Balancing Summer Break as a Modern Mom: The 90s Are Back (Sort Of)

Summer break hits differently these days. Not just because I’m older or because my kids are— though, wow, how did I get two kids in double digits and one who’s 8 going on 18?—but because I’m in a season of life where I’m balancing a lot. Work, motherhood, marriage, my own goals... it’s a full plate. But this summer, we’re leaning into something a little more nostalgic. A little more free. I’m giving my kids a 90s-style summer.

You know what that means. They play together. They get bored. They raid the recycling bin and invent crafts (like the time they built a full-on lemonade stand out of cardboard with a roof, door, and countertop— no joke). We do Target runs just for popcorn and a toy. We have movie marathons. We read. And yes, all of this is happening while I get work done. Because whether you’re a corporate mama, running your own business, or a stay-at-home mom trying to keep one foot in adult conversation— I’ve been in all three roles— and this juggle is real.

Now, let’s be real: summer looks very different depending on your kids’ ages. If you’ve got toddlers or babies, no one’s building a lemonade stand unsupervised. I’ve lived those days too— when outings were planned to the minute, feedings ran the schedule, and I would crash into bed before I even knew I was falling asleep. I wish I knew back then what I know now with full conviction: nothing is permanent.

The newborn season passes. The toddler phase ends. The eye-rolls from your teenager when you suggest reading for 30 minutes as “fun” will fade too. Every stage brings its own version of chaos and sweetness, and the key isn’t to love every second (because let’s be honest, some seconds are really hard)— but to be grateful for what is now. Because it all morphs into something new before you know it.

And for the parents of littles— the ones who can’t be unsupervised for more than 30 seconds— having the right childcare in place makes a world of a difference. When you know your child is safe, cared for, and having fun, it puts your heart at ease and lets you shift gears with more peace. Whether it’s a trusted babysitter, daycare, summer camp, or leaning on family— it’s okay to build that support.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of asking for more flexibility at work. It’s possible that your work simply doesn’t know that this is important because it’s possible it just has never been talked about before. Imagine that! Maybe you can propose longer days Monday through Thursday so you can take Fridays off. Or start your mornings a little later to enjoy a slower start at home with the kids. Or take every other Friday as a reset day. Whatever it looks like for you, just remember— sometimes you have to be the one to start the conversation. A lot of companies want to help but simply haven’t been asked or shown how. Advocate for what you need. It matters.

Here are 7 things helping me make the most of this summer with my three boys as a mom who’s balancing work and homelife while keeping the kiddos at home with me:

1. LET THEM GET BORED

Yes, boredom is a gift. We’re raising kids in a world of instant everything, and teaching them how to sit in boredom is powerful. If they were overscheduled every day, there would’ve been zero time for that epic cardboard lemonade stand. Boredom breeds creativity and independence— things I want my kids to have long after summer ends.

2. HAVE A SUMMER ROUTINE- AND LET THE KIDS HELP PLAN IT

We sat down together at the beginning of summer and talked through what our ideal days could look like. When kids help build the schedule, they have more ownership and buy-in. Of course, I review and adjust it with them, but having a routine sets expectations for everyone— and helps the whole day run smoother.

3. CREATE SYSTEMS FOR INDEPENDENCE

I’ve been working hard to shift from “doing” mode to “delegating” mode. The summer slowdown gives us the perfect chance to teach independence. I keep the fridge and pantry stocked with snacks they can grab on their own. I’ve shown them how to make a sandwich, load the dishwasher, and help around the house. It’s easier now when we’re not rushing out the door or buried in homework— and these are real-life skills they’ll carry forward.

4. MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF - WITHOUT THE GUILT

Whether it’s a morning walk, sneaking in a nap, or going country dancing with a girlfriend, I remind myself that I matter too. I don’t feel as guilty when I’ve shown up for the kids in the ways that matter—present, connected, not perfect. That’s the trick. When I feel aligned with my intentions, I have more peace giving myself space.

5. HAVE FUN (EVEN IN THE SMALL MOMENTS)

Summer doesn’t have to be extravagant. It can be a trip to a local park, exploring a new spot, or making a pit stop for ice cream after running errands. Letting your kid be the DJ in the car can turn a Target run into a vibe. Fun doesn’t require big plans— just a little intention.

6. GET OUT OF THE HOUSE - ESPECIALLY WITH LITTLES

When my kids were younger, I had to build in outings. Even just getting out of the house once a day kept me sane. I was a big fan of Gymboree Play & Music back then— an easy, low-pressure way to get them social time and burn energy without a big commitment on my part. Get in, get out, move on with your day. Sometimes stepping out was more for me than for them— and that’s okay too.

7. GIVE YOURSELF GRACE (LOTS OF IT)

I’ll be honest— I find myself snapping more lately. And when I stop to ask why, it’s usually because I feel like I’ve lost control. The noise, the mess, the lack of “regular” routine— I’m adapting to a temporary new normal. I’m human. And when I do snap, I try to pause and call myself out. I apologize and hopefully model how I’d like for them to react in situations when they’ve made a mistake. One thing I’ve learned over time is that I have to let go of perfectionism. Leaning into what truly matters to me and letting everything else go is key.

So if your summer feels like a mix of chaos and sweetness— you’re not alone. And here’s what’s I’m telling myself: there’s beauty in it. I remember my summers were slow paced and it was beautiful really. No overscheduling. No commitment after commitment. Just ease.

It’s okay to go simple. It’s okay to let the joy be snuggles on the couch, a slow walk around the block, or watching the birds in the backyard. Some summers are filled with trips across the seas and days filled with summer camps. But it’s also okay that it’s not full— it just needs to be yours. It’s needs to be what feels good to you and that can look different every year!

So here’s to a summer that feels like childhood— and lets you breathe a little too.

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Anisha Pandya Patel, Founder of MasalaMommy

Anisha is pregnancy and postpartum coach, corporate well-being consultant, author of Expecting: A Pregnancy Journal, and founder of MasalaMommy. She helps ambitious women navigate early motherhood with confidence, care, and connection—blending holistic wisdom with real-life experience. Through coaching, content, and consulting, she supports both individuals and organizations in creating healthier transitions for working parents. When she’s not working, she’s raising three boys and embracing the beautiful, messy balance of parenting and purpose.

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