work deadlines looming and the fear of too much screen time, I often found myself irritable, while my kids became restless without a plan.
So, we decided to implement a structured summer schedule. This approach benefits everyone involved. It not only helps me manage work calls and writing time more effectively but also provides my kids with clarity about how each day will unfold. A schedule minimizes interruptions during my work hours and reminds me to take breaks and enjoy the season with my kids—truly a win-win situation.
A few years ago, I came across an article that encouraged strict scheduling during the summer. The writer shared the idea that we are most productive when we tackle the first task of the day early. The same principle applies to our kids: if they start their day on electronic devices, it becomes a battle to redirect their attention.
Together, we crafted a schedule tailored to my work-at-home needs. Each child must complete one hour of reading, one hour of creative building or crafting, one hour of physical activity (whether it’s playing basketball, riding bikes, or engaging in hide-and-seek), and one hour of chores before they earn an hour of screen time. I committed to working diligently during those five hours, and once we finished, we would regroup for a fun afternoon adventure.
If you’re a parent struggling to maintain order during the summer, I encourage you to try a similar approach. You’ll be surprised at how much your children appreciate having the freedom to choose their activities while quickly adapting to the structure. There were days when my kids became so engrossed in their projects or outdoor play that they exceeded their allotted time. Although they might not excel in chore completion, I certainly didn’t spend my summer folding laundry or loading the dishwasher, which left me more time to savor summer moments with them.
Of course, establishing a schedule can be more challenging with younger children. Toddlers, for instance, are oblivious to the importance of a conference call. However, you can still designate a mandatory nap time or set reminders to wrap up your workday promptly. A schedule doesn’t need to be rigid; it serves as a guideline to create a rhythm to your day amidst the joyful chaos of toddler life.
By removing the uncertainty from our summer days, we’ve discovered a newfound enjoyment of each other’s company. The bickering has lessened, and my work life doesn’t suffer as it did when we operated on a spontaneous summer plan. Incorporating affordable week-long camps and playdates into our schedule has made the arrival of summer something I now look forward to, rather than dread.
And summer feels so much sweeter when I’m not the mom you can hear yelling at her kids through open windows.
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Summary: Establishing a summer schedule has proven to be beneficial for both me and my children. It allows for structured fun while ensuring I can meet my work commitments, leading to a more enjoyable summer for all.