The Truth About Hot Girl Summer

Let’s talk about the real Hot Girl Summer.

Not the Instagram version where moms are sipping piña coladas on a boat in matching bikini's, with their kids, while looking perfectly bronzed, toned, and unwrinkled. No, no. I'm talking about our Hot Girl Summer—the one with sweat dripping down your back before 9am, car seats that could double as air fryers, and enough Goldfish cracker dust in your purse to start a small business.

If you're a mom, chances are your summer wardrobe is less “cut-off shorts and crop tops” and more “swimsuit with an old t-shirt and one sandal because the toddler ran off with the other.” Instead of sleek sunglasses and effortless beach waves, we often find ourselves navigating playgrounds with sweat dripping down our backs, managing snack bags the size of small suitcases, and struggling to carve out time for ourselves while also meeting the seemingly endless needs of our children.

Welcome. You’re in good company.

The Sweaty Reality of Summer

When summer comes to mind, what do you think of? Ice cream, beach umbrellas, and carefree laughter? For moms, it often appears a bit different.

Picture this: it’s 90 degrees outside, and you step out of the house with a toddler in tow. Within minutes, that cute outfit turns into a sweaty mess, and your only accessory is a water bottle. The “glow” that summer beauty bloggers talk about? More like the shine from exertion.

But it’s not just the heat; it's the relentless schedule. Summer means juggling camps, playdates, and family outings. Each day can feel like an Olympic event. As you wipe the sweat from your brow, remind yourself that this chaotic experience isn’t just yours to bear.

Moms everywhere are trying to keep it all together while maintaining a sense of social life and creating sweet summer memories.

This sweaty mess you see in the mirror of the car before you run into Target isn't from an invigorating beach run, no babe, it's from chasing your kid who "just wanted to touch the sprinkler real quick" across a public park in flip flops. From wrangling a sun-screened octopus disguised as your child.

Accept it. Embrace it. Hydrate.

Snack Bags: The Unsung Heroes of Summer

The snack bag is arguably the MVP of a mom’s summer toolkit. Gone are the days of neatly packed lunches; it’s all about survival now.

You will pack them. You will forget them. You will find them melted in the bottom of your pool bag two days later. But without them? Your entire day falls apart. I’ve seen my child go from sweet angel to tiny dictator in the time it takes a granola bar to get soggy. Moms don’t gatekeep—invest in the snacks, and keep a hidden one for yourself. Yes, the good chocolate. No, you don’t have to share.

To elevate your snack bag game this summer, consider the following:

1. Mix and Match: Create a healthy mix of fruits, nuts, and crunchy snacks. For example, combine apple slices, almonds, and whole grain crackers. Not only will this satisfy the kids, but it also encourages them to enjoy healthier options.

   
   

2. Portable Treats: Include fun, on-the-go options for those inevitable meltdowns. Small containers of yogurt-covered raisins or carrot sticks can work wonders. Keeping a diverse array helps in avoiding food fatigue, ensuring kids stay excited.

   
   

The ultimate goal? Keeping it simple and efficient while packing in the memories. What’s a summer road trip without the trusty snack bag?

Carving Out “You” Time: A Summer Challenge

Let’s get real: finding “me” time as a mom during summer can feel impossible. Between toddlers, teens, and everything in between, self-care often gets pushed aside.

However, making room for yourself doesn’t have to be a distant dream, you can love your kids and this wild, sandy, snack-filled season- but you can also love not being touched for five m niutes. Here are some strategies for carving out that precious “you” time:

1. Schedule It Like an Appointment: Just as you would arrange a doctor’s visit, pencil in “you” time. Whether it’s a solo trip to the mall or a few moments with a favorite book, treat it as sacred.

   
   

2. Embrace the Power of “No”: Sometimes, saying no can be the best form of self-care. Skip that extra playdate if you need a break, or decline an invite when you're overwhelmed. You see, prioritizing time for yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential.

   
   

3. Give your kids the gift of boredom. You don’t need to entertain them every second. Let them be bored. Boredom is a breeding ground for imagination... or at the very least, weird forts made out of couch cushions. Either way, you win.

