Summer Can Be Joyful — and Overwhelming
Summer break is often portrayed as a relaxing, joy-filled time for families — vacations, sunshine, freedom from routine. But for many primary caregivers, it’s a season that brings a different kind of stress.
You’re not just trying to create memories — you’re managing schedules, childcare, meals, sunscreen, sibling arguments, vacation logistics, and back-to-school prep that somehow starts mid-July. And all of this often lands on the shoulders of the parent or caregiver most responsible for daily life management.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone — and your stress is valid.
The Pressure to “Make It Magical”
Social media can be full of curated summer moments: beach days, backyard fun, big adventures. While those experiences can be beautiful, they don’t always reflect the emotional or mental load happening behind the scenes.
Many caregivers feel pressure to keep summer fun and structured while still working, parenting, and maintaining a household — often without the usual supports the school year provides.
You may be feeling:
-
Emotionally drained from trying to “soak up every moment”
-
Frustrated by the lack of routine or structure
-
Guilty for not enjoying summer as much as you “should”
-
Burned out from decision fatigue and over-planning
Therapeutic Tips for Managing Summer Caregiver Stress
Even small shifts can help you manage stress, protect your energy, and reconnect with your own needs this season:
1. Set Realistic Expectations
Let go of the idea that summer has to be magical every day. It’s okay to have down days, messy days, and screen time days. Not every moment has to be optimized or photo-worthy.
Therapist Tip: Try asking yourself, “What would ‘good enough’ look like today?” — and aim for that, not perfection.
2. Create a Flexible Rhythm
While strict routines may be hard in the summer, having some rhythm to your days (like morning quiet time, afternoon outings, or early evening wind-down) can reduce chaos and decision fatigue.
Therapist Tip: Post a simple visual schedule for the week that your kids can see. This relieves pressure from you to narrate or enforce every plan.
3. Carve Out Micro-Moments of Recharge
You don’t need a full day off to take care of yourself. A five-minute breathing break, a short walk, or even saying “no” to one more activity can help regulate your nervous system.
Therapist Tip: Try this grounding tool when you feel overstimulated:
Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste.
4. Give Yourself Permission to Feel It All
Conflicting emotions are common — gratitude and frustration, joy and burnout. You’re allowed to feel tired even when things are going well.
Therapist Tip: Practice “both/and” thinking instead of “either/or.”
Example: “I love my kids, and I need space from them.”
5. Talk It Out
Sometimes, just saying it out loud makes a difference. Whether it’s with a trusted friend, partner, or therapist, don’t carry everything alone. You deserve a place to feel supported and heard.
You Deserve Support, Too
Mental health care isn’t just for crises — it’s also for maintenance, clarity, and emotional rest. Therapy can help you navigate the pressures of caregiving, manage burnout, and feel more grounded as you move toward a new season.
Whether you’re preparing for fall routines, feeling overwhelmed in the present, or simply need a space to exhale — we’re here for you.
Ready to Talk?
At Twin Cities Therapy and Counseling Associates, our trusted therapists support caregivers and families year-round.
We offer in-person and telehealth sessions, with evening appointments available to fit your schedule.
Mental health matters — yours included.
Explore therapists + book online here
