5 Things to Take OFF Your Summer To-Do List

As amazing as moms are, we aren’t superhuman. We only have so much time and energy to give to our families over the summer. Make sure you’re spending it on the things that matter by taking these five things OFF your summer to-do list!

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A couple of weeks ago, I published a post called How to Survive (& Thrive!) During Summer Break about how to enjoy summer vacation with more peace, joy, and intention. Then, last week, I launched the Super Summer Learning Kit – a collection of strategies, tools, and activities to keep kids learning in fun, dynamic ways throughout the summer. In addition to those, I have LOTS of other posts full of ideas of things to do as a family throughout the summer. Here are just a few:

But we only have so much time and energy in those few months of summer. So, how do we make sure we’re spending it on the things that matter most? By not doing things that don’t matter — or might even be counterproductive to our family culture! Keep reading for the five things you should take OFF your summer to-do list.

5 Things to Take OFF Your Summer To-Do List

1. Scheduling every minute of your kids’ day

I’m a BIG fan of establishing rhythms and routines for kids during the summer. (Here are some tips for doing that!) What I don’t think you should do, however, is schedule every minute of their day.

Why not?

First of all, you are not your kids’ activities director. It is not your job to entertain them every second of the day. Should you spend time with them – connecting with them, playing with them, and investing in them? Of course! But you do not need to provide them with an itemized schedule of activities to be a good mom this summer.

Secondly, we actually don’t do our kids any favors when we pack their day full of activities. Kids need downtime, they need freedom and flexibility to choose their own activities, and they even – yes, this one is shocking – need to be “bored” sometimes!

Which brings me to the next thing to take off your summer to-do list…

2. Eliminating your kids’ boredom

As parents, we often feel the urge to make sure our kids are never bored. Either because we equate inactivity with laziness, we’re tired of the grumbles and groans, or we’re slightly terrified of what kinds of ideas will arise from their lack of occupation. (Ask me about the time my boys loaded their foam water blasters with toilet water…)

Contrary to popular belief, however, boredom is not something to eliminate from your kids’ lives – it’s actually good for them to get bored sometimes! Boredom is the soil in which creativity grows. It also fosters independence, develops problem-solving skills, cultivates an awareness of the world around them, and builds their tolerance for ordinary, not-so-fun moments (which prepares them for real life!).

Knowing that it’s actually GOOD for your kids, then, give yourself permission to release the pressure to eliminate their boredom, and focus on other (better) things this summer!

(If your kids do need help coming up with things to do, direct them to this list of 50 Things For Kids to Do When They’re Bored. It’s full of open-ended activities that will foster creativity and imagination!)

I also highly recommend some of these STEM Toys & Activities for Kids.

3. Stressing Over Your “18 Summers”

“We only have 18 summers with our kids!” How many times have we heard that? And while I understand the spirit behind it and appreciate the push towards intentionality, it also brings SO MUCH PRESSURE. And it leads to a belief that only the big, extravagant moments matter.

But the truth is, while vacations are wonderful, trips are great, and activities are delightful, the everyday moments that make up most of our lives can be just as special. Being together, connecting with each other, and building a foundation of love and learning on a regular basis is what is going to matter most in the years to come. Those “highlights” will, indeed, provide lasting memories, but it’s the “ordinary” daily stuff that’s really going to matter most.

So, be intentional about using your time well, but don’t stress over doing “enough.” The right people and the right attitude is all you need to make every summer count.

4. An Overflowing Summer Bucket List

Who doesn’t love a family summer bucket list?? There’s nothing better than a seasonal fresh slate, just waiting to be filled. But sometimes our excitement and intentions exceed our capacity and availability, and we end up with a summer bucket list that brings stress instead of joy.

So, take a look at your summer bucket list with realistic eyes, and maybe take a few things off. Make sure your list is full enough to be fun and fruitful, but open enough to provide the flexibility, rest, and slower pace that summers are made for. A great way to do that is to create a family activities calendar, which I talk about in my summer survival post.

5. Ill-Fitting Expectations

In that same post, I also say that your summer doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be full of purpose and fun. So often, much of what we try to fit into our summer schedule is stuff that we don’t even care all that much about – we just do it because we think we should. We see other families doing it, we’re told we should do it, or it just seems so ubiquitous that we start to wonder if we’ll be “messing up” our kids if we leave it out.

But every family is different, with varied personalities, interests, and cultures. So there is no one-size-fits-all for enjoyable, purposeful summers. If certain activities or pursuits don’t matter to your family – if they don’t support your family vision or contribute to your family goals – then they’re a waste of your time and energy.

So, figure out what things you’re only doing because you feel like you should, and take them off your summer to-do list! Doing so will clear time and space for the things that actually matter to you and your family.

What You SHOULD Add to Your Summer To-Do List

One thing you should put on your summer to-do list is encouraging your kids’ natural curiosities and a pursuit of lifelong learning. I know I just talked about releasing expectations that don’t align with your family goals, but I’m going to take a stand and say that is something every family should include in their summer plans.

The good news, however, is that there are SO MANY ways to do that! And to do it organically in the midst of everyday life. There’s an abundance of room for flexibility and adaptability to make it work for your family.

Need some ideas and inspiration? The Super Summer Learning Kit is FULL of strategies, tools, and activities to keep kids learning in fun and interesting ways. And the best part is that there is a wide variety of resources, which means there’s something for EVERY family schedule and lifestyle!