Every year, I tell myself I’m going to be the mom who has summer completely figured out.
You know the one:
- The color-coded calendar
- The perfectly planned activities
- The organized craft closet
- The kids who magically don’t ask for snacks every 12 minutes
And every year, reality humbles me!
As we approach summer break, I’m usually still trying to finish the school year, keep up with sports, remember which kid needs what for spirit week, and somehow figure out what everyone is doing once school lets out.
So, if you’re also on the struggle bus when it comes to summer planning, I’ve got you.
This isn’t a perfect summer checklist. It’s a realistic one.
✨ Wrap Up the School Year
Before we can fully embrace summer mode, there are a few school-year loose ends that need attention.
I like to:
- File away favorite artwork from the school year
- Have the kids write thank-you notes for their teachers
- Mark award ceremonies, field days, and end-of-year events on the calendar
- Pre-order school supplies for next year if available
- Wash backpacks, lunch boxes, and water bottles
- Plan a fun last-day-of-school treat
- Arrange any summer tutoring or enrichment activities
Trust me, the future you will appreciate getting some of this done now.
✨ Get the House Summer Ready
Summer is much more enjoyable when the house isn’t overflowing with things nobody uses anymore.
A few things I try to tackle before summer begins:
- Purge the playroom
- Donate clothes the kids have outgrown
- Organize outdoor toys
- Stock the garage fridge with drinks, snacks, and popsicles
Notice I said “try.”
Not “complete flawlessly.”
✨ Prepare for Summer Activities
This is the category that always sneaks up on me.
Before summer officially starts, I try to:
- Sign up for camps
- Create a loose summer schedule
- Let the kids make their own summer bucket list
- Schedule well-child visits and dental appointments
- Restock sunscreen, bug spray, and pool essentials
- Sign up for summer reading programs
- Set expectations for screen time and chores
- Register for free kid activities
The key word here is loose.
I’ve learned that over scheduling creates stress for everyone. Having a framework gives us structure while still leaving room for spontaneous adventures.
✨ Give Yourself Grace
Here’s the thing I’ve learned after years of motherhood:
- Your kids don’t need a Pinterest-perfect summer
- They need memories
- They need connection
- They need time to be kids
Will every day be magical? Absolutely not.
Will there be complaints about boredom? Probably.
Will somebody eat an entire box of popsicles in one afternoon? Almost certainly.
But summer doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to plan the next few months, know that you’re not alone. I’m right there with you, crossing things off my checklist one item at a time.
And if all else fails? … At least we remembered the sunscreen.
Until next time …
