Blogs to help with the summer juggle

I know I am knee-deep in organizing the summer break right now. Working through the childcare options, as well as the plans to have some quality time with the family. Nearly all of my clients are in the same position, and it’s a regular conversation with friends and family. So, this week I want to share with you some blogs that can help you with the summer juggle.

Whilst I would love to wave a magic wand and make sure you can do, be and have everything you wish over the upcoming months, my abilities and skills are limited. I can encourage you to take the time to consider what you need over the summer, taking into consideration the essential practicalities of diary management and budgets!  

This was something I considered last year, in “five ways to have a balanced summer”, but this year I want to lead with my blog from December 2022. The summer holidays are a crunch time for many parents, especially as financial pressures are heightened. There are a range of services and support that you can access listed here in “ resources and advice for parental wellbeing”.

I try to start my summer planning by considering what I actually want from the summer, both for my business and my time. You may have already considered this at the top of the year (as discussed in “How to write your personal new year manifesto”). Now the reality of the summer juggle is closer, you can reflect on how last year was, and what you want from this year! What do you want to keep, what do you want to let go of?

If you have a busy summer, with less alone time and opportunities to decompress (for both you and the family) it’s worth considering how to create chances to look after your sensory needs! This can help you, and those around you!

If your summer juggle leaves you feeling deflated and disappointed, these two blogs can help. First, to try and keep the internal critic at bay, here are four questions to ask yourself. The second is to confront the guilt that often comes hand in hand with being a parent. Guilt is a human emotion, but one that we can reduce and reframe; start here.

Finally, I know that the summer isn’t a pressure point for all – it can mean later starts, slower days and a chance to recoup! If you want to take the time over the summer to start preparing yourself for the autumn and winter, then maybe take a visit to the library or your local bookshop! In “four lessons to support your wellbeing” I have handpicked four books and their greatest takeaways: which one will you pick?

I’d love to know your top tips for having a balanced summer. What works for you? Come along to Careers to Enjoy to share your thoughts with the community of over 600 people, who just happen to be parents!