How to Handle Family Routine Changes During Summer Break
Summer break brings longer days, fewer routines, and more time with loved ones. While that can sound like a dream, for many families it can also come with increased stress, tension, and exhaustion. If you're feeling pulled in multiple directions—or simply trying to keep the peace at home—you are not alone.
At Middle Path Counseling, we often see an increase in relational stress this time of year. Here's why it happens—and what you can do to navigate summer with greater balance, connection, and calm.
Why Summer Break Can Be So Stressful
Loss of structure: School routines provide predictability. Without them, kids may feel unmoored—and parents may feel like they’re constantly “on.”
Increased family time: While more time together can be meaningful, it can also magnify communication issues, sibling conflict, or parenting stress.
Pressure to make memories: Social media and societal expectations can add pressure to make the summer “perfect,” which is rarely realistic.
Work/life imbalance: Many parents are still working full-time while juggling childcare and summer plans.
Strategies to Support Mental Health This Summer
1. Set Anchors in the Day: Even if you’re avoiding a rigid schedule, having a few consistent daily touchpoints—like morning check-ins, shared meals, or quiet time—can offer a sense of rhythm and predictability.
2. Manage Expectations for Kids and Yourself: Your summer doesn’t need to be Pinterest-worthy. It’s okay to have unscheduled time. It’s okay to say no to another BBQ. Focus on moments of connection, not perfection.
3. Communicate Openly—and Age-Appropriately: Use open-ended questions to check in with kids and partners. Model emotional regulation. Name feelings when you can: “I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed today—I need 10 minutes to reset.”
4. Share the Load: If you’re co-parenting, name and divide responsibilities intentionally. If you’re solo parenting, look for opportunities to tag in extended family, neighbors, or local camps. Community matters.
5. Prioritize Small Acts of Self-Care: It doesn’t have to be a spa day. A solo walk, five quiet minutes with coffee, or a short journaling practice can help reset your nervous system.
When to Seek Support
If family stress is leading to ongoing arguments, emotional shutdowns, or feelings of burnout, therapy can help. Our therapists at Middle Path Counseling specialize in helping individuals, parents, and families navigate relational challenges with greater clarity and compassion. Summer can be a great time to get ahead of problematic patterns before the school year.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Summer may be unpredictable—but support doesn’t have to be.