Surviving Summer: Real Talk for Real Parents

Summer doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to work for you and your family.

Let’s be honest: summer can be hard. When school is out and usual supports are gone, many parents find themselves juggling more responsibilities than ever — all while trying to keep everyone safe, happy, and entertained. If this is you, you're not alone.

Here’s something important to remember: you don’t have to do it all.

There’s a lot of pressure, especially on social media, to fill every day with activities, crafts, and outings. But real life isn’t always Pinterest-perfect — and it doesn’t have to be. It’s okay if some days are quiet, unstructured, or even chaotic. What matters most is that your routine works for you, not that it looks a certain way.

Use what you have. If that means rotating the same three snacks or rewatching the same movie a dozen times — that’s okay. You’re showing up. You’re caring for your family. That’s enough.

Be kind to yourself. You're not failing if your house is messy, your kids are bored, or the day didn’t go as planned. You’re human. And parenting — especially in summer — is not easy.

Not everything has to be perfect. In fact, it probably won’t be. And that’s perfectly normal.

Just remember: surviving summer is an achievement in itself. You’re doing great — even if it doesn’t always feel like it.