Seasonal Self-Care: 5 Summer Self-Care Tips for Parents
Written by Kristi Yeh, LMFT and founder of Parent Self-Care
As the temperature rises and school bells ring their final time, summer signals a time of rest, play, and fun–for kids. However, for parents, the change in season also means piecing together affordable childcare and camps while parents that work outside of the home also juggle regular work responsibilities. For stay-at-home parents, the pressure to create a magical summer without the regular routine of school can be exhausting.
I had the pleasure of talking with a licensed social worker and mother of three, Cynthia Agyeman-Anane (@talk_allaboutit) about summer self-care for parents. We share tips for navigating guilt, self-care planning, mini self-care break ideas, and The 5 S's of Self-Care: Sunlight, Snoozing, Snuggles, Self-compassion, and Self-advocacy. This summer, let's focus on nourishing ourselves as well so that we can enjoy the summer alongside our children.
Here are five more ways parents can recharge and nourish themselves this summer.
1. Loosen the Routine
To tap into the feeling of things being lighter in the summer by loosening the family routine. Watch your childrens’ faces light up when you say yes to another movie night, going out for dessert, or letting them stay up later than usual. Keep the foundation of your family routine, but allow yourself–and your kids–to take it easier during the summer months.
2. Carve Out “Summer Magic” for Yourself
Some of my mom friends remarked about wanting to go to mom camp–where the parents get to play games and have time with friends (you know, without the kids!). Whether they didn’t get to go to camp as kids, or they are missing the childlike joy summer used to symbolize–here’s to creating some summer magic for ourselves. Maybe you want to invest in a class or hobby, try a meal delivery kit service, or plan a trip without the kids. Cynthia shared in our conversation about summer self-care that she went to see Usher with her friends this summer, and I planned a weekend away with a dear friend to talk for hours, lay by the pool, and eat some meals we didn’t cook!
Enjoy this free worksheet and come up with your own summer self-care bucket list. Kids don’t have a monopoly on fun this summer!
3. Spend Time Outside
Summer offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Take advantage of the warm weather by spending time in nature with and without your family. Plan picnics, get out the bikes and scooters, blow bubbles, go berry picking, try a new hiking trail, swim and spend time by the water, or relax in your backyard. Connecting with nature and a safe amount of exposure to the sun not only reduces stress, but it promotes overall well-being.
Related Blogs:
Embracing Nature: 11 Ways to Start Your Gentle Self-Care Journey for Parents that are Less Comfortable in the Great Outdoors by Kristi Yeh
40 Family Self-Care Ideas by Kristi Yeh
4. Hydration and Nutrition
Summer heat can quickly lead to dehydration, leaving parents fatigued and irritable. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and encourage your family to do the same. I also enjoy iced beverages, such as coffee, tea, boba, probiotic sodas, and more during warmer months.
I also associate frozen desserts with this time of year, and relish discovering new ice cream spots with the kids. Additionally, enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables that are the most tasty this time of year. Every summer, our family looks forward to stone fruits and makes a trip to pick peaches at a local farm.
5. Move for Mental Health and Joy
Staying active can be fun for the entire family, not to mention tiring those kids out so there’s hopefully a smoother bedtime! Take exercise outside and try scooting/skateboarding, playing frisbee, or dancing in the kitchen.
I also value carving out solo time to take walks and listen to music or podcasts, or meet up with a friend for a walk n’ talk. Exercise not only benefits your physical health but also releases endorphins, which can boost your mood.
Book Recommendations:
The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage by Kelly McGonigal
Every Body Yoga: Let Go of Fear, Get on the Mat, Love Your Body by Jessamyn Stanley
Running for Mental Health: A How-To Guide by Kjersti Nelson
Sit to Get Fit: Change the Way You Sit in 28 Days for Health, Energy and Longevity by Suzy Reading
Parenting during summer can be fun, rewarding, draining, and everything in between. By incorporating self-care activities on a regular basis, you will be more likely to experience the joys of summer alongside your children. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish; it gives you the energy you need to show up for your children in a way that aligns with your values. So, let the literal and metaphorical summer sun shine on you as you nourish yourself and create lasting memories with your family.
Related Blogs:
The 5 S’s of Self-Care: Self-Compassion, Snuggles, Sunlight, Snoozing, and Self-Advocacy by Kristi Yeh
Embracing Nature: 11 Ways to Start Your Gentle Self-Care Journey for Parents that are Less Comfortable in the Great Outdoors by Kristi Yeh
Winter Wellness for Parents: 13 Self-Care Tips for the Holiday Season
5 Reasons to Run for Mental Health by Kristi Yeh and Kjersti Nelson
40 Family Self-Care Ideas by Kristi Yeh
Related Worksheets:
Summer Self-Care Bucket List by Kristi Yeh
Adding More Fun to Your Life worksheet by Kristi Yeh (based on the book The Power of Fun by Catherine Price)
Kristi Yeh is a parent of two, and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been practicing in California for over ten years. She currently works in school-based mental health at a public elementary and middle school. A part of Kristi’s role entails discussing self-care with parents. Research shows that the better the adults take care of themselves, the healthier our children are at home and school. Yeh is also the author of Self-Care 101: Self-Care Inspiration for Busy Parents and curator of the self-care shop.