   
   

4. Create a “Do Not Disturb” signal: It could be a headband. It could be a locked bathroom door. It could be you sitting in your car with the AC blasting and a snack you told your kids we were out of. Whatever works, protect it.

   
   

5. Set Up a DIY Spa Day: Dedicate an afternoon to pampering yourself. Transform your living space into a spa with calming music, face masks, and some relaxation exercises. Whether alone or with friends, creating a peaceful environment can be revitalizing.

   
   

Taking care of yourself is not an indulgence; it’s a necessity. When you’re at your best, your family thrives too!

Laughing Through the Chaos

Nothing diffuses the tension of a hot, sweaty day quite like a hearty laugh. Embracing the chaos of motherhood can be daunting, but remember that humor is our best ally.

The toddler tantrum that erupted over a misplaced snack? Classic summer chaos!

Dressing up in a funny hat at the park just to see the kids giggle? Priceless!

Embrace those moments — TikTok-worthy mishaps and downright ridiculous occurrences are part of the fun. New hilarious stories appear every summer: playdates gone awry, sunscreen application disasters, or that time someone mistook a water balloon for a snack. For every tough moment you experience, there seems to be a story that turns it into a laugh.

Embracing Soft Boundaries

We start off strong—“No, we’re not doing screens today!”

Three hours later: “Fine, just one episode so I can eat this salad in peace.”

Listen, it’s okay. Summer is a weird limbo where rules bend with the heat index. You’re not failing—you’re adapting.

1. Prioritize Family Activities: Figure out which outings are essential. If you want to skip the neighborhood barbecue, that’s perfectly fine! Identify what truly matters to you and your family.

   
   

2. Maintain Flexibility: Allow space for spontaneous adventures! If the kids want to hop in the pool on a whim, why not go for it?

   
   

3. Create Quiet Hours: During the summer chaos, carving out moments for peace can save your sanity. Enforce a reading hour or puzzle time; these small routines offer an oasis amid the busyness.

   
   

Setting these soft boundaries can help protect your summer joy while allowing for unplanned fun. After all, every mom deserves a break!

Suggested Fun Activities to Experience This Summer

To make the most of this “Hot Girl Summer,” consider activities that your entire family can enjoy while sneaking in a bit of self-care for yourself. Here are some inventive ideas:

1. Picnic at Home: Lay out a picnic blanket in your living room or backyard. Pack simple snacks, play games, or read together under the summer sun or shade.

   
   

2. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Craft a list of items to find in nature — leaves, flowers, and bugs — and see who can spot them first. This also lets you enjoy your surroundings quietly.

   
   

3. Creative Arts Hour: Set up an arts and crafts space outdoors. Let the kids unleash creativity, while you find some calming and nature-inspired peace.

   
   

4. Family Movie Nights: After a vibrant summer day, unwind with a family movie night. This can feature snacks from your versatile snack bag, making it an exciting bonding moment.

   
   

5. Community Events: Keep an eye out for family-friendly events like fairs, outdoor movie nights, or farmers’ markets in your area. Supporting local businesses also feels rewarding.

   
   

Tailoring fun family experiences ensures that summer memories are created and cherished!

Final Thoughts from a Sweaty, Snack-Carrying Softie

Hot Girl Summer doesn’t have to look like the magazines.

Maybe it’s showing up with a giant sun hat, a stained tank top, and a mental checklist of everyone's allergy-safe snacks. Maybe it’s saying no to one more playdate, and yes to that late-night drive-thru Diet Coke. Maybe it’s knowing that you’re doing your best, even if your best includes hiding from your kids in the pantry.

By embracing these challenges, using humor as a coping mechanism, and setting soft boundaries, moms can enjoy a summer that values both family and individual needs.

Remember, every moment brings laughter, every snack bag offers joy, and every day is an adventure waiting to unfold.

So cheers to us: the real Hot Girls. The snack smugglers. The sunscreen warriors. The boundary-bending, joy-prioritizing mamas keeping the summer chaos barely under control.

Hot, tired, and still thriving.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go rescue a popsicle from melting into my backseat.

Cheers to a summer filled with sweat and laughter! Happy “Hot Girl Summer,” moms!

XX, Kelleen