We’re halfway through the summer. The kids are still home. The days are still long. The snack requests are never-ending. (And the grocery bills are reflecting it!)
If you’re a mama in the trenches of the beautiful chaos that is summer break, you’re not alone. This blog post coming out to you in July is evidence that I’m right there with you! (Should I tell you that it was originally intended to come out a month ago???)
Yes, there’s joy in the slower pace and bonus family time—but let’s be honest: it can also feel like one big, sticky, snack-covered swirl of messes, meltdowns, and mental fatigue.
But sweet friend, hear this: you do not have to sacrifice your peace to make the rest of this a meaningful summer. And even if you feel like you’ve been drowning, you can do a few things differently starting today!
With a little planning, a lot of grace, and some Christ-centered tools, the rest of your summer can be full of connection and calm.
Here are 5 sanity-saving summer survival tips for moms who want to enjoy their kids and keep their peace.
Build a Simple Summer Routine for Moms and Kids
Structure doesn’t have to be rigid—but it does bring peace.
Kids feel safer when they know what to expect, and mamas thrive when the day has some shape.
Try a flexible daily rhythm with a few anchors: meals, quiet time, outdoor play, and family wind-down. Use a whiteboard or visual schedule where everyone can see what’s coming.
Even better? Invite your kiddos into the planning! Ask, “What’s one fun thing we can build into our mornings this week?” Their answers might surprise you—and buy-in becomes easier when they help create it.
“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace…” – 1 Corinthians 14:33
When your home has rhythm, it echoes God’s heart for order and calm.
Practice Daily Self-Care for Moms (Without the Guilt)
Let’s get this straight: Self-care isn’t selfish.
You’re pouring out all day, every day. If you don’t refill, burnout is inevitable. (And “mean mom” tends to come out.)
Here are a few sanity-saving self-care ideas:
- Start the day with 15 minutes of Scripture, stillness, and coffee (or tea) before the house wakes. This time with Jesus is going to be your anchor for the entire day. Trust me.
- Walk solo while listening to worship music or a podcast that fills your spirit. Moving your body while connecting with God is a great way to ground yourself and take care of your body.
- Set aside one evening a week for a kid-free outing—even if it’s just Target and a latte. Sometimes we just need time away by ourselves…and that’s ok!
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” – Luke 5:16
If Jesus needed time to recharge, so do we.
Use Community Resources for Summer Break Activities
You are not your child’s cruise director.
And despite what Instagram or Pinterest may suggest, you don’t need to entertain them 24/7.
Here are some life-giving (and usually free or low-cost) resources:
- Local library summer reading programs
- Vacation Bible School (VBS) at nearby churches
- Day camps or programs through community centers
- Free events shared in mom Facebook groups or community calendars
Let go of the pressure to “make every moment magical.” Some of the best memories happen when you simply show up and let someone else lead the activity. Because then you can sit back and watch the joy on your children’s faces instead of having to manage all the details.
Lower the Bar and Let Go of Mom Guilt
Say it with me: Good enough is good enough. Presence over perfection.
Summer doesn’t have to look like a curated highlight reel. Sometimes it’s cereal for dinner and screen time so you can shower in peace. And you know what? That’s okay. As a kid raised on Fruity Pebbles, I can assure you it’s all going to be ok.
What your kids need most is not perfection—it’s your presence.
- Let go of the pressure to do it all
- Say no to over-scheduling
- Choose rest over rushing
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
God’s grace meets you in the mess and fills in every gap.
Create a Calming End-of-Day Family Ritual
Even if the day felt like a circus, you can end it in peace.
Try one of these gentle evening rhythms:
- A “rose-thorn-bud” check-in: Best part of your day? The hardest? What are you looking forward to?
- Read a short devotional or Psalm together.
- Share three things you’re thankful for.
These little rituals re-center the family and help hearts reconnect before rest.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
Final Thoughts: Grace and God Will Get You Through
Mama, summer break doesn’t have to steal your sanity.
With a bit of structure, staying connected to God, intentional self-care, and a whole lot of grace, you can turn this season into something sweet and sacred. You were made for this—and God will equip you with what you need.
Whether today’s win is surviving a grocery run with toddlers or finding 10 quiet minutes with Jesus—celebrate it.
He’s with you. He’s for you. And He delights in the way you’re showing up with love, even on the messy days.
If you need a little extra support in managing the summer overwhelm, reach out to one of our therapists who love to help mama’s in the trenches.
