Hi there, fellow mamas.
I’m writing this with one eye on the clock (because dinner’s in the oven) and the other on my son, who’s currently building a pillow fort that looks suspiciously like it might collapse at any moment. Summer is in full swing, and if you’re anything like me—a full-time working mom with a never-ending to-do list—you might be feeling a mix of excitement, pressure, and guilt all rolled into one.
I used to dread summer break. Not because I didn’t love having my son home—I absolutely do—but because the balance between work deadlines, household chores, and creating a “magical summer” for my child felt impossible. But over the years, I’ve learned a few things, made a ton of mistakes, and found a rhythm that works. So, I want to share what I’ve learned with you—not just the fun activity ideas, but also the deeper stuff: how I manage time, take care of myself (finally), and learned to release that ever-present mom guilt.
Let’s dive in.
1. Time Management: You Don’t Need More Time, Just a Better Plan
When my son was younger, I believed that in order to give him a memorable summer, I had to do it all. Zoo trips, splash pads, crafts, museums, day camps—you name it. But squeezing it all into an already packed schedule left both of us exhausted.
Now, I live by a simple rule: one activity a day, and even that is optional.
I created a summer calendar using a dry-erase board in the kitchen. Each week, we pick 3-4 things to do—some big, like a weekend hike, and others small, like popsicles in the backyard or a movie night with popcorn. That calendar helps us both stay excited without overwhelming our days.
Tip: Build routines, not jam-packed schedules. Kids crave predictability. A rhythm like “mornings are for free play, afternoons we do an activity” can work wonders.
Bonus: I also started using a shared Google Calendar with my partner, so we tag-team activities when I have meetings or deadlines.
2. Affordable Activities That Spark Joy (and Sanity)
You don’t have to spend a fortune to keep your kids entertained. Some of the best memories my son and I have made cost less than a latte.
Here are a few of our favorite budget-friendly (and sanity-saving) ideas:
- Backyard camping: We pitch a small tent, roast marshmallows over a candle (yes, really), and read bedtime stories under the stars.
- DIY splash zone: A sprinkler, a few buckets, and plastic cups = hours of fun.
- Library summer programs: Our local library has free events like puppet shows, crafts, and reading challenges with prizes.
- Neighborhood scavenger hunt: I draw little maps, and we “explore” the block like we’re on a quest.
- Mommy’s Little Helper Day: My son gets to help cook, do laundry (he loves putting clothes in the dryer), and I call it a “day in the life of Mom.” It’s silly but makes everyday tasks feel special.
These activities aren’t just fun—they’re realistic for working moms who don’t have unlimited time, money, or energy.
3. Overcoming Guilt: You Don’t Have to Be the “Perfect” Summer Mom
Oh, the guilt.
The guilt when I missed my son’s science fair for a work call. The guilt when I said “no” to the pool because I had a deadline. The guilt when I let him watch one too many cartoons because I just needed 30 minutes of silence.
I used to lie awake at night, replaying all the things I didn’t do.
But here’s what I’ve learned: presence matters more than perfection.
My son doesn’t remember the one field trip I missed—he remembers the afternoon we made banana bread and danced in the kitchen. Kids are wonderfully forgiving and incredibly attuned to love. I started shifting my inner dialogue from “Did I do enough today?” to “Did I love him well today?”
That’s what counts.
4. Self-Care Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Necessity
There was a summer where I hit a wall. I was burnt out, snappy, and honestly resenting everything. Why? Because I had put everyone else first for weeks.
Self-care doesn’t have to be a spa day. Sometimes it’s just closing the bathroom door and scrolling Instagram without guilt, or waking up 15 minutes earlier to drink my coffee in silence before the chaos begins.
Here are a few little ways I squeeze in care for myself:
- Solo walks at lunch (with music or a podcast)
- Setting boundaries around work emails after 6 PM
- A “no guilt” TV hour after my son goes to bed
- Asking for help, even when it’s uncomfortable
And guess what? When I’m rested and filled up, I’m a way better mom. I laugh more. I play more. I yell less.
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s how I show up as the mom I want to be.
5. Work-Life Balance: Progress, Not Perfection
Finding balance is an ongoing dance, not a destination. There are days when I feel like I’ve nailed it—meetings go well, we squeeze in a park visit, dinner’s on the table by 6. And then there are days where the house is a mess, my kid is cranky, and I eat cereal over the sink.
And that’s okay.
What helps me most is planning intentionally and pivoting gracefully. If my son has a bad night’s sleep and needs more attention the next day, I shift things. If I have a big work deadline, I might let screen time run a little longer. It’s not failure. It’s flexibility.
Tip: Batch your work when possible. I block my mornings for deep work and save lighter tasks (like emails) for when I know interruptions might happen.
And don’t underestimate the power of setting expectations with your employer. I once told my boss, “Between 3-5 PM, I’m on mom duty. I’ll catch up after bedtime if needed.” Being clear about boundaries helped me feel less guilty and more respected.
Final Thoughts: Mama, You Are Enough
If you’ve read this far, let me tell you something I wish someone had told me earlier:
You are doing an amazing job.
Even if your summer isn’t filled with Pinterest-perfect crafts or picture-perfect outings. Even if your kids eat more popsicles than veggies. Even if some days feel like a chaotic blur.
You are showing up. You are loving your child. You are making memories, even in the mess.
This summer, let go of the pressure to do it all. Embrace the little moments. Trust that what your child needs most is you—your laugh, your attention, your love—not a packed itinerary.
From one working mom to another, I see you. And you’ve totally got this.
—With all my heart,
A fellow mama in the trenches