Why Summer Break Is More Exhausting Than the School Year (and What I’m Doing Differently This Time)

☀️ The Summer Exhaustion Nobody Talks About

1. The Lack of Structure Feels Like Chaos

During the school year, our routines might be hectic—but they’re predictable. Kids wake up, get dressed, go to school, and I have (somewhat) defined hours to work, clean, and just be.

Come summer?
It’s free-range parenting in flip-flops.
Every day feels like a blank canvas with 17 kids' questions painted on it before 9AM.

2. You're Suddenly Their Full-Time Entertainment Director

I love my kids. But I was not designed to host a daily summer camp with themed crafts and Pinterest-worthy snacks.

“I’m bored!” hits differently when you’re also trying to meet a deadline, fold laundry, and remember to drink water.

3. The Guilt Hits Harder

Whether it’s guilt for not having a full lineup of enriching activities or guilt for using more screen time than you’d like, summer brings it all out.

✅ What I’m Doing Differently This Summer (That’s Actually Helping)

After burning out last summer by week two, I knew I had to shift how we did things. This summer, I’m focusing on intentional rhythms and sanity-saving hacks that keep the house running—without running me into the ground.

💡 1. I Created a Loose Daily Rhythm (Not a Strict Schedule)

Instead of a rigid hour-by-hour itinerary, I set up daily time blocks:

• Morning: Breakfast, outdoor time or a quick chore

• Midday: Lunch, rest/quiet play (yes, even for big kids!)

• Afternoon: Screen time, water play, crafts, or errands

• Evening: Dinner, family time, low-key clean-up

🛒 Affiliate-friendly picks:

• Magnetic Visual Schedule Board

• Reusable Routine Cards for Kids

• Alexa Echo Show 5 – Timers and Reminders for Kids

🎒 2. I Prepped a Self-Serve Snack and Activity Station

To reduce the “Moooom, I’m hungryyyy” 97 times a day, I stocked a snack bin and created an activity drawer:

• Pre-portioned snacks in clear bins

• Crayons, coloring books, puzzles, Play-Doh, reusable sticker books

🛒 Affiliate-friendly picks:

• Clear Stackable Bins with Lids

• STEM Quiet-Time Kits

• Craft Drawer Organizer Cart

🧼 3. I Outsourced and Automated What I Could

I finally gave myself permission to not do it all:

• Ordered groceries online

• Subscribed to a meal prep box for 2 nights a week

• Used a robotic vacuum daily (best decision ever)

🛒 Affiliate-friendly picks:

• iRobot Roomba Vacuum

• [HelloFresh or EveryPlate Meal Kit Subscription]

• [Grocery Delivery via Instacart]

📱 4. I Reframed Screen Time (and Stopped Feeling Guilty)

Screen time doesn’t have to be a villain. I added boundaries and purposeful content:

• 30-60 mins max at a time

• Educational apps, documentaries, or curated movie lists

• A “ticket” system where kids earn screen time by doing activities

🛒 Affiliate-friendly picks:

• Fire HD Kids Tablet with Parental Controls

• Blue Light Glasses for Kids

• [BrainPop / ABCMouse Subscription]

🧘‍♀️ 5. I Built in Time for ME (Without the Mom Guilt)

Summer isn’t just for kids. I now block 30 minutes a day for something just for me—reading, walking, or simply sitting in peace.

Because when I’m running on empty, nobody wins.

🛒 Affiliate-friendly picks:

• Aromatherapy Diffuser with Timer

• Self-Care Journal for Moms

• Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds

✨ Final Thoughts: Permission to Not Do It All

If summer break feels more exhausting than the school year, you’re not doing it wrong—you’re just doing it all.

You don’t need a perfect schedule, unlimited energy, or a pool of Pinterest-worthy ideas. You just need a few tools, some grace, and permission to make summer work for your family—not the other way around.

Here’s to a summer that’s a little less frantic, and a little more free.

P.S. If this post made you feel seen, share it with a fellow mom who's on her third iced coffee and second mental breakdown by 2PM. Let’s survive this summer together 💛

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through the links. I only recommend products I truly love and use myself.