Ah, summer. That magical season when school’s out, the days are long, and your kids seem to have endless energy (while your patience runs dangerously low). Whether you're juggling work-from-home meetings with snack requests, trying to limit screen time without losing your mind, or just hoping to make it through August with a few shreds of sanity intact, you're not alone. Inspired Products is a small business made up of several working moms and dads, so we are in this together!
In this post, we’re sharing FIVE practical tips, creative activity ideas, and a few survival strategies to help you survive (or even thrive!) the chaos of summer with kids!
1. Have snacks on-hand and easily accessible:
Setting up a snack station with pre-portioned, kid-friendly options empowers your kids to help themselves without needing to ask you 10 times a day. It saves you time, reduces interruptions, and teaches them a bit of independence, all while keeping summer hunger meltdowns at bay.
Looking for snack ideas? Here are a few great options:
- Your perfect cabinet snack station!
- Toddler snack drawer restock
- Summer Breakfast Bar Ideas
- Self-serve healthy snacks for kids
2. Look into gyms for childcare:
Many gyms offer affordable or even free childcare as part of a monthly membership, including most YMCAs. Using this option multiple times per week (most gyms offer several hours per day) gives your family a regular outing where the kids have a safe, active space to play and socialize, and you have a much-needed break to sweat out some stress, catch up on work, or just enjoy a moment of quiet.
3. Simple crafts = big entertainment:
Having a stash of easy, low-mess craft supplies on hand gives kids a creative outlet that can keep them busy for a chunk of time, especially during those long, hot afternoons. Regular craft time helps spark imagination, builds fine motor skills, and gives you a breather while they’re focused and engaged.
Some of our favorite independent crafts include:
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Easy printable crafts (my kids love the color, cut, and build crafts!)
Looking for ways to organize all those craft supplies? Our Cabinet Caddy SNAP and Mighty Susan make accessing AND organizing crafts a breeze.
4. Find moments of small magic:
For most of us, exotic summer trips or extravagant summer plans just aren’t our reality this year. But that doesn’t mean there can’t be little moments of magic to create and enjoy! Sometimes just breaking free from the mundane, every-day norms can be enough to raise the joy-level. Some of our favorite low-effort / high-reward magic makers could include:
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Switch it up: Instead of having your meal inside, move it outside!
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Have a special drink: set up a lemonade bar so they can mix whatever they like (our Mighty Susan is a great setup for serving! Check out our post on how to set up your home bar)
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Bake a special treat: we love these protein muffins
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Take a walk: Stroll the neighborhood with a mission. Maybe to pick flowers, choose a book from the free neighborhood library, or see if you can find a garage sale on Saturday morning for a $1 new toy
5. Drop the guilt:
The bottom line is this: summer doesn’t have to be a nonstop reel of magical moments, Pinterest-worthy activities, or perfectly planned adventures. A little extra screen time and some moments of meltdown just may be part of the season for you this year, and that’s okay! What matters most is showing up, being present with your kids as much as you can, and doing your best.