It’s summertime! I know some moms love this time of year because it’s a blank slate. I also know that this time of year can be a struggle for some working mamas (including me). I have learned over the years that proactively creating the experience you want from summer for you and your family can make a difference. Is possible to get work done, avoid the feeling of overwhelm, and still have a fun summer? Yep! Let’s dive into how you get the most out of your summer as a working mom!

Be intentional with your summer experiences

How do you create a summer that everyone in your family, including you, enjoys? As working moms, we’re often strategic in our professional life, so how do we use that in our personal life? In this case, to create more intentional experiences, consider how you want to feel at the end of summer as kids go back to school. How do you want them to feel? We’re essentially reverse engineering how we want summer to look and what activities to include.

Think about it this way: How do you know what changes to make and how to be more intentional this summer if you don’t know what you’re moving toward? What are you trying to achieve?

Are you trying to wear out your kids with things that keep them active (I can relate if you’re taking this approach)? Do you want a mellow summer? Are you visiting family? Are you trying to balance learning with fun? Is it all about fun camps?

What is the desired outcome of these months? You don’t have to be 100% focused on only one, but it’s helpful to know whatever you want in the mix so you know what to include and how to focus and spend your energy and time.

If you’re traveling, do you want a big trip or several smaller ones over these summer months? (It’s a perfect moment for day trips nearby instead of doing a big trip to a far-off location as you ease back into travel.) Or maybe you want a mix of both. Be intentional with how you design the summer.

Our summer plan is a combination of a longer, big summer trip and loads of summer camps at home. Time away is really important for us. We love to travel and, even though this is my husband’s busiest time of year, we take time to get away from the day-to-day. There is still time to take advantage of a summer getaway, so don’t stress if yours isn’t already planned.

Create a summer bucket list

Consider creating a summer bucket list. This can help with that reverse engineering that I mentioned. What is it that you want to accomplish this summer? Have your kids create their own bucket lists. This can help you figure out what the summer will include. Their list can be anything from pool time to learning to tie shoes to mastering skateboarding or even improving those math skills. See how you can support their interests but let them tell you what they want first!

Not into bucket lists? That’s fine. You still want to get your kids’ input and have them on board with whatever you’re planning for the summer. Think about word choice when you’re explaining things. You set the tone for how your family likely will feel. Be enthusiastic, empathetic, etc., depending on the situation. Get a read on how they’re feeling.

What will your time look like?

Realize that your summer daily routine might differ from how your day flows during the school year. I can’t say this enough times. Be as flexible as you can with how and when you work. You might need to wake up earlier or work more in the evening. Figure out how to give yourself some flexibility to make that happen. If you need some pointers on new productivity methods, I’ve got you covered.

In the summer I try to slow down. I usually need about 20 hours per week to get my work done (vs my 25-30 during the school year). still wake up early (6:15) to start my day before anyone else is up, even my husband. I walk our dog early (especially because it’s holy cannoli hot in Texas in summer) and do some work undisturbed for a short while before I drop off kids at camp. (And I usually start with my most important tasks so that they’re done, even when (not if) things come up.

We have usually chosen half-day summer camps most weeks. That gives me another 4+ hours to work and then I have time to play with my boys. Usually, I will do a bit of work in the afternoons when they’re playing with each other or having downtime.

In previous summers, my older son did a tennis camp that was forever far away and it was only 9-11 am. Really, he couldn’t have handled more since it was an intense 2-hour workout. That said, instead of burning time going back and forth, I grabbed my laptop and notebooks and simply worked at the camp. They had wifi and picnic tables. Was it hot? Yes! Did I get stuff done? Yes! So, it was fine. I worked more in the afternoon, but it all worked out. We had stuff for our boys to do and my husband was the go-to person in the afternoon.

I share my own experience to remind you that each week can change. Be flexible in how you approach each week, day, or even parts of the day. This is a time of the year when it’s really important to talk to your manager, team, and clients about your needs so you can manage all the things on your plate.

Communicate with your significant other

It is really important to communicate with your significant other in general, but I feel it’s even more so the case in the summer. Often each week is different and as a working mom, you don’t need to always be the default parent. During the pandemic, my husband and I started comparing schedules each Sunday for the week and checking in each night about the next day. We continue this approach now. The idea is to see where each of your big blocks is and divide and conquer. Figure out how you can support each other with whatever you want the summer to look like. You absolutely don’t have to manage it all solo as a working mom. If you’re looking for a tool to help you communicate what you need, download the Mompowerment Becoming Better Partners at Home Discussion Guide.

What if it’s a busy time at work?

This could be your busy season at work (which is the case with my husband). Being strategic in how you use your time, including on the weekends might be really important right now. Remember that work-life balance is a long-term approach, not some day-to-day checklist item. Having a busy work season doesn’t mean you can’t have work-life balance in your life. Know the things that matter most to you and put those things on your calendar (e.g., dinner as a family each night and/or eating breakfast together, making sure to do something fun on a weekend day, etc.).

Who’s going to watch the kids?

There are all sorts of care options for kids, whether it’s a camp, daycare, or even a neighborhood college student back for the summer. See if a neighborhood kid can watch your child(ren). The internet has opened up loads of activities that you can prep and an older child can help your littles with. Or you can prep it for your kids who are older and leave out the helper. Yes, it takes time, but it keeps kids off their screens if that’s your preference.

We generally try to keep kids screen-free for most of the summer so they’re staying active. A bit of extra screen time is OK, though, so give yourself a break if you’re using screens more this summer in your house.

We’ve also traded care with a neighbor friend with boys the same age as ours. Sometimes the boys are at their house and sometimes at ours. Both sets of parents at both houses have the chance to get stuff done in a quiet house.

Make Sure You Enjoy the Summer Too

Don’t only focus on being the activities director for your kids. Schedule things you want to do that you think your family will enjoy. In my case, I love eating at new spots. In summer, that is more about things like new spots with amazing ice cream. No one is going to complain about that and we avoid a food rut.

For my husband and I, especially since this is his busy season this year, we’re trying to balance a lot. We make sure to stay connected through at-home date nights. We grab wine, cheese, and yummy bread and eat after the kids are in bed. It slows down the pace and gives us a chance to connect and enjoy the moment as a couple.

Take Time for Self-Care

Part of trying to get the most out of your summer as a working mom is making sure you take time for your own needs and self-care. Schedule me time. Literally, put it on your calendar so other meetings and items on your to-do list don’t take its place.

Take time with friends that doesn’t involve kids. Do you love a bubble bath? We’re in sandals and flip-flops so it’s the perfect time for a pedicure by yourself or with a friend. Whatever you need, put it on the calendar to make sure it happens. If you want some ideas for self-care, this round-up on self-care might help. If you’re struggling to find time for self-care, I’ve got 10 tips to help you find more time for it.

You’ve got lots of ideas for how to get the most out of your summer as a working mom. So, what is your intention for this summer? What are you planning? I would love to know!

Realize that you want to make some changes to your work-life balance this summer, but you’re not sure where to start? Start with your why. Understand your motivation for change, so that you create the right blueprint and engage the right resources. My Know Your Why Guide can help walk you through uncovering more of what is driving the change and help you figure out what you need.