Summer is here, and now that I work from home full time, this season brings lot of excitement and anxiety. I’m constantly trying to figure out how to keep the kids entertained, balance work responsibilities, and still find a little “me time.” We aren’t perfect around here, but today I’m sharing little look into what summer is looking like for us, plus some tips for creating a summer schedule that works for everyone in your house.
Here’s what a typical summer day looks like for us when I’m working from home:
7:00- 8:00: Quiet and coffee time
8:00-11:00: Focused work time
11:00-1:00: Run kids to 1 hr. soccer camp (or other activity), answer emails or make phone calls while I wait, come home and make lunch
1:00-4:00: Focused work time
4:00-9:00: Family Time
9:00-11:00: Catch up on email, plan for the next day
I’m not a morning person, so I need that hour in the morning before everyone is moving around to get myself ready for the day. I try to fit in some type of self-care, enjoy my coffee, and sit in silence for a few minutes. My kids are at an age where they are pretty independent, so they can get breakfast on their own. That gives me the opportunity to have a block of focused time to get some work done.
Around 11 is when things start to get a little crazy around here, so I’ve adjusted my work schedule to include a break during that time. This helps me break up my day and also lets me focus on my kids for a little while. If we can get out of the house to do something active, they are much more likely to let me have some more focused time in the afternoon.
We try to stick to a block of family time in the evening. I shut my computer, turn off my notifications, and focus on my family. This has helped me feel much less guilty about working all day when they are home.
Once everyone settles down for the evening, I dig back into my email and complete any tasks I wasn’t able to get done during the day. Having this time in the evening also lets me create a plan for the next day.
If you’re struggling to find the balance with your summer schedule, here are some things that have helped me and my family as we navigate summer schedules.
Assessing Summer Childcare Options
As a working mom gearing up for the summer months, the challenge of juggling work commitments while ensuring your children are well-cared for can be overwhelming. Assessing various childcare options is key to finding the best solution that suits both your summer schedule and your child’s needs. This summer, we landed on a mix of letting the kids stay home with me, support from family and friends, and a few weeks of camps and other activities. I want to let them feel the freedom of summer, but not be bored at home for weeks while I work.
Summer Camps
Photo by Anny Patterson
There are so many options for summer camps, including day camps, sports camps, zoo camps, and overnight camps, each offering unique experiences. Day camps are ideal if you prefer your child to return home each evening, allowing for family time. Overnight camps, on the other hand, provide a more immersive experience, fostering independence and social skills.
Starting in January, we talk to our kids about what they want to do for the summer. Why January? I don’t know about where you are, but camps fill up FAST around here. Planning ahead helps us map out the registration dates for camps so we don’t miss out on an opportunity. When choosing a summer camp, we also consider factors like the camp’s activities, safety protocols, and how we will be able to handle drop off and pick up.
This summer, my kids are doing three weeks of camp at our local YMCA with their friends, one week of half-day sports camp, and staying at home, and a little help from our friends. The schedule we have works for us because I can plan their camps for weeks I know I will need to be out of the house.
Hiring a Nanny or Babysitter
Hiring a nanny or babysitter during the summer can provide personalized care for your child in the comfort of your own home. The best thing about using a nanny is the consistency and flexibility in scheduling, which really helped us out when I was working in the office full time. We also loved that we could tailor activities to fit our kid’s specific needs and interests.
On the flip side, the cost of hiring a nanny may be higher than other childcare options, and it’s sometimes hard to find the right person for your family. We found that college students looking to make some extra money made the best nannies, especially when we knew the family. If you don’t have a personal connection to find a nanny, it’s essential to conduct thorough background checks, and interviews, and consider a trial period to ensure they are the right fit.
We are only using sitters/nannies this year when we need a little extra support. They have helped us out in a pinch, especially when one of us has to travel for work.
Family and Friends Support
Family and friends can be a valuable source of support when it comes to childcare during the summer. Reach out to your loved ones to discuss the possibility of them helping out with childcare responsibilities. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, or close friends may be willing to pitch in and spend quality time with your child while you focus on work.
Establish clear communication and boundaries to ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding expectations and schedules. We always write out all of the logistics for our friends and family to help in coordinating and planning activities, making sure no one is overwhelmed.
One thing that has worked out for us switching off childcare with some close friends. Their kids stayed with us while they went on a weekend getaway and they kept ours when we both had to leave for a work trip. Trading off the responsibilities gave us the support we needed knowing that we would be able to easily repay our friends by doing the same for them.
Creating a Flexible Work Schedule
As a working mom, navigating the summer months while balancing work commitments and family time can be challenging. One thing that has been a life-saver for me this year is creating a flexible work schedule. By having the flexibility to adjust work hours and location, you can better align your professional life with your family’s needs.
Remote Work Opportunities
If you work mainly from an office, negotiating remote work arrangements with your employer can be a game-changer in achieving a flexible summer schedule. Discuss the possibility of working from home a few days a week or adjusting your start and end times to accommodate childcare and summer activities. Emphasize how remote work can boost productivity without compromising work quality.
To learn more about how to find a little work-life balance with your schedule, check out this post.
Photo by MART PRODUCTION
Setting Boundaries
Setting clear boundaries between work and family time is one of the best ways to avoid burnout and make sure you are able to keep some summer fun on your calendar. When you’re working, create a space to focus on work tasks without distractions from household responsibilities. Consider creating a quiet kit to help you eliminate distractions if your kids are home while you are working. When you’re with your family, strive to be present and engaged without letting work take over your personal time.
Self-Care Tips
Self-care is often hard to keep at the top of our list when working during the summer with kids at home. There’s a feeling that we need to pack in all the fun we can to make this time the best for our kids, which doesn’t give us much time to think about ourselves. Prioritizing self-care can help you reset and focus so you don’t feel like you’re constantly running in circles.
- Morning Routine: Start your day with a morning routine that helps you relax and get ready for the day ahead. Whether it’s meditation, yoga, journaling, or enjoying a cup of coffee in peace, carve out time for yourself before your day gets going.
- Exercise Breaks: Incorporate short exercise breaks into your daily schedule to boost your energy levels. Even a 10-minute walk outdoors or a quick yoga session can refresh your mind and body and help relieve stress.
- Delegate Tasks: Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks at work and home to lighten your load and create more time for self-care activities. Whether it’s assigning projects to colleagues or involving family members in household chores, sharing responsibilities can alleviate stress and free up valuable time.
By incorporating these self-care tips into your routine, you can nurture your well-being, enhance your productivity, and cultivate a healthy work-life balance that empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally.
Final Thoughts
Finding the summer schedule that works for you and your family can seem daunting. Planning things out in advance can help make the process less stressful.
Creating flexible work schedule can also help you keep thing running smoothly. It also allows opportunities to squeeze in some self-care and lets you prioritize as much family time as possible to soak up all the fun that summer brings. Setting boundaries and asking for support from friends and family can also help you stick to your schedule.
Ultimately, the key is to find a summer schedule that fits your family’s unique needs. Be open to changing it up as needs and interests change.