Summer is a time many parents anticipate with a mix of excitement and trepidation. With kids out of school, the days become a blur of camps, playdates, vacations, and constant activity……and when the kids are home, it’s “can we ___ yet?”, “when can we ____?”, “but you said we could ___!”, “____’s parents let them do it!” (SIGH)

The pace can feel relentless, leaving little room for the potential restorative slowness that summer teases. Parents, let’s find meaningful ways to slow down and cultivate a sense of “slow”—even amidst the bustle of the summer.  Take your summer back, and show your kids what summer fun can also look like!

One of the first steps in slowing down is letting go of the pressure to create a “perfect” summer for your children. Resist the urge to over-schedule every day with activities. Instead, allow for unstructured time. I love when I hear my kids say the B-word….”I’m bored!”, because I know something creative and unusual is about to happen for them.  Never fails.  Now, you may need to loosen your reigns a little on what’s acceptable, as they decide to sail down the stairs on the nearest mattress or get the ping pong balls out and play Target Practice at each other in the living room.  You can always join in too!

Therapeutic tip: Practice self-compassion by acknowledging that you’re doing your best…..and allow the comments and complaints to sail right on by.

Simple but repetitive routines provide structure without overwhelm. Whether it’s a morning walk, reading together before bed, light banter while making dinner, or talking about your day around the dinner table, small rituals can help you and your children feel grounded.

Therapeutic tip: Involve your kids in creating these rituals. Ask them what small routines they’d love to share with you.

Release the outcome and focus on the fun. A backyard picnic, a game of catch, or baking cookies together can be just as memorable as a trip somewhere when you get silly with your kids and lean into their type of fun, looking for reasons to say “why not?”

Therapeutic tip: Use mindfulness techniques during these moments. Fully immerse yourself by noticing sights, sounds, and emotions, teaching your children to do the same.

Technology often speeds up our perception of time. Talk about and implement daily limits on screens for the family.  It is very tempting to be lured into a movie marathon on hot summer days, but once peeled away and laughing/playing during a game or swimming at the local or backyard pool it will be long forgotten.

Therapeutic tip: Joining the kids in limiting screen time is an opportunity for you too, try and take it when you can.

Designate a part of your home as a “zen den” where the family can relax and unwind. This can be where time is spent during the super-hot time of day, and you can fill it with items like cozy blankets, books, art supplies, or calming music.

Therapeutic tip: Grab your lavender essential oil to enhance relaxation in this yummy spot!

Pause before over-committing in your “it’s summer!” excitement. It’s okay to decline some of the summer social events. Prioritize what aligns with your family’s schedule, energy….and yours.

Therapeutic tip: Practice saying “no” with kindness and firmness. This models healthy boundary-setting for your children.  It’s pretty cool to see them set boundaries for themselves as they get older from watching you do it.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring a day’s success by how much you’ve accomplished. Try to make the shift to how the day FELT. Whether you’re working from home and managing the kids, driving them to/from activities, or at home listening to their stories and watching them play –  try and notice the moments of connections, a sweet glance or hug, and savor the fleeting moments.

Therapeutic tip: End each day by reflecting on a meaningful moment you shared, reinforcing the importance of connection.

Stay away from the role of constant “entertainer”. Allow the kids to create their own play, their own entertainment. It’s valuable for them to experience you enjoying yourself and taking time to rejuvenate in your own way.

Therapeutic tip: Schedule this time intentionally and treat it as non-negotiable.

This Summer, try and give yourself permission to slow down and truly enjoy the moments that matter to you and your family.

What will slowing down look like for you this summer?