This post is for all the parents out there- the ones juggling conference calls, football practices, packed lunches, and maybe, just maybe, a cup of lukewarm coffee if you’re lucky. I’m here to remind you of something super important. You ready? Here it is: we only get about 16 summers (give or take) with our children before they’re off doing their own thing. I know, I know, it feels like forever right now, especially when you’re in the thick of school runs, playdates, and endless piles of laundry. But blink, and suddenly you’re waving them off to college, university or their first job, wondering where the time went.
Now, before we spiral into an emotional puddle, let’s talk about how to make the most of these precious summers—without losing your sanity.
The Incredible Balancing Act (And Yes, You’re Nailing It!)
First things first, let’s acknowledge something crucial: you’re doing an incredible job. Seriously. You’re working hard to provide for your family, keeping your home running (more or less) smoothly, and somehow managing to squeeze in some quality time with your kids. And if you’re reading this, it means you care, and that alone puts you leagues ahead in the parenting game.
But let’s be real—summer holidays can feel like a logistical nightmare. Between coordinating clubs, activities, and finding a way to sneak in some actual family time, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly one step behind. And hey, that’s okay! Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present. Your kids won’t remember if you worked a few extra hours—they’ll remember the time you spent with them, even if it was just a quick trip to the ice cream shop or playing Uno for the 500th time! Our house love Uno, it’s really easy to play with younger children and they love it when they put down the +2 card!! This game is HIGHLY recommended – Click HERE for your pack.
The Art of Summer Organization (Without Going Bonkers)
Summer requires some serious planning, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to keep things on track:
- Plan, But Don’t Over plan: It’s tempting to fill every day with activities to keep the kids entertained, but don’t forget to leave room for spontaneity. Some of the best memories come from unplanned adventures, like impromptu beach trips or backyard campouts. Nobody likes forced fun or a burnt out parent.
- Lean on the Village: Grandparents, family, Summer Groups, and neighborhood friends are your secret weapons. Not only do they give you a break (hallelujah!), but they also provide your kids with different experiences and perspectives. It takes a village to raise a child, and there’s absolutely no shame in accepting help. You are not failing them, you are providing your children with experiences that money cant buy.
- Guilt, Schmilt: Parental guilt is real, especially when you’re balancing work and family. But here’s the thing—there’s no one right way to do this parenting gig. If you need a day to focus on work, or even just to catch your breath, that’s perfectly okay. Your kids are still getting a front-row seat to how hard you work for them, and that’s something they’ll appreciate as they grow older. You are showing them hard work pays off, and a good work ethic is essential. You are a good role model- Keep strong. You’re doing an incredible job.
Don’t Forget About You (Seriously, Don’t)
Now, let’s talk about something that often gets shoved to the bottom of the priority list—you. Yes, you, the one reading this, who probably can’t remember the last time you had more than 10 minutes to yourself. Taking time for you is not just important; it’s essential.
Whether it’s sneaking in a yoga class, binge-watching your favourite show after the kids are in bed, or just having a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, make sure you carve out some “me” time. Remember, a happy parent makes for happy kids.
The Perks of Playgroups, Camps, and Grandparents
Need a break but feeling guilty about shipping the kids off to a camp or Grandma’s house? Don’t! There are actually some awesome benefits to giving your kids these experiences:
- Social Skills: Playgroups and camps help kids develop crucial social skills. They learn how to make friends, share, and navigate group dynamics—skills that will serve them well throughout life.
- Independence: Spending time away from their parents helps kids gain independence and confidence. They get to make decisions, solve problems, and learn how to manage without you hovering over them. (Plus, it’s nice to let someone else handle snack time for a change!)
- Quality Time with Grandparents: If your parents are involved in your childrens’ lives, you’re giving them an amazing gift. Grandparents offer a different kind of love and wisdom that only they can provide. Plus, they usually spoil the kids rotten, which gives you the perfect excuse to enjoy a quiet house for a bit. The little things matter, and time goes incredible quickly– use it wisely.
Making the Most of It (And Maybe Earning a Little Extra)
Now, here’s a little tip that can add some fun (and maybe a bit of extra cash) to your summer planning: affiliate marketing. Whether you’re sharing your favourite products on social media or starting a blog about your parenting adventures, affiliate marketing allows you to recommend products you love and earn a commission on sales. It’s a win-win! Plus, who doesn’t love discovering new must-haves that make life a little easier? If you are interesting in starting or just want some more information- please comment below, I’d love to share how I started and help you get on your way too!
So, whether you’re planning that perfect summer holiday or just surviving the day-to-day, remember this:
You’ve got 16 summers (give or take) to make memories that’ll last a lifetime. Make them count, give yourself a break, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride. And hey, if you happen to find a great deal on a summer must-have along the way, why not share the love? You deserve it.
Cheers to you, the incredible, hardworking, love-filled parent who’s making it all happen. Here’s to an unforgettable summer!
This is a powerful reminder to savor every moment with our loved ones, in particular our children. Our companion animals. Our parents. Savor every moment we spend in solitude, alone with ourselves.
Have you considered your niche to be parents with children who wish to make an extra income with Affiliate Marketing? They would value your experience and advice, because you are the real deal!!
I absolutely loved your post—it’s such a refreshing reminder of how precious these summers are with our kids. Your tips on balancing the summer chaos while making time for ourselves are spot on!
