Tips to Avoid Summertime Burnout for Moms
Summer can be a busy season for moms. The days are longer, kids are out of school, and while routines may change, the responsibilities often increase. There are snacks and meals to prepare, activities to plan, packing to do, pick ups and drop offs to get to, errands to run, and the seemingly endless mental list of everything that needs to get done.
When you're caring for everyone else, finding time for yourself can feel nearly impossible. The suggestion to simply "make time for self-care" may sound unrealistic when you're already trying to fit everything into a single day.
The reality is that your needs matter too. Taking care of yourself doesn't have to mean finding hours of uninterrupted alone time. Sometimes it's about creating small moments throughout the day while you are parenting to check in with yourself, breathe, and reconnect with what you need.
Find Activity To Do With Your Kids That You Enjoy
Not every activity with your child has to feel like chore. Instead of doing an activity you don’t want to play, try to think about ways to incorporate activities that are enjoyable for both of you.
Consider what you genuinely enjoy that can overlap with the things your kids like to do. Maybe it's crafting, Legos, coloring, watching a child friendly movie together, baking, or going out for ice cream.
Ask yourself: What brings me joy?
Finding opportunities to connect with your own sense of play can make care giving feel more enjoyable.
The Struggle of Getting Sleep vs. Having Some “Me Time”
Do you find at the end of the day you are exhausted but stay up late so you can have time to yourself? The common advice of napping when your child naps is tricky, especially when that may be the only time you get for yourself.
A helpful tip is to think about what “me time” looks like for you. Is it watching your favorite show? Scrolling social media? Reading a book? Sitting in silence? Spacing out? Is it the quiet? The feeling that no one is asking anything of you? Or could it be the opportunity to make your own choices for a little while?
Then ask yourself what those activities are giving you. Understanding your definition can help you understand what you are needing to feel r
What Does Getting Rest Mean To You?
It's also worth considering what rest means for you. Sometimes rest is sleep. Other times it's laughter, creativity, movement, or simply having space where you're not responsible for anyone else's needs.
If you're exhausted, it may help to reframe sleep as an act of self-care rather than not having a chance for time for yourself. Sometimes getting the rest your body needs can improve your mood, increase your patience, and help you feel more present. Sleeping can also be giving yourself time for yourself.
Letting Go of the Pressure to Do It All Perfectly
Many moms carry an invisible pressure to make summer perfect. Whether it's planning activities, creating memories, or simply trying to keep everyone happy, it can feel like there's always something more you should be doing. Social media can add to this pressure by showing carefully curated family moments while leaving out the exhaustion behind the scenes.
It's okay to love your children and still need time for yourself. Those two things can exist at the same time. Taking care of your own emotional well-being isn't selfish, it's about having balance.
Take A Moment to Check In with Yourself
Before moving on to your next task, pause for just a minute and ask yourself:
How am I feeling right now? What do I need in this moment?
Maybe you need a sip of water, or to take three slow breaths before responding to another request or just to internally acknowledge how much you are doing. Small moments of awareness throughout the day can help you remember yourself and your process.
Rethinking Self-Care
Self-care doesn't always have to happen on vacation or during rare moments of complete solitude. While those opportunities are valuable, they're not always available. Instead, look for small, intentional ways to care for yourself within the rhythms of everyday life. Those moments may seem small, but they can help you feel more grounded, supported, and connected to yourself while you're caring for everyone else.
Why Summer Can Feel Hard for Moms
Summer is often portrayed as a carefree season filled with family vacations and happy memories. While those moments certainly exist, many moms experience summer very differently. The loss of routine, increased caregiving responsibilities, and the pressure of trying to meet everyone's needs can make it hard to remember yourself.
If you find yourself feeling irritable, emotionally drained, or overwhelmed during the summer, getting therapy can help.
Therapy for Overwhelmed Moms
Sometimes self-care isn't enough because the exhaustion runs deeper. Maybe you're carrying the mental load of parenting, experiencing anxiety related to being a mom, feeling disconnected from yourself, or wondering why motherhood feels harder than you expected. If you’re struggling with anxiety, overwhelm or feeling lost in the demands of motherhood, therapy can help you better understand your needs and develop strategies for emotional well-being
Shohreh Schmuecker, LMFT offers therapy for moms to help you reconnect with the parts of yourself that often get pushed aside while caring for others. Reach out today to schedule a time to chat about how therapy can help you.
This blog is for general information purposes only. It is not meant for a substitution for medical or mental health advice or treatment. Please see a licensed professional for medical or mental health advice and/or recommendations specific to your needs.
