Between school, holidays, weather, and the ebb and flow of our kids’ activities and needs, everything changes constantly. It’s important to acknowledge that as moms, our lives are very seasonal. And it’s important to be totally okay with that. 

We’re not just balancing a career with a couple of weeks of vacation; our rhythm as moms requires a different approach. 

How can we create consistency in our business during the summer without falling short on our goals? 

Here are my top 10 tips for planning and working differently during the summer…

 

Tip 1: Create a Flexible Schedule

Embrace the beauty of flexibility. Summer demands it. Instead of sticking to a rigid routine, create a schedule that adapts to your family’s summer plans. Whether it’s pool days, beach trips, or spontaneous playdates, your schedule should accommodate both work and family fun. Early mornings or late evenings might become your best friend for getting uninterrupted work done.

Tip 2: Involve Your Kids in Your Work

One of the joys of being a mom entrepreneur is showing your kids what you do and teaching them why it’s so important to love what we do for work. Involve them in your work when possible. This could be as simple as having them help organize your workspace or teaching them about your business. It’s a great way to spend time together and instill an entrepreneurial spirit in them.

Tip 3: Set Clear Boundaries

Boundaries are crucial. Clearly communicate your work hours to your family and clients. Let your kids know when you’re available and when you need focused time. Similarly, set expectations with your clients about your availability during the summer. Boundaries ensure you can be fully present in both your work and family life.

Tip 4: Maximize Early Mornings or Late Evenings

The quiet of early mornings or late evenings can be incredibly productive. Use these times for focused work sessions. Tasks that require deep concentration, like writing or strategic planning, are best done when the house is calm and quiet.

Tip 5: Plan Fun and Educational Activities

Keep your kids engaged with fun and educational activities. This not only keeps them entertained but also gives you some uninterrupted work time. Look for summer camps, online learning resources, or DIY projects that your kids can dive into while you tackle your to-do list. And don’t underestimate the power of playdates and creative spaces for kids to play and be entertained while you get some work done. I’ve gotten many hours of valuable work done while my kids safely and happily used up a ton of energy at the trampoline park.

Tip 6: Use Technology to Support Your Goals and Habits

I like to use a variety of apps to help me show up in a way that supports the goals I’m working toward. I use use a habit app to keep me building consistency on habits I’m working on like daily strength habits. Clickup is my go-to for organizing business tasks and keeping in communication with my team. I’ve recently discovered how helpful it can be to use ChatGPT as a responsive journal. And I use an app called Weekly which helps me manage my spending – which naturally seems to go up in the fun of summer. These tools keep me accountable to showing up in a way that keeps me moving toward my goals, rather than losing progress because it’s summer.

Tip 7: Delegate and Outsource

Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks both in your business and at home. Outsource where possible—whether it’s hiring a virtual assistant for administrative tasks or getting help with household chores. Delegating frees up your time to focus on high-priority tasks and spend quality time with your kids.

Tip 8: Embrace Short, Focused Work Sessions

Adopt the Pomodoro Technique or similar methods to work in short, focused bursts. As moms we know the how valuable (and sometimes rare) it can be to even get 10 minutes to ourselves, so it’s vital that we find ways to make the most of short bursts of time. This approach can enhance productivity and ensure that you’re making the most of the time you have. These sessions can be especially effective during the busy, unpredictable summer months.

Tip 9: Embrace going slower

The old cliche of “you only have 18 summers with your kids” can make us feel bad (which is the last thing we need) and yet… it is the truth, and if we can learn to accept what is, we can begin to make the most of it. The truth is, you’re just not going to get as much done during the summer. Look at all the things you try to accomplish in any given day or week and decide what can be let go during this season. You will get farther on things that matter if you can let go of things that matter less.  

Tip 10: Brainstorm

Summer is an excellent time to brainstorm. We’re already going slower in terms of productivity, which gives our brains space to think creatively. Relish in the magic of this by using the fun and slow pace of hanging by the pool to consider questions like “What would you do if you doucl do anything?”

What would you want to get ranty about? 

What would you want to build? 

Allow yourself to marinate in the space created, and take notes so that when fall comes and kids are back to school, you’re ready to hit the ground running with all your fresh inspiration. 

Embracing the seasons (literal and figurative) in life is vital to maintaining sanity

Balancing business and family life during the summer is challenging but entirely possible with the right approach. By embracing flexibility, setting clear boundaries, and prioritizing both your work and family, you can create a summer filled with productivity and precious memories. 

Remember, it’s all about finding the rhythm that works for you and your family. So, take these tips, make them your own, and enjoy a fulfilling summer as a boss mom. And hey, if you’ve got any tips or experiences to share, I’d love to hear them!