Summer Sanity: How I’m Surviving School’s Out Without Losing My Mind (or My Wine)

Ah summer break....

That magical time of year when school shuts down, your house turns into a 24/7 snack bar, and you suddenly become a camp counselor, cruise director, and referee... all without pay- the mix of joy and sheer panic has set in. Welcome to summer with kids—aka the beautiful chaos where I try not to lose my ever-loving mind (or my Chardonnay).

Welcome to the beautiful chaos that is summer with kids. The days are longer, the patience shorter, and the snacks? Gone by 10 a.m.

If you’re wondering how I’m holding it together—well... barely.

But I’ve cobbled together a survival guide, filled with wine, wisdom, and just enough structure to keep us all from falling apart.

Welcome to the Jungle

The first day of summer break often resembles a jungle more than a peaceful family getaway. Picture this: you wake up to find your living room overrun with toy dinosaurs battling for the last bowl of cereal, while colorful bath towels are strewn about, resembling whimsical sea creatures.

Gone are the quiet mornings with a steaming cup of coffee. Instead, you're greeted by high-pitched interpretations of the latest pop hits. The best approach? Embrace the chaos! Get ready for sticky hands and unexpected messes. And remember to keep a bottle of your favorite wine handy to toast those rare moments of blissful silence.

Lower the Bar (Then Step Over It in Flip-Flops)

Pinterest-perfect summer? Nah. We’re rocking dollar store water balloons and calling it “sensory play.” Lunch is string cheese and something orange. If screen time lets me drink my coffee while it’s hot, we call it “independent learning.”

Wine O’Clock Is Sacred

After 87 requests for snacks before noon, I’m ready for a crisp rosé. Whether it’s wine, mocktails, or an aggressively poured LaCroix, mommy moments matter. Embrace them. Prioritize them.

Plan Ahead—Kind Of

Yes, I know! Creating a summer plan might sound about as exciting as watching grass grow. But trust me, a little structure can be a game changer.

Start by drafting a calendar that blends fun activities with essential chores. For instance, plan family outings every Saturday—like trips to the local zoo or picnics at the park. Set aside days for playdates and themed movie marathons, ensuring there's always something to look forward to. This way, you can reduce the "I'm bored!" complaints significantly—research shows well-planned schedules can decrease boredom-related behavior by up to 75%.

In my household, we are bound to our loose weekly schedule (zoo on Saturday, movie marathons on Monday, “Take-a-Nap Tuesday”—even if no one naps but me)- and with a little bit of inclusion for the boys and the activities they are most excited for, makes for an exciting and fun week!!

Also: build in chill time: books, drawing, tablet time. If I get to scroll TikTok in peace, everyone wins.

Set Expectations (aka the Summer Survival Contract)

Create a “Summer Deal” chart outlining screen time, chores, and rewards. Bribes—I mean incentives—work wonders. You clean your room? You get extra tablet time. You help with lunch? We all scream for ice cream. You complete your weeks worth of workbook, not only are you combating the summer slope of your learning, but also earned yourself a trip to the Target Dollar Section.

Hide the Good Snacks

They'll sniff them out like bloodhounds. Hide the good stuff behind the quinoa—nobody touches the quinoa. Also, call any food in a divided tray a “snack board.” Instant appeal.

Leave the House (Even If It’s Just the Driveway)

Fresh air is magical. Water balloons, sidewalk chalk, a bucket of ice and spoons—they’ll entertain themselves just long enough for you to sit on a lawn chair and pretend you’re at an all-inclusive in Cabo.

Call in the Troops

If spending the entire summer entertaining your kids feels overwhelming, remember, it takes a village.

You don’t have to do this alone. Arrange a playdate swap with another parent. Call in Grandma. Even 45 minutes of solo grocery shopping can feel like a spa retreat if no one asks you for fruit snacks.

Craft, Create, and Conquer

In a landscape dominated by digital screens, do not overlook the magic of crafting. Engaging your kids in creative projects sparks imagination and self-expression.

Crafting is chaos—but it’s *productive* chaos. Designate a space for art, pick weekly themes (friendship bracelets! nature collages!) and let them go wild. And for the brave: backyard painting. Messy? Yep. Magical? Also yes.

Keep It Safe & Sunny

Sunscreen is non-negotiable—make it fun with a “sunscreen song.” Supervise pool time like it’s your job (because… it is). And maybe keep a towel in every room. Just in case.

Learn Through Play

Nature walks? Science. Cooking together? Math and chemistry. Reading under a tree? Language arts. Summer can be sneaky-educational without ever cracking a workbook.

Don't Forget Yourself

After a day in the trenches, you need your "mommy moment."

Carve out “you time.” Even ten minutes of quiet with a book, a walk, or a glass of wine counts. You cannot pour from an empty cup—and we both know you've poured *everything else* for everyone already.

Final Thoughts

Welcome to the Jungle mama bear, where we've got fun and games...

I’m not out here thriving—I’m surviving, occasionally laughing, often hiding in the bathroom, and constantly reminding myself: this is just a season.

A sticky, noisy, snack-covered, sun-drenched season full of memories (and meltdowns). But when I look back, I won’t remember the laundry piles—I’ll remember the giggles, the backyard splashes, and that one quiet glass of wine while the kids finally played nicely.

As the school bells ring in the next season and your kids prepare to return to their structured routines, cherish the little victories, laughter, and fond moments you've shared Embrace the summer's chaos and cheers to another year of embracing the adventure of parenthood!

Hang in there, mama. You’ve got this. And if you don’t? At least you’ve got wine!!

Got your own summer survival hacks? Drop them in the comments—help a fellow mama out!