WRITTEN BY: BRITNEY VINCENT, LPC Handling summer stress of kids at home can feel like a tall order—because while summer can be fun, it can also be stressful, especially when the kids are home all day. The days are longer, the routine changes, and sometimes it feels like everything is happening all at once. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
But what if summer didn’t have to be so stressful? What if you could enjoy the season more and find simple ways to make things feel less overwhelming and more manageable?
Create a Simple Daily Flow
Kids like knowing what to expect. That doesn’t mean you need a strict schedule. But having a basic flow to the day can help everyone feel more relaxed and prepared for what the day will bring. Here’s an easy example:
- Start the Day: Breakfast, getting dressed, and a few chores.
- Creative Time: Late mornings for drawing, reading, or building things.
- Quiet Time: After lunch, everyone can take a break. Read, nap, or do something quiet.
- Evening Slow Down: Go for a walk, play a game, or read before bed.
This kind of rhythm helps your family stay balanced while still leaving room for fun.
TIP: Having a consistent wake-up time and a bedtime helps us establish a healthy routine and ensures that kids are continuing to get the sleep they need.
Be Realistic With Yourself
Handling Summer Stress of Kids at Home starts with letting go of the pressure to be your child’s personal summer camp every day. It’s okay if not every moment is exciting. In fact, a little boredom can help kids learn to entertain themselves and be creative. Instead of looking for something to do when your kid tells you they are bored, encourage them to problem-solve ways they can entertain themselves. You might be surprised at what they find!
Instead of trying to make things perfect, try to be present. Summer can give us a little extra time to slow down and have more time to be present in the moment instead of rushing to the next thing.
Don’t Forget About You
Whether you are working during the summer or staying at home with your kids, summer can be a tough balancing act. But your needs matter, too. It can be easy to forget our own routines when the kids are off. Keeping your routine and finding small, practical ways to give yourself a better quality of life is key.
- Start your day with 10 minutes of quiet before everyone wakes up—even if it’s just sipping coffee alone.
- Build in one “no multitasking” break during your day: take a walk, step outside, or enjoy lunch away from your screen.
- If possible, coordinate care shifts with a partner, trusted friend, or family member so you each get time to rest.
You don’t need hours of free time to feel like yourself again. Small, steady moments of rest can help you stay grounded, patient, and connected through the summer chaos.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
Summer is a new season—full of change, movement, and opportunities to slow down. Let this be a time to reflect on what matters most and embrace the beauty of this season, even when it’s messy or loud.
Take a few minutes to think about this:
- What do I want my kids to remember about this summer?
- What can I let go of to feel less stressed?
- How can I add a little joy to our everyday routine?
Instead of trying to make things perfect, try to be present. Summer can give us a little extra time to slow down and have more time to be present in the moment instead of rushing to the next thing. “
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