How to Not Lose Your Sh*t This Summer (‘Cuz the Kids Are Always Home!)

Summer is just around the corner. The kids will be home all the time, snacks will be vanishing like magic tricks, and you can already hear "Mom!" echoed every 3.2 seconds…but who’s counting?! 

If you're feeling like you're two meltdowns away from a full-on momplosion—well, just know you're not alone.

While you’re playing free Summer-Uber, dropping the kids here and there, causing people to question whether you have a teleportation device, here are a few sanity-saving, soul-centering tips for mamas with somewhere to be and no time to waste.

Claim a Sacred 10 Minutes

Lock the bathroom door. Sit in your car. Hide in the laundry room. Whatever it takes—give yourself 10 uninterrupted minutes a day. Breathe. Stretch. Scroll. Sip. Just. Be. Alone.

Lower the Bar (Seriously)

Pinterest-perfect summers are a myth. Don’t get caught up in the raging lies. Your only job is to keep the kids mostly alive and yourself somewhat sane. That’s the win. Everything else is Tigers Blood spilling out of a melting snowcone. (What?! It’s summer!)

Swap “Mom Guilt” for “Mom Pause”

Instead of spiraling when you snap, pause and ask: What do I need right now? A snack? Water? Quiet? Forgiveness? (Hint: It's usually all of the above.) Whatever you need, take it! It’s okay! You get hangry, too, Mama. Take care of yourself like you’d take care of the kids. Pack yourself a water bottle and snacks along with what you’re packing for the kids. 

Say Yes to Help, No to Extra

NO! to three playdates a day.
NO! to running every errand solo. While that sounds enticing, here me out. Sometimes taking kids with you is even harder. But that doesn’t mean you have to do it all. Ask your partner to tag in. Use delivery or pickup services. Trade with a mom friend. Hell, even let the older kids help with the list at the store (training them young is a gift to Future You. You’re welcome.).

Every little “no” to over-functioning is a “yes” to your sanity. And we’re here for it.

Back to our list.
Yes! to Grandma taking the kids.
Yes! to frozen pizza.
Yes! to screen time.
You are not the cruise director of everyone’s fun. At least not all the time.

Build a Mom-Only Moment into Your Day

Early morning coffee on the porch. A midday dance break. A post-bedtime walk. One small, daily ritual just for you can bring big you peace that will make this summer at least a tiny bit more tolerable.

You deserve a summer that includes joy for you, not just the joy-suckers. You’re doing (more than) enough. And you don’t have to lose your sh*t to prove it.

Have a great summer!!! And may the odds be ever in your favor.

Hi! I’m MacKenzie, your Self-Care Mompanion

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of Follow Your Arrow Counseling, LLC and Middle Path Wellness Collective, LLC. I specialize in working with Moms and who are stressed out, overwhelmed and not taking care of themselves as well as they take care of everyone else. I call it the “Mother Load.”

Being a Mom is hard. There are some days I really don’t like it, to be honest. Thank goodness there are other moments when my daughter tells me I’m her best friend that make up for all the crappy days.

Join me as we walk this road of motherhood together. It truly takes a village to raise our kids and maintain our sanity.