Dear Summer: I Refuse to Overschedule Myself This Year
This summer, give yourself permission to slow down. You don’t need a jam-packed schedule or picture-perfect plans—your kids just need your presence, not perfection. Choose ease, rest, and simple moments that fill your cup, too.
Hey Mama,
Let’s have a little heart-to-heart about summer. Because if you're anything like me (and most of the moms I work with), you’ve probably already felt that creeping pressure:
"What camps should I sign them up for?" "Should we plan that road trip?" "Are the kids doing enough fun things?" "I need to make this summer magical... right?"
Pause. Breathe.
Here’s the truth: your kids don’t need a perfectly curated summer. And you definitely don’t need a summer that leaves you more exhausted than the school year.
The Summer Hustle Isn't Required
There’s so much cultural noise that tells moms we need to make every moment of summer Pinterest-worthy. But often, this just leads to overscheduling, burnout, and resentment.
The pool of summer opportunities is endless. But your capacity? Not so much.
What your kids actually need is presence, not perfection.
The Power of Slow Summer
Instead of filling every day with back-to-back activities, consider embracing a slower pace. Let your kids get bored. Let them play in the backyard, read, or just hang out. Boredom builds creativity and resilience.
And you? You get to rest too. You get to sit on the porch with your coffee. You get to take slow walks. You get to enjoy being, not just doing.
3 Permission Slips for Your Summer
You don't have to say yes to every invitation. Your family gets to have unscheduled weekends.
You don’t have to manufacture magic. The simple stuff (popsicles, sprinklers, movie nights) are often what your kids remember most.
Your rest matters too. A calm, regulated mom creates more peace for everyone.
What If This Summer Was About Ease?
This summer, instead of filling up your calendar, fill up your cup.
More presence.
Less pressure.
More margin.
Less mom guilt.
You deserve a summer that feels good to live inside of.
P.S. If you're working on letting go of the guilt and pressure to be "everything" this summer, you’re not alone. Follow along for more tips on how to reclaim your peace and actually enjoy your motherhood journey.