Tips for a Summer Grounded in Connection, Growth, and Fun

At this point in the summer, camp schedules are in full swing, vacations are either planned or a distant memory, and many parents are quietly asking themselves, “So… when does school start again?”

Maybe you’re blissfully enjoying a summer of fun, relaxation, and quality time with your kids. Or maybe you’re in full logistical mode, managing camps, car rides, and meal planning. Kudos to you wherever you are—because if you’ve parented through a summer, you know it’s equal parts sunshine and stress.

From my years as a parent, educator and observer to family systems, what I observe is parents often fall into two general summer categories:

Category 1: Kids are signed up for multiple camps, while parents juggle their own work demands and somehow manage to keep the fridge stocked (especially if teenagers are involved) and laundry clean.

Category 2: The seemingly more spacious side of summer parenting—where there’s flexibility to pick and choose activities, or to simply spend time together in whatever rhythm works for the family.

Which category do you fall into? And how does that shape your summer mindset and family dynamic?

The 2025 summer parenting trend runs the span from hyper-scheduled children to the now-buzzing concept of “kid rotting.” (We agree—it’s not the most appealing phrase.)

A recent New York Times article explored this very spectrum, highlighting the rise of families intentionally scaling back structured time in favor of letting kids be… well, kids. Less oversight. More boredom. More space to explore, create, and recover.

It made me think about the FocusedKids perspective.

At FocusedKids, we approach everything through the lens of brain development. Our philosophy always aligns with what is healthiest for young brains and what helps parents stay grounded, less reactive, and more engaged.

The “mixed blessing” of summer often places families somewhere in the middle. And that’s okay. Our guidance to parents and caregivers always comes with this reminder: do what feels right for your family and aligns with your unique values.

Tips for a Summer Grounded in Connection, Growth, and Fun

1. Don’t Forget About Routines

Yes, summer is a time to relax the rules—but routines provide predictability, and our brains love predictability. They support executive functioning skills, help with emotional regulation, and give kids (and parents) a sense of safety.

Ask yourself: Which routines are worth keeping? Which can take a vacation? What small routine could you add to bring more ease into your day?

Pro tip: The more routines you maintain during summer, the smoother your family’s transition will be when school starts again.

2. Embrace Boredom as a Building Block

One of my favorite quotes that I loved sharing with my young children during summer break was: “Only boring people are bored.” What can you do to flip the switch on that dreaded word and create space for creativity? When the brain has room to be bored, that’s often when the most creativity comes alive. Trust that children, when given the space, will create their own meaning and magic.

If you’re like me and enjoy reminders on your refrigerator, turn this concept into a fun art project with this simple acronym:

B – Been creative?
O – Outside play
R – Read
E – Exercise
D – Do something helpful

This fun acronym served as a guiding light in our home when my kids were young, transforming complaints of boredom into opportunities for discovery.

3. Mindful Connection Over Constant Activity

You don’t have to fill every moment with stimulation. Focus on simple joys: cooking together, an evening walk, stargazing at night, playing a game. Small, consistent moments of connection matter more than big plans.

4. Set Intentional Free Days

Designate entire days as “unplugged” or “unscheduled.” Let them be flexible, spontaneous, and free of agendas.

5. Create Habitual Connection Moments

Try one easy, daily anchor: a morning stretch, an evening walk, or a shared mealtime. These small rituals can help children feel secure and seen.

6. Let Kids Lead Their Off-Time

Notice what your child naturally gravitates toward when time is wide open. Is it building? Drawing? Organizing? Moving? Follow their lead—and celebrate their choices.

7. Connect Through Chores

Yes—chores. Shared, purposeful tasks like watering plants or folding laundry offer structure and connection. Plus, they reinforce your child’s sense of responsibility and belonging.

8. Designate Tech-Free Zones

Protect at least one daily space or time window from screens. Let boredom and presence fill in the gaps.

9. Reassure Yourself (Not Just Your Kids)

It’s completely normal to worry about missed opportunities or falling behind. But remember: your child is learning adaptability, creativity, and independence—skills no camp curriculum can fully teach.

With all of this in mind, what parents gain is refreshed families, empowerment from your child to take the reins and discover intrinsically what motivates them and brings them joy, and meaningful family memories. I promise these years of hustling camps and nagging kids won’t last forever. Take it from me. I look back on years of summer break and although I may not wish to do it all over, I sure do miss it. This summer, let go of the pressure to overfill every hour. Give yourself—and your child—the gift of space. To breathe. To play. To connect.

Because sometimes, less structure is exactly what our hearts (and brains) need most.