Summer Survival

The Real Challenges Mums Face 

 

 

Summer is often painted as the perfect time for family bonding, sunny adventures, and carefree days. But let’s be honest: for many mums, summer is also when things get real. The kids are home all day, the routine goes out the window, the house turns into a tornado zone, and you’re expected to keep everyone happy, fed, and entertained—without losing your mind.

If you're nodding along already, this post is for you. Below are some of the most common (and totally valid) challenges mums face during the summer, along with real-life solutions that might just make the next few months a little more manageable.

1. The Kids Are Home ALL THE TIME.

When school’s out, suddenly you become the entertainer, referee, chef, and lifeguard all rolled into one. Without the structure school provides, days can feel long and chaotic.

What to do:

Create a loose daily schedule to maintain rhythm. Nothing too rigid—just enough to give the day some flow.

Build in quiet time where kids can read, draw, or play independently.

Rotate activities: morning park trips, afternoon crafts, evening screen time (no guilt because sometimes we don`t have choice!).



2. Keeping Them Off Screens (Without Losing Your Mind)

Screens are the easy button. They’re also addictive—for kids and adults. The challenge is finding the balance between necessary downtime and screen overload.

What can help:

Establish screen-time boundaries early in the summer, and stick to them.

Make screen time something they “earn” through chores, outdoor play, or reading.

Stock up on screen-free boredom busters: Lego sets, craft kits, puzzles, scavenger hunts, water balloons—you name it.


Bonus idea: Create a "boredom jar" filled with folded papers listing fun ideas (build a fort, make a comic book, wash the car, etc.).

3. The Bottomless Pit Syndrome : They Never Stop Eating

Kids’ appetites can seem endless in summer — more running around means they’re hungrier, and the heat can also affect their metabolism and mood. This means constant snacking, which can be exhausting for mums trying to manage healthy eating.

What to do:

Offer healthy, easy-to-grab snacks like fresh fruit, cut veggies with hummus, yogurt, or cheese cubes.

Keep hydration front and center with fun drinks like infused water or homemade iced tea (low sugar, of course).

Plan simple meals that can be prepared ahead, such as wraps, pasta salad, or grilled chicken skewers. Having food ready means less scrambling when hunger strikes.

Make meal and snack prep a family activity. Kids love helping, and it can turn into a fun bonding experience.

4. unstoppable Laundry  & Dishes. 

Summer often means more mess — wet swimsuits, sandy towels, sticky hands, outdoor gear, and lots of spills. The piles of laundry can be intimidating and feel never-ending.

What can help:

Create a routine where laundry is done more frequently in small loads rather than once a week with an overwhelming mountain.

Designate a drying space for wet clothes and towels to avoid damp piles in bedrooms.

Encourage kids to take responsibility for their belongings—teach them to put swimsuits in the laundry bin and shoes on the rack.

Simplify dishwashing with easy-to-clean meals or by using the dishwasher efficiently. Rotate kitchen cleanup duties with other family members.

5. Outdoor Play with Its Own Stress

Summer means more time outside—which is great for energy-burning and vitamin D, but also means sunburns, insect bites, scraped knees, and constant reminders to drink water.

What to do:

Create a “go bag” or basket by the door with essentials: sunscreen, bug spray, hats, plasters, and water bottles.

Set timers to come inside for water breaks, especially during hot afternoons.

Encourage outdoor play in the morning or early evening when it’s cooler.

Set boundaries for backyard or neighborhood play—like staying where you can see them or checking in every 20 minutes.

Remember: You don’t have to say yes to every water fight or messy chalk explosion. Sometimes, it’s okay to just say, “Not today.”

6. lack of "meTime" or Mental Breaks:

The constant noise, mess, questions, and physical presence of children 24/7 can leave you feeling “touched out,” drained, and snappy. It's not selfish to want a break—it’s essential.

What can help:

Wake up 15–30 minutes before the kids (if you can) for a cup of tea or coffee in peace.

Trade off with a partner, family member, or babysitter for alone time at least once a week.

Use “quiet time” or rest periods during the day where everyone retreats to their rooms with books, audiobooks, or puzzles—even if they don’t nap.

Give yourself permission to sit and scroll, nap, or do nothing without guilt. Your mental health matters.

 

7. Feeling the Pressure to “Make It Magical”

There’s a subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) pressure to make summer magical—Pinterest-worthy crafts, memory-making adventures, ice cream runs, perfect family days. The weight of expectation can be overwhelming.

What to do:

Let go of perfection. Kids will remember the feeling of summer more than the details.

Focus on small, consistent joys: popsicles on the porch, a sprinkler in the yard, a movie night with popcorn.

Remind yourself that “boring” summer days can be a gift. Unstructured time fosters creativity and independence.

 

8. The Summer Schedule Spiral: Too Busy or Too Bored

Some mums overschedule out of panic (“They’ll drive me nuts if we’re home too much!”), while others underplan and end up scrambling last minute. Either way, it can feel like chaos.

What can help:

Aim for balance. Plan a few activities each week—library story time, a museum trip, or a local swimming session—but leave plenty of downtime.

Use a simple calendar or whiteboard at home where everyone can see plans and know what to expect.

Don’t be afraid to say no. It’s okay to skip a birthday party or cancel plans if it feels like too much.

Check in regularly with your kids about what they want to do—sometimes they just want to hang out and relax.
   

 Mum!

Summer can definitely push you to your limit, but remember, it’s okay to ask for help, take breaks, and set boundaries. You don’t have to be supermum every day. Kids mostly want to feel loved and safe, not entertained every minute.

Focus on connection over perfection. Laugh through the chaos, soak in the sun, and don’t forget to carve out little pockets of joy for yourself, too.