Beating the Summer Blahs: How Moms Can Navigate the Groundhog Day Vibes of Summer Break
There comes a point every summer when the popsicles dry up, the pool loses its magic, and every child in the house starts using "I’m bored" like it’s their full-time job. The first few weeks were filled with sunshine and optimism — matching swimsuits, snack bins overflowing, and a bucket list taped proudly to the fridge. But now… it’s giving “wash, rinse, repeat.”
If you’re a mom secretly counting down to the first day of school while also feeling guilty for not soaking in every second, you’re not alone. The summer slump is real. So how do you break the monotony and bring a little intentionality back to long, simmering days? Here are some mindset shifts and practical strategies to help you navigate the boredom — while staying (mostly) sane.
Shift the Mindset: Boredom Isn’t the Enemy
Believe it or not, boredom is good for kids. It ignites creativity, builds independence, and teaches them how to self-stimulate without a screen or scheduled activity. Instead of feeling like you need to entertain 24/7, remind yourself: it’s your job to create an environment where boredom can spark imagination — not to fill every moment.
Permission granted to stop feeling guilty for not curating nonstop fun.
Create a Loose Daily Rhythm
Children thrive on rhythm, and so do adults. Without the school year’s structure, days can feel endless. Create a flexible flow:
Morning anchor activity: Nature walk, playground sprint, library trip, or backyard hose sprinkler.
Midday quiet/reset time: Non-negotiable. Books, puzzles, LEGOs. Kids in separate rooms = Mom sneaks in iced coffee and silence.
Afternoon free play/screen time: Cycles of independence with a few fresh play ideas (cardboard box projects, shaving cream car wash, Google “play invitation”).
It doesn’t need to be rigid — just predictable. Predictability gives everyone a sense of control.
Theme Days (But Without the Pinterest Overwhelm)
Rotate through a handful of low-stress "themes" during the week to add variety without planning headaches:
Make-It Monday → craft or bake something simple (Rice Krispie treats count)
Trek Tuesday → explore a new park
Water Wednesday → sprinkler, splash pad, water balloons
Thoughtful Thursday → write letters, gather donations, kindness project
Free-for-All Friday → kids choose activity and mom just goes with it (within reason)
Keep expectations low, and remember — the “theme” is meant to guide, not create pressure.
Call in Reinforcements: Swap, Drop, & Bop
Kid swap playdates: You take theirs one day, she takes yours next — everyone wins.
Drop-in camps/classes: Art studios, rec centers, gyms often offer single-day or half-day camp options mid-summer.
Grandparent/neighbor time: If you have access, even a few hours can feel like a full spa retreat.
Mom Micro-Moments Matter
If you wait for big, luxurious self-care moments in summer — you’ll burn out fast. Instead:
Drink your coffee hot on the porch before kids wake up.
Put your earbuds in with a podcast while kids play outside.
Text a friend about the ridiculous thing your toddler just said.
Take five minutes to breathe in a dark closet if necessary (no judgment here).
Small pockets of time = big sanity savers.
End-of-Day Mini Reset
Every evening, write three things that went well (even if one is “nobody got injured”). Finishing the day with a gratitude mindset — instead of tallying everything that felt chaotic — helps shift your perspective heading into tomorrow.
Remember: You Deserve Support Too
Summer isn’t just about keeping your kids entertained — it’s about your mental health too. If the boredom, overwhelm, or monotony is starting to spiral into anxiety, irritability, or deep exhaustion, therapy can be a life-giving space to process, get tools, and reconnect to yourself.
Ready to feel more like you again this summer? Reach out — we’d love to support you in writing a new, more fulfilling rhythm (even in the chaos).