3 Ways To Keep Summer Break From Breaking You


One of my biggest fears as a young family mom was summer break. Would it be a break since my many homeschooled children would be with me 24/7 almost every day of the year? What if I didn't do enough things with them to keep them entertained like everyone else? How could I be refreshed by September when everything started up for a new school year again? I had to find a way that worked for me. So I did.

First, I found out the extent of the law where I live so I could confidently set boundaries on when and how we would homeschool. I have the freedom & flexibility to take a 3-month summer break starting in June when the weather is best in my part of the world. After testing a few approaches, I've found that keeping up math 3 days a week for 3 weeks and then taking a whole week off helps us keep math skills sharp come September and have some good structure to the day. Sharing a longer audiobook or radio theatre while working on longer form handicrafts (whittling, crochet, knitting, painting model figures or just free drawing) can be a wonderful, relaxing screen-free shared multi-age activity  Reading books with the toddlers while I nurse the baby helps me connect with them and get in more snuggle time which does us all so much good.  I hold to the adage that life IS learning so over the summer I loosen up and go with the flow more trusting that less truly is more.

Second, I set myself free from the trap of comparison. Some families get super busy during the summer cramming in more in a few weeks that I do in a year. There is much to choose from: summer classes, camps, vacation bible schools, reading challenges, local library activities, day outings, museums and more. I choose to take other families' myriad approaches to summer break as inspiration rather than condemnation. God will give me wisdom on how to raise my children within the budget and bandwidth that I have and it's ok that it looks different than a family that does school differently than us.  Even if our biggest outings are simply going to the park or a local beach that's ok. Studies show that  children benefit from learning to slow down and rest more as well with a flow of simple activities and plenty of outdoor & child-led play. I rest in God's grace for me and my children knowing He connected us on purpose and it's ok to be me.

Third, I gave myself the grace to prioritize rest so that I can be a calm, present mom. When my body, mind & spirit are crying out for rest it's time to heed the warnings. Yelling too much, not sleeping well, eating when I'm not hungry, feeling jittery often. These are signs worth exploring so that I can be a calm, organized mom with a flowing routine that works for me (feel free to learn how I do that here). I had a baby and my 10th c-section just a few months ago. I've also been working hard building a side business while nurturing a Facebook community for big family moms.  This summer, I am choosing to be restful on purpose by making good use of buddy systems, baby gates & boundaries in the relationships that drain or fill me.  Those three alone are game changers for the big family mom to be present rather than pressured and re-charging over the summer rather than running a never-ending rat race of entertainment.

So, big family mom, as you plan your summer break, remember to keep a few things in mind. First, if you homeschool, find out the extent of the law where you live so you can confidently set boundaries on when and how you will do formal homeschool lessons. Second, set yourself free from the trap of comparison by choosing to take other families' approaches to summer break as inspiration rather than condemnation. And finally, give yourself the grace to prioritize rest by using boundaries in your home, relationships and schedule. With these things in mind, you can have a summer break that doesn't break you!

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If this blog blessed you feel free to join my Big Family Moms community where I have lots more resources and encouragement for moms like you overcoming struggles and growing in grace. Here’s the link if you like.

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