Summer is almost here, and if you’re the one in charge of planning, it’s totally normal to feel a bit anxious as early as March. With summer camp sign-ups popping up as early as February (maybe even sooner!), it can feel a bit overwhelming. If your little ones are still in daycare, things might be a bit easier, but for those with school-aged kids, organizing summer camps can turn into quite the juggling act—especially if you have more than one child to consider! Just take it one step at a time, and you’ll get through it!
In our family, we love to pick three fun camps for the summer—one focusing on sports, one on academics, and one for creative activities. At first, it seems like a brilliant plan, but soon the logistics can get a bit tricky! You start piecing together a camp schedule filled with overlapping drop-off and pick-up times, extra fees for lunches and after-camp care, and lots of little details that can change week to week. You find yourself wondering if you need to pack snacks, water, and sunscreen, or if this is the camp that wants you to sign a waiver for sunscreen? And let’s not forget about where the parking lot is and how early you can drop off! If you’re running late for pick-up, what’s the fee per minute? Plus, sometimes the older kids can go to camps that aren’t available for the little ones, which means you’re juggling getting everyone to different places at the same time across town. It can be a bit of a puzzle, but stay calm and try to have fun along the way!
After all the effort you’ve put into securing those coveted summer camp spots, you might be wondering how to keep the kids entertained for the other SEVEN weeks of summer. I can definitely relate! I often find myself browsing Amazon for fun activities to fill our days while still managing my work schedule. We’ll need tie-dye kits for some creative t-shirt or hoodie fun, tons of water balloon packs for some splashy excitement, and supplies for laser tag or capture the flag to get the neighborhood kids playing together!
Managing everyone in the house for long periods can lead to sibling squabbles and a charming mess of craft projects and board games taking over the dining room. You might find outdoor toys scattered across the lawn, creating a fun kind of chaos that seems to invade every room—even the garage, where bikes are piled up, and blanket forts are built right next to the Peloton (so much for those home workouts!). I use checklists from Tripclip to help everyone stay independently on track, ensuring they know what they need to accomplish each day before they can have screen time or go over to a friend’s house.
Have you thought about hiring a summer nanny? It can be a great option! If you’re considering college students who are back home for their break, just keep in mind that their schedules might not always match up with yours. They usually get home in May and head back in August, which may not perfectly align with your needs. On the other hand, high school students might be excited about the chance to earn some extra cash, but they might also have their own fun summer plans! Plus, it’s a good idea to make sure they have a reliable car for transporting car seats and all the gear you might need. Some years, I’ve been able to find help through friends, and other years, I’ve had decent luck on care.com, but you have to start looking early!
Remember, these chaotic summers are fleeting! As our parents always remind us, we will certainly miss these days in the future. To help maintain your sanity, try to schedule some “you” days throughout the summer—aim for at least one per month! Also, consider taking a day to spend quality time with your family if you don’t have a family vacation planned.
Consider a trip to the zoo or a fun picnic at the beach or park. Alternatively, you could dedicate a day to relaxing—sleep in, work on puzzles, dive into some books, or enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride together. Check out the latest Oprah’s book club reads of 2025.
Finding balance can be challenging sometimes, so it’s important to be kind to yourself (and your parenting coworkers!). Focus on managing your time efficiently, and remember that this busy phase will eventually pass. As summer approaches, consider treating yourself to extra yoga sessions, taking a few moments for meditation, or enjoying a fresh haircut or pedicure before the summer fun begins. Whatever you choose, the key is to make the most of your summer and embrace the chaos!
