We’ve just passed Memorial Day here in the US, the unofficial start of the summer season—and the cause of more than a little bit of anxiety for many of us working (and work at home) moms! While summer is a time for fun and relaxation, for many working parents it represents a massive shift in routine. The kids are out of school, the days are longer, and the temptation to drop everything and join in on the fun is real. But with work still demanding your time and attention, maintaining a sense of balance becomes crucial. How do you juggle the demands of a career while making the most of summer with your kids?

As a mom who’s been in your shoes, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find that balance. The good news is that with a bit of planning, flexibility, and clear boundaries, you can make this summer enjoyable for everyone—without sacrificing your professional responsibilities or your personal well-being.

Here are some practical strategies to help you maintain a better work-life balance while your kids are home for the summer:

1. Set Clear Boundaries (and Stick to Them)

Setting boundaries is always important, but it becomes even more crucial during the summer months when your usual routine is disrupted. It’s easy to feel guilty for working when your kids are home, but remember: boundaries aren’t about shutting your family out—they’re about creating a structure that allows you to show up fully for both your work and your kids.

How to do it:

• Designate work hours: Establish clear times when you’re “on the clock” and when you’re available for your family. Consider using a timer or calendar to help everyone in your home understand when you’re working and when you’re not.

• Create a work zone: If possible, set up a designated workspace in your home. This helps signal to your kids (and yourself!) that you’re in work mode, even if you’re physically at home. And if you can’t find a private space of your own (for many years, my workspace had to be in the living room!), establishing a visual “do not disturb” sign of sorts can help clue your family in to times when you need to focus or take a call.

• Communicate expectations: Have a family meeting to discuss your work schedule and summer plans. Let your kids know when you’ll be working and when you’ll be available to spend time with them. This sets realistic expectations and avoids disappointment when you can’t drop everything.

2. Leverage Flexible Hours (If Possible)

If your job offers flexibility, now is the time to take advantage of it. Summer can be a great opportunity to adjust your schedule to fit in family time without sacrificing work responsibilities.

How to do it:

• Shift your workday: If your job allows, try adjusting your work hours. You might work early mornings or late evenings when the kids are sleeping or watching a movie. This way, you can still put in your hours and be available during the day to spend time with your family.

• Chunk your tasks: Break your day into blocks of focused work and family time. For example, you might spend the first few hours of the day working while your kids are engaged in a morning activity, then take a break to have lunch and do something fun with them in the afternoon.

• Use summer breaks: If your kids are in day camp or have playdates with friends, take advantage of those opportunities to knock out tasks that require more concentration.

3. Incorporate Downtime (For You and the Kids)

You deserve time to recharge, just as much as your kids need their own breaks. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to work non-stop because the kids are at home. Downtime is essential for both your productivity and your mental well-being.

How to do it:

• Schedule personal breaks: Just as you set work hours, schedule personal downtime. Whether it’s a quick walk, reading a book, or enjoying a cup of coffee in silence, taking small breaks throughout the day helps you recharge and stay focused when it’s time to work.

• Use “quiet time”: For younger kids, introduce a quiet time during the day when they can engage in independent activities (like reading, puzzles, or drawing). This allows you to focus on work without interruptions while they get some quiet time to themselves.

• Share responsibilities: If you have a partner or co-parent, work together to share childcare duties. You might alternate days when one of you takes on more responsibility for the kids, giving the other a few hours of uninterrupted work time.

4. Involve the Kids in Your Routine

Getting your kids involved in your workday may seem counterintuitive, but when they feel like they’re part of the process, it can help them feel more engaged and less likely to interrupt. Plus, it offers valuable learning experiences for them!

How to do it:

• Create a “work buddy” system: For older kids, have them act as your “work buddy” during parts of the day. This could mean checking in on their progress with a project or asking them to do something creative while you’re on a call.

• Set up summer projects: Create a summer “to-do list” for your kids with activities they can do independently, like arts and crafts, reading, or even a simple chore around the house. The more they’re engaged, the less likely they are to interrupt your work.

• Set family goals: Involve your kids in setting family goals for the summer. Whether it’s visiting a park, baking cookies together, or completing a home project, having a family goal gives them something to look forward to and motivates them to give you space when you’re working.

5. Plan Family Activities in Advance

One of the best ways to manage your time is by planning family activities in advance. This way, you’re not scrambling to find things for your kids to do while also working. Plus, knowing that a fun activity is coming up helps everyone get through the work portion of the day with anticipation.

How to do it:

• Create a summer schedule: Plan out the week ahead with activities, trips, and downtime. You can mix in some fun family activities, like a trip to the zoo or a day at the beach, while still leaving time for work.

• Incorporate “fun breaks”: Instead of working straight through the day, plan for “fun breaks.” For example, you can schedule a mid-afternoon ice cream run or movie night as a reward for accomplishing work goals.

• Get outside: With the warmer weather, spend time outside. Go for a walk or have a picnic in the backyard. Outdoor activities help your kids burn off energy and give you a chance to refresh while still being present with them.

6. Be Kind to Yourself (and Let Go of Perfection)

Perhaps the most important piece of advice I can offer is to be kind to yourself. The perfect balance will never exist, and that's okay. There will be days when work will take longer than expected, and there will be days when you get sidetracked by family needs. The goal is not to be perfect but to create a system that works for you and your family, while giving yourself grace when things don’t go as planned.

How to do it:

• Let go of mom guilt: You’re doing the best you can. If you need to work while your kids are home, that’s okay. And if you want to spend the entire day with your kids, that’s okay too. Let go of the pressure to be perfect in either area.

• Focus on progress, not perfection: Some days will be better than others, and that’s normal. Celebrate small wins, whether it’s finishing a work project or enjoying a day of quality time with your kids.

• Practice self-compassion: Remind yourself that you don’t have to do it all. Summer is a time for rest and enjoyment, so let yourself experience both work and play without feeling guilty about either.

Final Words

Maintaining work-life balance during the summer with kids at home isn’t about doing it all perfectly—it’s about finding a flow that works for you and your family. By setting boundaries, managing your time with intention, and incorporating fun family activities, you can create a summer that’s both productive and enjoyable. And don’t forget to be kind to yourself along the way. After all, summer is about making memories, not stressing over your to-do list.