It’s 1:03 PM on Friday, May 23rd. To you, that may just be a random time on a random day. But for me, it marks a major shift: my kids are officially out of school for the summer. Which means that, for the next three months, there will be four additional bodies in this house. Four humans who are hungry, energetic, talkative, occasionally wild, and always in need of something.

And I love them to pieces. But if you’re anything like me—a business owner, an ambitious woman, someone who thrives on goals, structure, and progress—you know that summer can feel like a challenge.

This is my third summer of working from home while my kids are off school without any additional help in the home, and if I’m being honest… I’m still figuring it out. But over the years, I’ve learned a few things that help. And today I want to share what’s worked (and what definitely hasn’t), in the hopes that it gives you some peace of mind, a few tools to try, or at least a reminder that you’re not doing this alone.

The Fantasy vs. Reality of Summer Work Schedules

Every May, I start to dream about how I’ll handle the summer shift. I tell myself I’ll work just in the mornings. I’ll compress all my tasks into a few focused hours and then log off, head held high, to enjoy long afternoons with my kids.

Let me be clear: I say this with the thickest sarcasm possible.

Because here’s what actually happens—I try to squeeze everything into the mornings, but my workload doesn’t magically shrink just because school’s out. I end up behind, frustrated, and resentful. And then I realize (again): I can’t keep operating like it’s still the school year. Something has to give.

The Power of Mindset Shifts

One of the biggest changes I’ve made in how I approach summer is this: I actively reduce my expectations.

That might sound like failure to a high-achiever, but hear me out. Summer is a different season, both literally and figuratively. It’s not about sprinting. It’s about slowing down, tuning in, and making space for things that don’t always fit into our workday boxes—things like rest, adventure, creativity, and connection.

When I give myself permission to not do it all, I actually show up better in both my work and my home.

Structure Still Matters—Especially for the Kids

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned? My kids (and honestly, me too) thrive with structure. The first year I tried to “wing it” with no plan, we ended up off the rails by Week Two. Everyone was cranky, and nothing was getting done.

Now, I try to create simple systems that work for our family. It doesn’t have to be rigid, but having some sort of rhythm to our days helps all of us feel grounded.

That might mean designated quiet times, snack windows, or even a weekly family meeting to review what’s ahead. It’s not about perfection—it’s about predictability and peace.

Make Room for Rest and Fun

This part is hard for me. I like progress. I like productivity. But I’m learning that rest and play are productive in their own way. And they matter—especially in a season like summer.

So this year, I’m choosing to lean into what summer is uniquely good for. Maybe I’ll use this time to plan and dream instead of launch and hustle. Maybe I’ll spend more afternoons at the pool and fewer hours refreshing my inbox.

Because there will be other seasons for pushing. But this one? It’s for presence.

What I Hope You Hear

If you’re navigating summer with kids at home, a business to run, and goals that still matter to you—this is your reminder that it’s okay to shift. It’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to not have it all figured out.

You’re not behind. You’re in a new season.

And just like the rest of us—you’re doing the best you can.

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