By: Ohana Behavioral Child Therapy Team
Surviving Summer with Kids: 5 Sanity-Saving Tips for Parents
Surviving summer with kids isn’t easy. For many parents, summer break means long days, loud houses, and very little alone time.
For many parents, it means long days, loud houses, and very little alone time. Whether you’re parenting toddlers, teens, or both, surviving summer with kids can feel like a full-time job.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, you’re not failing. You’re just human.
Here are five realistic ways to survive summer with your kids—without losing your mind.
1. Lower the Bar (Yes, Really)
You don’t need to create a Pinterest-worthy summer.
Kids don’t need daily field trips or educational activities every hour.
They need:
A steady rhythm
Emotional safety
A parent who isn’t burned out
Surviving summer with kids starts by giving yourself permission to do less—and feel good about it.
Try creating a soft daily rhythm with just a few predictable moments. You don’t need a full schedule—just 3–4 hit-the-same-moments each day. This guide from PBS on “The Power of Routines” explains how simple rhythms support children’s self-control, emotional regulation, and smoother transitions.
2. Use Anchor Points Instead of a Full-Day Schedule
Too much structure feels like school. Too little can create chaos.
Try this instead:
Set 3–4 anchor points that give your day a soft shape:
Breakfast together
Outside play after lunch
Quiet time or independent play in the afternoon
Screen time or stories before bed
These touchpoints help kids feel secure and reduce the need for constant planning.
3. Keep a Boredom List Handy
You don’t have to entertain your kids all day. But having a few go-to ideas can help avoid power struggles.
Try these:
Water play (cups, buckets, hose)
Bake something together
Blanket forts and indoor picnics
Make-your-own lunch day
Dance party clean-up
Write it down. Post it on the fridge. Let them choose.
4. Protect Your Mental Health, Too
Summer isn’t just hard for kids—it’s hard for parents, too.
Surviving summer with kids means taking care of you, not just them.
A few ideas that don’t require a sitter:
Listen to music alone with headphones
Step outside for 5 quiet minutes
Eat lunch in silence
Trade “quiet shifts” with your partner or older child
A few minutes of mindful pauses can do a lot. Psychology Today shows how to weave self-care into your day without needing hours away
5. Choose Connection Over Productivity
Let go of the need to check every box.
When you’re running low on energy, choose moments of connection:
Sit with your child while they draw
Cuddle on the couch with a show
Say yes to a spontaneous backyard moment
These small things are the big things.
They build trust, co-regulation, and memories without needing a plan.
A Gentle Reminder for Tired Parents
If you’re feeling burned out this summer, you’re not alone.
You’re not behind. And you’re not failing.
You’re parenting during a season that asks a lot.
And the fact that you’re showing up—even on hard days—is more than enough.
Support for Parents, Kids, and Families
At Ohana Behavioral Health, we support parents, children, and families with therapy, coaching, and compassionate care.
If you’re navigating stress, burnout, parenting overwhelm, or mental health concerns, you don’t have to do it alone.
Explore our services:
