4 Ways I'm Making My Summer Easier as a Working Mom
As a working mom, summer can be both a joy and a juggling act. Between managing work and making sure the kids have a memorable break, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I wrote a blog post on this last year, and it was hands down one of the most popular and shared. This summer, I’ve decided to make a few changes to ensure it’s more enjoyable for everyone, at my office and at my home. (AND FOR ME!) Here are four ways I’m making my summer easier:
1. Taking Fridays Off
Ok this one is a repeat from last summer, because it worked so well. One of the best decisions I’ve made is to take Fridays off during the summer. This small shift allows for long weekends dedicated to family time, beach days, or just unwinding. It’s a way to give myself permission to pause and enjoy the season without feeling guilty about work. Planning ahead and ensuring my work is on track during the week makes this possible, and it’s a change I look forward to every year. I bet most of us could take Fridays off, and get just as much done in four days as we do in five. I realize this is a privilege for self employed people, but if you’re an employee, it wouldn’t hurt to ask your employer about trying this schedule out for you as well!
2. Working at Coworking House for Focused Work Time
With the kids at home, finding focused work time can be challenging. I’m splitting my attention, so I’m not a great mom, and not doing great work. It takes twice as long to finish anything, and in general, it’s not fun. That’s why I’ll be at Coworking House for work, and avoiding my laptop as much as possible at home. CoHo is a haven of productivity where I can dive into my work without distractions. The change of environment not only boosts my efficiency but also makes my time with the kids more meaningful, as I’m not constantly trying to split my attention.
3. Keeping a Beach Bag Ready in the Car
Spontaneity is part of summer’s charm, and having a beach bag ready to go in the car makes those impromptu trips to the shore hassle-free. We are BIG beach people, so this is a priority for us. Our beach bag is always packed with essentials: (the best) towels, sunscreen, waters, a football and a soccer ball, and a change of clothes. This way, we’re always prepared for a quick getaway, reducing the stress of last-minute packing and ensuring we make the most of sunny days. (We don’t need a ton to hit the beach for a few hours, so we are able to travel light and often!)
4. Having a Dinner Plan Rotation That Focuses on the Grill
Summer evenings are perfect for grilling, and having a dinner plan rotation that centers around the grill simplifies meal prep. We’ve created a list of our favorite grill recipes, from marinated chicken to veggie skewers to classic hamburgers and hotdogs, making it easy to decide what’s for dinner. This not only keeps our meals delicious and varied but also reduces the time spent in a hot kitchen. Plus, grilling is kind of fun in that my kids will generally hang outside while we grill, counting this as more time together
By implementing these strategies, I’m aiming for a summer that’s less about juggling and more about enjoying. Maybe you need more structure and routine in the summer, or maybe you’re sick of planning and want it to be a free for all. Whatever will make your life easier, I encourage you to think about, and then plan for it. Here’s to making the most of the season while keeping things simple and stress-free!