10 Practical Tips for Moms to Make Summer Easier

Summer break: that magical stretch of longer days, popsicles, and pool time — and also the season of “Mom, I’m bored,” constant messes, and non-stop snack demands.

While summer can be filled with fun and connection, it can also feel like a full-time juggling act for moms trying to balance work, home, and kids. Here are 10 practical tips to help you make summer easier so you can stay sane and actually enjoy this season.

How to Make Summer Easier for Moms

1. Weekly Summer Rhythm

Creating a weekly rhythm doesn’t have to mean a rigid schedule (I actually think it’s more effective if it isn’t rigid). Instead of planning every minute, create a loose weekly rhythm with general themes:

• Monday = library + screen time

• Tuesday = park + picnic lunch

• Wednesday = water play

• Thursday = field trip or errands

• Friday = movie + pizza night

Kids crave routine, and you will crave not having to reinvent every day. You can even involve your kids in the process of creating the structure for your weekly rhythm!

2. Summer Snack Station

You know your kids are going to be hungry at random times in the day. Instead of having to bug you for snacks every day, create a system where they have access to easy-to-grab (healthy) snacks. Designate a drawer or bin for this (I recommend picking a spot that’s easy to reach for your kids so they can be independent and learn portion control). Pre-portion fruit, crackers, protein bars, and refillable water bottles so you're not playing snack server 20 times a day.

Pro tip: Post “kitchen open” hours to reduce the all-day grazing!

3. Simple Summer Chore Chart

Will your kids be home all day? Then it’s time for them to pitch in. Create a daily “morning checklist” with 3–5 basic tasks: make bed, brush teeth, read 10 minutes, wipe down bathroom counter, etc. Keep it simple. This will help your kids build independence and will keep the house from imploding.

4. Set Summer Screen Time Boundaries Early

Decide on screen time limits before summer starts… and stick to them. Use timers or tech tools (like Apple’s “Screen Time” or Google’s “Family Link”) to enforce boundaries without being the bad guy.

5. Prep an “I’m Bored” Basket

Avoid the constant complaints by filling a basket or bin with screen-free boredom busters:

• Sidewalk chalk

• Mad Libs

• Puzzle books

• Playing cards

• Water balloons

• Craft kits

• Books & Audiobooks

Let the phrase “I’m bored” mean: “Time to visit the basket.”

6. Plan a Few Make-Ahead Meals

Summer evenings are often unpredictable, so prep 2–3 meals at the start of the week. Think pasta salad, marinated chicken, pulled pork, or smoothie packs — anything that cuts down on dinner decision fatigue.

7. Use Your Calendar Like a Boss

Whether it’s a big whiteboard, a paper planner, or a synced family Google calendar — get those camps, appointments, travel days, and outings on paper. Include downtime too! Your future self will thank you. I love using a combined family calendar and bucket list so my kids can always see what they have coming up, you can download it for FREE. I still use Google calendar for all appointments and work related items, but allowing kids to see their entire summer at a glance is super helpful.

8. Summer “Go Bag”

Have a tote packed and ready with sunscreen, wipes, water bottles, towels, snacks, and Band-Aids. Keep it by the door or in your car so you’re always ready for a last-minute splash pad visit or park picnic.

9. Reset Your Spaces

Clutter multiplies when everyone’s home. Take some time to reset areas in your home and create systems that will help the whole family stay organized so you can focus on having more summer fun. Set up drop zones for swimsuits, towels, goggles, and flip-flops. Declutter toys and art supplies early in the summer to make space for actual play.

(Need help? Organizing is what we do best. 😉)

10. Give Yourself a Break

Whether it's a solo Target run, a walk with a friend, or locking yourself in your room with a book and noise-canceling headphones… you deserve breaks too. Trade babysitting with a friend. Let the kids watch a movie. Schedule it. Protect it.

You can’t pour from an empty cup… even if it’s full of sunscreen.

You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect summer to make it magical. A little structure, some simple systems, and a whole lot of grace can turn chaos into calm and create space for memories that matter.

Here’s to a summer that feels lighter and maybe even a little fun.

Jen is the founder of Reset Your Nest, a Professional Home Organizing Business in Utah (servicing Salt Lake City, Park City, Ogden, Alpine, Highland, Mapleton, and St. George). She loves creating order and systems out of chaos and is known for bringing a beautiful aesthetic as well as easy to maintain function to any space. She shares her tips and tricks on Instagram @reset_your_nest.