Summer is supposed to be magical, right?
Popsicles in the sun. Barefoot toddlers playing in the yard. Slower mornings and family memories that last forever.
But here’s the truth: I’m not feeling the magic right now. I’m feeling overwhelmed.
School’s ending. Routines are shifting. Costs are rising. And the pressure to create a beautiful summer? It’s pressing down harder than ever. So if you’re already stressed about how you’re going to manage the next two months, you are not alone.
I almost didn’t write this post, because I don’t have a perfect solution or clever hack for summer routine stress. But this is where I am right now—and maybe it’s where you are too. If even one person feels less alone after reading this, then it’s worth sharing. So here we are.
Summer Routine Stress
What’s Feeling Heavy Right Now (And What I’m Doing to Cope)
1. Being With Two Toddlers All Day (With No Breaks)
Ella is three. Luca is one. And being home with both of them all day—without school in the mix—has been the biggest source of my summer routine stress so far.
Luca naps (bless him), but Ella has fully embraced her nap-refusal era. Which means the only break I was getting… is gone. By 2 p.m., I’m completely spent: mentally, emotionally, and physically.
What I’m trying
Right now, I’m working on building independent time for Ella while Luca naps—quiet play, stories, puzzles. It’s slow going, but even 10–15 minutes makes a difference. I’m learning to let her boredom unfold instead of rushing to fix it.
2. Guilt Around Screen Time
Screen time is inevitable, but the guilt spiral can be real, especially when I’m solo with both kids and just trying to cook, work, or catch my breath.
What I’m trying
I’m building out theme days (think: “Water Wednesday,” “Field Trip Friday”) and prepping a few simple activities in advance so I don’t default to Daniel Tiger out of panic. It helps screen time feel intentional, for the moments I need a break. And yes, some days Ms. Rachel starts looking like a lifeline. That’s okay, too.
3. Bone-Deep Exhaustion
Lately, I’ve been hitting a wall around 2 p.m. Not just tired—exhausted. The kind of tired where even forming a thought feels like a stretch. And the day is far from over.
Yes, tiredness is part of having two little ones, but if you feel like nothing helps, trust your gut and talk to your doctor. I didn’t have thyroid issues until after I had Ella, and things changed again after I had Luca. My signs were extended hair loss and the kind of exhaustion that no nap or coffee could touch. I’ll never forget the day we adjusted my meds and I woke up feeling like I’d been handed a new pair of glasses—everything just felt clearer.
What I’m trying
I’m working with my doctor to monitor my thyroid, prioritizing protein and hydration, and protecting my bedtime as much as possible. I’ve also stopped pretending I can push through every day. Sometimes, sitting down with a snack and not speaking for 10 minutes is the win.
4. Financial Stress and Work Uncertainty
Everything costs more: groceries, gas, diapers, sunscreen. We need another full-time income, and I’ve been actively job searching, but it’s moving slowly. At the same time, I’m still trying to grow my business because I’d love for that to be my full-time income someday. Balancing both while parenting full-time? It’s a lot.
What I’m trying
I’m setting tiny goals that feel doable. I’m batching blog and content work when I get a pocket of time. We’re being more mindful with our spending, even when it’s uncomfortable. And I’m reminding myself that slow progress is still progress.
5. The Weight of Uncertainty
I don’t know what the next few weeks—or months—will look like. Will we need to pay for part-time childcare so I can stay afloat? Can we afford it? Will I find a job? Are we going to need to stretch our savings even further?
The “what ifs” can be relentless.
What I’m trying
I’ve been re-reading The Daily Stoic and grounding myself in this: I can’t control everything. I just need to do the next right thing. I’m reminding myself I don’t have to solve it all right now. I’m allowed to take it one step at a time. And I’m making space for grace in the middle of the mess.
The Summer Routine Stress Is Real and You’re Not the Only One Feeling It
Sometimes naming the hard stuff is what lets us exhale.
If you’re staring down summer already feeling maxed out, I see you. You’re not behind or broken. You’re just a mom doing her best in a hard moment, and that’s enough.
You don’t have to fix it all today. You’re allowed to be deep in the thick of it and still be doing a good job.
We can hold both. And we don’t have to hold it alone.
Look forward to my next post on the simple summer routine with toddlers that’s keeping us grounded.
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