Why Summer Feels So Hard: A Free Resource for Parents
- KC Broadhead
- May 30
- 5 min read
The Book of Mormon teaches that 'men are, that they might have joy' (2 Nephi 2:25). Establishing meaningful routines can help families find joy even amidst the challenges of unstructured summer days. Kids eagerly anticipate school breaks, but parents often experience a wave of anxiety. It's common for parents to notice that struggles intensify once school lets out. Understanding why this happens can make a difference.
During the school year, routines and schedules offer essential structure for children and parents alike. Once summer rolls around, that structure vanishes, and chaos can ensue. Many parents report emotional and behavioral challenges that surface during this break. Finding that balance between fun and productivity can feel overwhelming, but it's not impossible.
In this post, we will explore why summer can feel so demanding, share relatable stories, and provide actionable strategies to help families navigate this busy season.
The Impact of Unstructured Time
During the school year, children engage in a mix of classes, sports, and social interactions. These structured activities help keep kids focused and provide valuable opportunities for learning and growth. However, everything changes once summer arrives.
Elder M. Russell Ballard emphasized the importance of family time: 'The most important work we do in this life is in our homes with our families' (General Conference, April 2005). By creating structured activities, families can foster positive behaviors and strengthen bonds. Many parents notice that when their children are left to their own devices, they may develop unhealthy habits or resort to negative coping mechanisms. A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. millennial parents found that one in three expect summer 2025 to be their most stressful yet, with many not anticipating a single anxiety-free day. Key stressors include balancing work with children's summer schedules (49%), unpredictable routines (41%), and lack of time for household duties (37%). New York Post
Without routine, children can feel lost. This not only contributes to their emotional struggles but also heightens parents' stress levels as they try to fill the void once created by the school schedule.
A Personal Reflection
King Benjamin counseled parents to teach their children 'to walk in the ways of truth and soberness... to love one another, and to serve one another' (Mosiah 4:15). Engaging children in meaningful activities can help them develop these attributes. Reflecting on my childhood, I faced various challenges during summer months, particularly with an addiction to video games. While school kept my schedule organized, summer break introduced more distractions. With my daily rhythm disrupted, I found myself spending hours playing games instead of engaging in productive activities.
This experience is not unique. The 'Summer Tech' study from Lingokids reveals a significant increase in children's tech use during summer vacation. 68% of kids spend more time on devices compared to the school year. Lingokids
When routines are scattered, underlying challenges can resurface, leaving both parents and kids feeling overwhelmed.
The Importance of Routine
President Gordon B. Hinckley taught, 'Be consistent in holding daily family prayer and weekly family home evenings... Create meaningful family bonds that give your children an identity stronger than what they can find with their peer group' (General Conference, October 2005). Such routines can provide stability and a sense of belonging. One of the best ways to tackle summer challenges is to establish a family routine. A structured schedule provides the order that many kids and parents crave. By planning daily activities, parents can help their children know what to expect, reducing the chance of negative behaviors.
Here are some practical tips for creating a family summer schedule:
Set Regular Wake-Up and Bedtime Hours: Consistent sleep patterns help regulate mood and energy, making the transition to summer more manageable for everyone.
Include Daily Activities: Plan a mix of educational, recreational, and bonding activities. For example, consider enrolling your child in a local summer camp or dedicating time to family projects like gardening or arts and crafts to foster creativity.
Designate “Free Time” Slots: Allow children some downtime to explore their own interests, whether it’s reading, painting, or playing a favorite game.
Plan Family Outings: Schedule weekly family outings to parks, museums, or recreation areas. This strengthens family bonds and creates cherished memories.
Addressing Behavioral Challenges
In the 'Strengthening the Family' guide, it's noted that 'It is important for the parent at home to maintain the family's structure and routines. Lax discipline or supervision can lead to undesirable behavior patterns and habits' (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2013). Consistent routines can mitigate behavioral issues. Despite our best preparations, behavioral challenges can arise during the summer months. Being proactive and having a response plan can be very beneficial. Here are a few tips to tackle common summer behavioral issues:
Collaborate on Solutions: Involve your kids in discussions about their behaviors. Ask them to identify what triggers negative actions and encourage them to suggest productive ways to manage those situations.
Positive Reinforcement: Recognize and reward good behavior. A simple "well done" or a small treat can motivate kids to make better choices and reinforce positive habits.
Teach Coping Mechanisms: Equip children with practical strategies for handling feelings of frustration. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises or engaging in physical activities can help calm their minds.
Lead by Example: Demonstrate healthy habits, particularly in dealing with emotions. Kids often imitate their parents' responses to challenges, so showing resilience will encourage them to do the same.
Embracing Summer Together
Elder L. Tom Perry reminded us, 'It is more important than ever to make our families the center of our lives and the top of our priorities' (General Conference, April 2003). By focusing on family-centered activities, summer can become a season of growth and unity. Summer doesn’t have to be a struggle. By acknowledging the challenges of unstructured time and implementing effective strategies, parents can create a nurturing environment for their children. Establishing routines, fostering positive behavior, and maintaining open lines of communication can significantly reduce the stress often felt during this season.
As school wraps up and summer unfolds, this is an opportunity to cultivate connections and joy. Your family can turn challenges into stepping stones for growth and resilience.
If you're looking for more resources and practical tips tailored to support parents during the complexities of summer, stay tuned for helpful guides and tools dedicated to easing these transitions. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey!
For further information and support on this topic:
Reach out to KC Broadhead via a Free Consultation
or Check out Mothers Who Know
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The information in this Blog is also available as a Podcast and a Youtube video.
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