Summer break with family.

Summer Break Survival Tips for Solo Parents

When your partner works a remote job away from home, summer break can feel less like a vacation and more like a high-stakes juggling act. Between keeping the kids entertained, managing household tasks, and trying to stay sane, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you’re solo parenting during summer break, you’re not alone — and you’re not out of options.

Here are some practical, low-cost strategies to help you get through July without burning out.

Set a Simple Summer Routine

You don’t need a military-grade schedule, but a loose daily rhythm gives kids structure and gives you room to breathe. Try:

  • Morning reset: Start the day with breakfast and a quick tidy-up to create a fresh slate.
  • Block your time: Designate parts of the day for play, rest, meals, screen time, and quiet activities.
  • Wind-down rituals: Choose a calming routine in the evening — even 15 minutes of reading or a walk can help you and your kids decompress.

Consistency helps everyone feel more grounded, especially when one parent is away for work.

Embrace Low-Cost Summer Fun

You don’t have to plan elaborate outings every day. There’s magic in the small stuff when you’re intentional. Some ideas:

  • Water play: Buckets, sprinklers, and water balloons in the backyard
  • Library adventures: Weekly storytime or summer reading challenges
  • Nature scavenger hunts: Find leaves, rocks, bugs, or bird tracks at a local park
  • Picnic lunches: Even if it’s just sandwiches on the porch

Let kids help plan the fun — it gives them ownership and takes some pressure off you.

Protect Your Pockets of Peace

Even five quiet minutes matter. Schedule mini-breaks during the day when you can take a breath:

  • Set up an independent activity like coloring or puzzles
  • Use quiet screen time wisely — guilt-free — when you need to recharge
  • Call or text a friend for a quick laugh or vent

Don’t wait until you’re totally burned out. Making space for yourself is not a luxury. It’s essential.

Shift Your Summer Mindset

It’s okay if not every day is picture-perfect. Instead of aiming to do it all, remind yourself:

  • Connection over perfection: The goal is to be present, not perfect
  • Some days will be messy: And that’s fine. Kids don’t need constant entertainment, just your steady presence
  • You’re doing enough: Even if it feels like barely holding it together

Solo parenting through summer break is a marathon, not a sprint. Be kind to yourself.

Lean on Your Support Network

Children running happily in school corridor, the beginning of summer break.

If friends or family offer help, say yes. Can someone take the kids for an hour? Can you swap childcare with another parent once a week? Even virtual check-ins with your partner can help ease the mental load.

Don’t wait for a crisis to ask for help — build support into your summer now.