How to Have an Intentional Summer With Kids (Without Burning Yourself Out)
Summer is almost here, mama.
Which means we’re all stocking up on popsicles, pulling out swimsuits, and trying to figure out how to make this the best summer ever for our families.
And if you’re anything like me, you may also feel a little pressure.
Pressure to make magical memories.
Pressure to keep everyone entertained.
Pressure to make summer feel special.
Pressure to do all the things.
After 18 years of summers with kids in different ages and stages — as both a working mom and a stay-at-home mom — I’ve learned something important:
The best summer memories rarely come from perfection.
They come from connection.
The Problem With Trying to Create the “Perfect” Summer
For years, I would make huge summer plans.
I’d create schedules, budget for activities, save Pinterest ideas, and picture all the family fun we were going to have.
And honestly?
Sometimes I ended up stressed, exhausted, frustrated, and disappointed trying to make it all happen.
I knew what the kids would enjoy.
I knew what would make summer “special.”
But somewhere along the way, my expectations became heavier than the season itself.
Can you relate?
Maybe you’ve already found yourself scrolling for:
summer activities for kids
family summer bucket list ideas
summer routines for moms
screen-free summer ideas
ways to make summer memorable
…while simultaneously wondering how you’re supposed to actually manage all of it.
Mama, you do not have to carry the pressure of creating a Pinterest-perfect summer.
What Kids Actually Remember About Summer
If we step back and think about our own childhood summers, what do we remember most?
Probably not the expensive activities.
Probably not the perfectly planned schedules.
We remember:
laughing outside until dark
swimming with cousins
running through sprinklers
late-night ice cream runs
feeling safe
feeling connected
feeling loved
That’s what creates an intentional summer with kids.
Not perfection.
Presence.
An Intentional Summer Starts With Connection, Not Performance
This year, I want to encourage you to shift your focus.
Instead of asking:
“How do I entertain my kids all summer?”
Ask:
“How do I create space for connection this summer?”
That small mindset shift changes everything.
Because suddenly:
simple becomes meaningful
rest becomes allowed
slow moments become valuable
and motherhood becomes lighter
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us:
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
Summer is a unique season for your family.
Not one you have to perform through.
One you’re allowed to enjoy.
Feeling overwhelmed already? I made this starter pack to simplify summer for busy moms.
Introducing the Thriving Mom Summer Series
That’s exactly why I created the Thriving Mom Summer Series for The Busy Mamas Club.
This series is designed to help busy moms create a summer that feels:
intentional
joy-filled
connected
realistic
and grace-filled
Without the constant overwhelm.
Each week, I’ll be sharing encouragement, practical tips, rhythms that actually work for busy moms, and faith-based reminders to help you enjoy this season instead of just surviving it.
Grab Your Free Thriving Mom Summer Starter Pack
To kick off the series, I created a free Thriving Mom Summer Bucket List Starter Pack.
Inside you’ll find:
a guided family summer bucket list
summer goals pages
reminders for moms
organization pages
encouragement and scripture
practical tools to help you simplify summer
This is designed to help you stop endlessly scrolling Pinterest or TikTok trying to figure out how to have the “perfect” summer.
You already have what your kids need most:
you.
A Little Encouragement for You, Mama
If you’re entering summer already tired…
If you’re overwhelmed by the idea of having kids home all day…
If you’re worried you won’t “do enough”…
Take a deep breath.
Your children do not need a perfect mother.
They need a present one.
And God’s grace will meet you here too.
2 Corinthians 12:9 says:
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
The small moments matter more than you think.
Join Us This Summer
I would absolutely love for you to join us inside The Busy Mamas Club Facebook community as we walk through this summer together.
Once you fill out your summer bucket list, snap a picture and share it in the group so we can cheer each other on.
Motherhood was never meant to be done alone.
Now go grab your iced coffee, brace yourself for the final days of school, and let’s make this a summer filled with connection, joy, and grace.
Less guilt. More grace. You’re deeply loved by God.
— Brittany
Download your free Thriving Mom Summer Bucket List Starter Pack here.
