As a working mom raising three little ones, life often feels like a constant balancing act.
The school year especially can begin to feel like survival mode: packing lunches, getting everyone out the door on time, managing schedules, activities, appointments, work, and trying to hold it all together in the midst of the chaos.
This year, though, we are taking a different approach.
The Illusion of Rest
Recently, I was talking to another mom in the parking lot after school. We were connecting over the chaos of the school year and the hope of a slower pace for the summer.
I mentioned that we were not doing the popular school summer camp this year—the camp all the kids are doing. I told her I wanted to try summer without all of that.
While she genuinely meant to support me, something about her response struck me. She said, “Yeah, but you’ll need your time too.” And I understood exactly what she meant. I needed to make time for self-care and alone time.
And what I quickly realized in that conversation was how quickly the illusion of “summer rest” can disappear.
Doing More to Rest
Oftentimes, our attempts at rest can quickly become another form of doing. We do more to create rest, plan, schedule, and optimize. And suddenly the slower summer we longed for becomes another thing to manage or “get right.”
But that is not what I am craving this summer. I need to take away, not keep adding.
A Different Approach
So we are daring to do things differently.
Less work. Less running around. No summer camp. No rushing in the mornings. Less scheduled activities and more intentional relaxation.
I keep imagining simple play dates with other moms—sitting in the backyard, nurturing friendship while the kids play and form friendships of their own. Slow mornings. Sunshine. Popsicles. Space to breathe.
I want more time where I can sit, play, soak in some vitamin D, and actually be present to whatever unfolds. I want less frantic bustling around, driving, and stress.
So this year, our summer goals are relievingly ordinary: learning to ride bikes, tie shoes, and maybe even potty train our almost two year old.
Nothing extravagant; just childhood, family life, and presence.
Protecting Presence
For me, rest is not primarily found in escaping my family. Being connected with my family is what actually brings me rest. Sitting outside together. Watching my children play. Laughing in the backyard. Being slow enough to notice the season we are in.
I do not need to take everything away. I just need to focus in and protect presence—my presence. And I think that kind of rest nurtures both me and my children.
Maybe sometimes the deepest form of rest is not found in getting away from our lives, but in finally slowing down enough to actually live them.
What do you want your summer to feel like this year?