Managing Stress as a Stay-at-Home Mom During Summer Break

For many stay-at-home moms, the end of May brings a mix of relief and anticipation as summer break looms. The prospect of no more early mornings, school runs, homework, and strict bedtimes can be a welcome change.

Yet, summer break has its own challenges. Mothers can face burnout, especially when they are the only parents at home with their children during the day. Suddenly, it can feel like the work never stops. If you have a child with a learning disability, behavioral issues, or a mental health condition, the work can seem overwhelming.

Managing stress during the summer break is imperative for your own mental health.

Tips for Managing Stress During the Summer Break

Managing stress during the summer break boils down to providing your children (and yourself) with structure to build the day and week. If you have something to look forward to, it will break up the monotony of the day and lessen tantrums and boredom. It also provides a sense of security to children. Although children push for independence, they also want to know that someone loves and cares about them enough to ensure they eat, sleep, and learn appropriately.

But mothers need structure as well for their own mental health. You need to know when to do housework, when to make meals, when to work, when to play, and when to rest. A structured day provides that security.

You can make structure fun with a few of the following tips.

Create a schedule

To introduce structure into your summer days, create a schedule for your family. The schedule does not need to be minute by minute, but a general “this follows that” structure.

For example, you wake up an hour earlier than the children to exercise and dress. After the children wake up, the family eats breakfast and gets dressed for the day. Perhaps chores are next, and a quick walk before lunch. After lunch, there is playtime outdoors, then a snack, followed by a nap for the younger children and quiet time for the older ones and Mom.

Create a flexible schedule for your family, allowing weekly errands and trips.

Plan for outdoor fun

It is the summer, after all, so plan for outdoor fun. Your children will spend the physical energy they have built up and be able to regulate their appetite and sleep better. Fresh air and green spaces are known to reduce the likelihood of developing depression and improve mood.

Often, children with conditions like ADHD need an outlet for physical energy. Try to set aside some time outdoors to play. Think about backyard play or local parks. A picnic lunch might be an easier option for you with fewer dishes. While you watch the children play, you can also read or listen to music (as long as you can still hear your child if they need you).

Make a play date

Most children love to play with others. Making play dates with neighborhood children or your child’s classmates gives them a chance to catch up with their friends and gives you a little break. You can still keep an eye on the children, but you might be able to do other things that are important to you.

If you are close to the parents of your child’s friends, suggest alternating play dates. For example, if their child comes to play at your house for a few hours on Tuesday, your child plays at their house for a few hours on Thursday. This gives both moms a break for tasks or self-care.

Create a reward system for chores

Let’s be honest: most children do not want to do chores, especially in the summer. However, now is the time to teach your children important lessons about housework and taking responsibility. Create a reward system to make it fun. You could make a chart for each child with their age-appropriate chores listed. You could have them place a sticker after they have completed the chore.

Rewards could include device or screen time, ice cream, popcorn, or a favorite movie. You can increase the rewards for older children depending on your financial situation. For example, your teen might like the reward of her favorite frappe on Fridays after completing all her weekly chores.

You can also keep the chore chart and reward system going after school restarts. Some parents use the reward system for their children to complete their homework and assignments for the week.

Find summer programs

Children look forward to summer programs, and it gives moms a breather. Most local libraries offer summer reading programs that encourage children to read for prizes and offer events throughout the summer aimed at the children’s age levels. While the children are participating, you can peek at a few new releases.

Churches offer VBS during the summer, and you do not have to limit yourself to the one at your church. Ask your neighbors and people you trust for referrals for VBS in your area from churches that share your beliefs. You can also look online for summer events and programs for your child’s age.

Plan for movie or game nights (or both)

Add a family movie or game night (or both) to your weekly schedule. You can alternate who picks the movie or do a double feature: one movie the children pick and one you prefer. This gives all of you something to look forward to each week.

You can also add a game night. If you have children of multiple ages, try starting with the younger ones, such as a round or two of Chutes and Ladders. Next, move up to the next child’s age while the younger ones play something else. Consider mystery games, Monopoly, card games, or role-playing games for older teenagers.

Teach the concept of delayed gratification

Teach your children the concept of delayed gratification as part of structure and chores. Delayed gratification is a concept that will serve your child throughout life. Teach them that if they work hard, then they get to play hard. For example, folding and putting away their clean laundry before playing video games.

The same concept works for adults. It is easy to procrastinate when we feel overwhelmed. Use delayed gratification to get a not-so-fun task done. For example, tackle cleaning out the refrigerator and freezer and making a grocery list before sitting down to read a few more chapters of a book.

Practice self-care

While the kids are home, try to get in at least 15 to 30 minutes of self-care daily. You may need to explain to younger children that this is your time. Boundaries are essential, even with little ones. Ask other family members for support so you can care for your mental health.

Choose activities that bring you joy and a sense of peace. It might be reading or listening to music for 15 minutes or treating yourself to a facial mask. Whatever makes you feel good and gives you that small, rejuvenating break is worth it.

Managing Stress and Mom Burnout During the Summer

Managing stress and mom burnout during the summer break and other holidays is critical to your mental health and wellness. Consider connecting with a Christian counselor to combat stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout.

Feeling stressed during the summer when you feel that your independence and freedom are being replaced is a normal part of the stay-at-home mom’s experience. You may feel guilty for feeling this way while your precious children are home, but it’s important to remember that everyone needs a sense of autonomy.

A counselor can help you navigate these feelings and set boundaries with your family, especially if you have a child with a disability or behavioral issues. Contact our office today to schedule a session with a counselor to discuss managing stress and start enjoying your summers again.