Why Summer Vacation Can Be Tough on Parents (Even if It’s Great for Kids)

Summer break often brings up dreamy visions of lazy mornings, beach days, and family fun. And for kids, it can be just that—weeks of freedom and play. For many parents, especially working ones, summer can feel less like a vacation and more like a juggling act on a tightrope.

The Reality for Working Parents

Even though the corporate world is slowly evolving with flexible work arrangements and remote options, it hasn’t fully caught up with the reality of summer schedules. Most full-time jobs still run on the same 9–5 clock—meanwhile, school is out, and kids are home. This leaves parents scrambling to fill in the gaps, while ensuring their kids safety, education and entertainment.

The Financial Strain of Summer Programming

One common solution is to enroll kids in summer camps or programs. These options often come with a hefty price tag. For families with more than one child, the cost can quickly rival a monthly mortgage payment. Even aftercare programs or half-day camps still leave gaps that need to be covered—by someone.

The Disruption of Routine

Summer also throws routines out the window. Bedtimes shift, structure fades, and screen time often surges. Many parents struggle with guilt over how much time their kids are spending in front of a screen, even though it's often the only way to get work done or just grab a moment of peace.

This lack of structure and increased overstimulation—combined with the noise, the mess, and the constant togetherness—can lead to more conflict and emotional burnout for the whole family.

The Pressure to Make It Magical

And let’s not forget the internal (and sometimes external) pressure to make summer special. Social media doesn’t help—every scroll brings images of elaborate vacations, themed family activities, and curated summer fun. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if you’re not making every week of summer memorable, you're somehow falling short.

Why Boredom Isn’t a Bad Thing

Here’s a reframe that can take the pressure off: boredom is actually good for kids.

When children are allowed to be bored, they’re more likely to tap into their imagination, get curious, and engage in self-directed play. Boredom fosters creativity—it’s often in the quiet, unstructured moments that kids come up with the most inventive games, stories, and problem- solving ideas. It builds resilience and helps them learn to entertain themselves without constant stimulation.

Of course, it’s tempting to hand over a screen in moments of chaos, and sometimes that’s okay. But if you’re trying to limit screentime, consider creating a screen-free boredom-friendly environment instead. That might look like:

• Leaving out open-ended toys like blocks, art supplies, or dress-up clothes
• Creating a "boredom box" filled with activity prompts or scavenger hunts
• Giving access to outdoor play (sprinklers, chalk, digging in the dirt—simple is great!)
• Encouraging reading or listening to audiobooks
• Allowing for quiet time with no specific agenda Sometimes the best summer days start with “I’m bored.” Here’s the Truth: You Don’t Have to Do It All
• If this sounds like your summer reality, know this: you’re not alone—and you don’t have to do it all.

The best way to navigate summer as a parent is to give yourself permission to do what works for your family. That might mean building some structure into your weeks—maybe it's a weekly activity, or just consistent quiet time after lunch. It might also mean letting go on certain days, embracing flexibility, and leaning into rest.

Most importantly, don’t forget to fill your own cup first. That could be as simple as waking up 15 minutes earlier to drink coffee in peace, or planning a night out with friends. Small acts of self- care can go a long way toward preventing burnout.

A Balanced Summer is a Good Summer

You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect summer. You just need one that keeps your family feeling supported, connected, and as sane as possible. Structure and spontaneity can co-exist. So can boredom and joy. And remember: some of the best summer memories come from the unplanned, messy moments.

Give yourself grace this season. You’re doing more than enough.