I particularly resonated with your point about “leaning on the village.” Accepting help doesn’t make you any less of a parent or a person; community and help are what help us live to 100. Just watch all those blue zone documentaries; community is a huge part of a long, happy life. We cannot do it alone, asking for help is brave and courage in both our personal lives and affiliate marketing. Asking for help and relying on the strength of others just means you’re savvy enough to build a supportive network.
Here’s to making the most of this summer and finding joy in both the big and small moments!
Hi Sarah,
This post is such a refreshing reminder of the importance of making the most of our time with our kids! Balancing everything from work to family activities can definitely be a challenge, but it’s so true that the little moments are what our children will remember most.
Your tips on summer organization are great! Leaving room for spontaneous fun is a fantastic way to manage the summer chaos. I couldn’t agree with you more about the importance of taking some time for ourselves, it really does make a difference in how we experience these precious years with our kids.
The benefits of playgroups, camps, and time with grandparents are fantastic points. They not only provide valuable experiences for our children but also give us a much-needed breather. Plus, affiliate marketing sounds like a great way to add a bit of extra income while sharing things we love.
Thanks for the inspiring and practical advice! Here’s to relaxation, and cherished memories!
Meredith
Meredith Moore recently posted…Skool’s in Session: How a Vibrant Community Can Transform Your Business Journey
Your posts are always a pleasure to read. This one wasn’t terribly relevant to me as I don’t have kids but I respect all your words and can see the wisdom in them.
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for your post. Its a great reminder for people who have their own family should make time for them. It cannot always be work. I will keep your post in mind and the things you said, specially about the spontaneous moments that are not planned. I agree , those are the most memorable ones.
Thank you again for your beaufitul post
Alberto recently posted…Documenting July 2024
What a beautifully written post!
Your reminder about having just around 16 summers with the kids is a lovely way to be present.
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day chaos, but your advice to savor the little moments is all kids want from grownups
Your tips on balancing summer fun with sanity are so practical. The idea of leaving room for spontaneity is especially important—some of my family’s best memories have come from those unplanned moments.
Also, thank you for the reminder that it’s okay to lean on the village. I remember an African saying that, it takes a village to raise a child!!
Taking care of ourselves isn’t just a luxury, it’s essential for being the best parents we can be. I love how you tied in the benefits of playgroups, camps, and time with grandparents—such a great way for kids to build independence and for parents to recharge.
Lastly, your mention of affiliate marketing as a way to share what we love while possibly earning a little extra is inspiring.
Thanks for this uplifting and practical post. It’s a great reminder to cherish these summers while also giving ourselves some grace along the way. Keep up the amazing work—you’re making a difference!
I love your posts each week! I’m not a parent, but I think you’re doing an amazing job balancing the responsibilities of family, work, and your online business.
You are inspiring,
Nakina
Nakina Lawson recently posted…Improvements I’ve Made to My Blog
Well another week has passed by and I get to read another one of your interesting posts. Like each week prior you haven’t let me down this week either. While reading your post I started to remember the times I got to visit my grandmother! They were simple but unforgettable times that we spent together. Even though there were 3 of us kids, she made the effort to give each of us equal individual time with her. She would accomplish this by taking each one of us for a day alone with just us and her. My kids followed the same practice with my wife’s mother as my parents lived 1800 miles away. Looking back at those times now you are correct that the time seemed to just fly by in a blink. Thanks for the reminders!
Hi Sarah – I simply adore your posts. They resonate with me more than you know not only that there’s wisdom but that they are gentle reminders, and sometimes new things, that life cannot only be crazy but fulfilling all at the same time. I’m just one stage past you and that I am now a grandfather, albeit a young grandfather, but I still joined that club. My grandchildren are ages 4,3,2, and 9 months.
I wish I would have read your post 20 years ago when my children were still young. At that time life was filled with the busyness of everything you described above whether it be summer or any other season. Now that I have time to reflect, I find that I missed those times and I find that the quietness of my home is often deafening as I want to hear laughter, constant questions, joking and even sometimes the bickering. I missed the summers filled with sports practices where it seemed I complained about the heat or the time or whatever. As I pass by ball fields filled with parents, I find that I wish I was one of those again.
But I now have grandkids and I get a do over. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my children’s lives and would not trade it for the world. But, with a new view on life and a little bit more gray hair, I now have the experience to enjoy my grandchildren… and I do!
I’m going to quote something from your post “Quality Time with Grandparents: If your parents are involved in your childrens’ lives, you’re giving them an amazing gift. Grandparents offer a different kind of love and wisdom that only they can provide. Plus, they usually spoil the kids rotten, which gives you the perfect excuse to enjoy a quiet house for a bit.”
I am so very grateful that my son and his lovely wife allow us to be involved in those precious lives. Just today, my son who had the day off, came over with my oldest grandson and asked if we could play baseball in the backyard. I literally dropped what I was doing so that I can enjoy 1/2 hour in the heat of hearing the giggling every time he got a hit off of one of my weak pitches. Aww, I don’t think I will ever recover from that type of joy. Nor do I want to! I ramble but I just want you to know how much your post meant to me and to so many people as we don’t take for granted those 16 summers.
Thank you so much for such a wonderful comment Ernie. I really appreciated the time you took to comment.
I love that my posts resonate with you and it really makes me smile when imagining you in a house full of grandchildren. Enjoy every minute Ernie x