Surviving the Dog Days of Summer

Summer is supposed to be fun right? Full of adventures, trips to the beach and sleepovers with friends. When I was a kid, Summer was the best! But now as a parent, I feel worn down trying to give my kids memories to remember. Why is this? I really don't feel like my parents did anything at all, and somehow, I still loved Summer and only have fond memories when I look back on my childhood Summers. Do you feel similar? Are you feeling a little worn down this Summer too? So what is the problem?

One mistake I think we are making as moms is trying to make everything fun all the time or provide entertainment for our kids 24/7. It is okay to let our children be bored. Not every minute of every day needs to be filled with something productive or fun. When we allow breaks in the schedule, we are giving our children opportunities to explore and be creative on their own. Just recently all three of my kiddos and I were stuck quarantined in our home for a week, while two of them had Covid. Thankfully, all were back to feeling good after a day, but then we were just trapped, stuck at home. I can't even tell you how many sweet, fun games these kids came up with to pass the time. They played manhunt around the house and had Pokémon battles in the front yard. We played lots of Uno and Monopoly. Their little imaginations were put to work since there was no other choice.

What a blessing for me as a mom to see their boredom turn into fun. Siblings really are built in friends. Although, we were definitely ready for a jail break by the end of the week, it was really sweet to see all of my kids play so well together without feeling the need to fill every void of time with something productive.

Another mistake I know I have made this Summer, contributing to my exhaustion is not giving myself a break. If the kids are at camp, I am cleaning and busting my butt around the house nearly the whole time they are gone. If the kids are home, I am trying to clean around three little tornadoes. I am trying to learn to stop and be still, but it is hard. And I don't think I am alone in this. I think as moms, we feel so much pressure to constantly feel productive, but it isn't wise for our own mental health to never give ourselves a break either. Just like our children have to learn to be creative when there is nothing to do, mama, you need to learn to give yourself permission to have nothing to do. Even if it is just for a few minutes or a few hours. Allow yourself to do something that fills you up.

For me, it is time in my garden. Yes, I know, it can still feel productive, but it is something completely separate from my everyday tasks, that allows me to unplug and breath. Most days, when I am working in the garden, whether pruning or watering, I make a conscious effort to leave my phone inside the house and just listen to the sounds of nature while I work. I'm usually only out there for 20-30 minutes, but even that can help reset my mind to take on the rest of the day. Another thing, I have found that has helped reduce my stress this Summer, is finding time to work out. Not at the gym (who has time for that with 3 kids?). But through an Ap on my phone I will find some sort of 20-30 minutes HIIT workout or yoga practice and make time for that a few times a week. Not only does it feel good to move my body and feel active, but it also helps give my brain a break from all the tasks of the day.

So here is what I want you to do as Summer begins to wind down so that you don't find yourself dragging your feet into the school year:

1. Let the kids be bored. Don't feel the need to always have something scheduled to do. Not only will it give you a break, but it will really allow your kids to develop their imaginations and to learn some independence.

2. Find a little mommy time. Give yourself permission to do something for you. Even if it is just 20 minutes. A walk around the neighborhood. A yoga class. Time to sit quietly and read a book. My only advice is try not to make it on a screen. Allow yourself time to unplug from technology during your "mommy time." Your brain needs a break too.

I think these are 2 very simple ways to not feel so drained this Summer. Give it a try and let me know how it goes. And then tell me what you decided to do for your "mommy time." I would love to hear how you unplug and recharge. Sharing is caring!

Wishing you all the most beautiful rest of Summer. Love you mama!