Why I Have a Love-Hate Relationship with the Summer Season as a Busy Mom

Jul 26, 2023 | Being Kind to Yourself

Summer is full of chaos - juggling schedules and trying to battle the eternal "I'm bored." It's a lesson in survival and a fun adventure making memories!

Oh, summer!

The time to play outside.

The season of sunshine, ice cream cones, and beach or pool days.

The time to try to slow down and enjoy the sun!

As a busy mom, I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with this time of year. While it’s undoubtedly filled with laughter and fun, it also brings its fair share of challenges and mayhem.

So, grab a cold lemonade, and let’s chat about my summer escapades as a busy mom. And, compare notes if you can relate!

Kids on Break: School’s Out, Sanity’s Gone

Summer break officially marks the beginning of the “Mom, I’m bored” or the sitting in front of the screen marathons. I love spending time with my kids, but after the tenth time of them telling me that there is nothing to do (AND there is nothing good to eat in the house) and retreating to their rooms or picking up their phones, I sometimes wish they had an “Idea Box” they could raid. The struggle is real. Anyone else with me? Don’t get me wrong, there are times that I love when they are in their rooms so I could get a little bit of peace and quiet, but I do cherish the funny campfire conversations and badminton games. You know, the times that the teens want to hang with mom………….

No Escape from the Heat: Melting Moms Unite!

I’m convinced that summer’s sole purpose is to turn moms into puddles of sweat. It’s like a sauna out there! The day starts with neatly styled hair, but by noon, I look like I’ve just run a marathon or stuck my finger in a socket. Hello, frizzy hair and melted make up!!!! And don’t even get me started on trying to maintain a cute summer outfit while trying not to sweat and have hot flashes! Hello, messy bun and stretchy capris – my summer uniform!

Summer Sports (or Camps) and Activities: The Chaotic Calendar Circus

Anyone else need a Ph.D. in scheduling to handle the summer activity frenzy? Between swim team, kids work schedules, soccer practice, cross country practice, and any other summer classes that my kids are enrolled in, my Google Calendar looks like a colorful rainbow explosion. (Don’t get my started on my husband asking why each kid has the specific color and complaining that the colors never showed up like that in prior years). And, let’s not forget to add in the extra fun part of scheduling around each parents’ work schedule! But, hey, it’s like a summer Olympics for parents. And the thrill of watching our kids excel at their activities and having fun with their friends = Priceless!

Travel Madness: Family Road Trips, Rollercoaster Edition

Family vacations should come with a warning label: “Buckle Up for Adventure!” From forgetting some kind of important item (toothbrush, underwear, flip flops) to returning with missing socks to bathroom breaks, our adventures are a mix of laughter and mayhem. I can’t decide if it’s more fun to play “I Spy” with the kids, allow devices most of the way to save from the endless questions of (and taking bets on how long until someone asks), “Are we there yet?” Regardless, these moments become cherished family legends. (Especially the time that our flight was canceled and had to find another one AND a hotel room for the night! Summer fun at its finest!) Anyone else feel that they need a vacation from their vacation?

The “Beach Body” Pressure: Mom Bod? More Like a Summertime Treat

Who needs a “beach body” when you can have a “mom bod”? That’s right, my kids think I’m just fine the way I am. So, who am I to argue with that? We embrace our pool days without a care in the     world, rocking our swimsuits and lounging at the pool or making sandcastles. After all, the only “beach body” we need is one that’s ready to build the ultimate sand kingdom or strong enough to even try to race in the pool! So, to this, let’s all raise or popsicles and frilly drinks!

Incessant Germs and Allergies: A Circus of Sneezes and Sniffles

Summer brings out the acrobatic side of germs and allergies. Sneezes, sniffles, and itchy eyes – it’s like a symphony of summer sounds and guessing game – allergies or summer cold or chlorine up the nose or whatever from the bad air quality. We’ve become pros at finding creative ways to wipe runny noses while simultaneously having water gun battles. In my house, it’s an eternal game of guessing “what is the runny nose from and will you make it through practice or game and will you share it with friends? It’s a parenting balancing act worthy of a circus ring!

While I loathe the inconsistency of summer schedules and the wild ride filled with laughter, chaos, and a sprinkle of sunscreen, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Despite the heat, scheduling shenanigans, and occasional (I mean constant) challenges, these are the moments that make memories worth cherishing.

So, as I sip my lemonade and watch my kids play their sports and listen with to the laughter of them with their friends, I raise a toast to all the moms out there braving the summer adventures – may your days be filled with lighthearted joy and unforgettable escapades! Cheers to the surviving the summer!