Summer Slump: How To Handle It When You’re A SAHM

Alessandra | Posted on July 3, 2025 |

The “lazy days of summer” don’t always feel so lazy when you’re a stay at home mom. The summer slump is real for both moms and kids! In this blog, learn what it is and how to handle it like a champ.

Summer starts with so much hope, doesn’t it? You picture your kids running barefoot through the grass, hot pool days, popsicles, slower mornings, and maybe—just maybe—more peace! But somewhere between snack number seven before noon and the third toddler meltdown of the morning, and breaking up the one hundredth fight of the day, you hit the summer slump.

Phew, I get it. It’s a lot! You’re tired, unmotivated, and maybe even feeling a little resentful of everyone else seeming to be vacationing. First off, you’re not alone. Second, you’re not failing! You’re just human. So let’s talk about how to handle that summer slump without completely losing yourself in the chaos of it all. Plus, keep reading for a free download to help you (and your kids) through the summer slump!

*This blog contains affiliate links, you can learn more at my terms. Thank you for supporting my blog!

What Is the Summer Slump?

Before we dive in, let’s talk about what the summer slump even is. It has a few different meanings, but in this blog we’ll discuss one version of it. And that is, it is that weird, slow-burn feeling of:

Burnout from constantly meeting everyone else’s needs
Lack of structure from an irregular schedule that leaves you feeling aimless and overstimulated
Motivation dips that make simple tasks feel overwhelming
And sometimes, the guilt of not “enjoying every moment” of summer like social media says you should

It’s basically the stay at home mom version of an energy crash, but it can last for weeks if you’re not careful. The summer slump can also relate to the loss of learning children experience in the summer, but you can read more about that at this blog.

Why It Happens (Especially to SAHMs)

All moms can experience the summer clump, but it’s especially true for SAHMs because of the following reasons:

There’s no real break for you – while everyone’s “off,” your work increases.
Routine flies out the window – and with it, so does your sense of control.
Overstimulation skyrockets – constant noise, mess, and chaos ensues with almost zero alone time.
Comparison creeps in – you start wondering why everyone else seems to be thriving when you feel like you’re drowning in laundry and Goldfish crumbs.

This short list is just the beginning! But if you’re thinking it sounds like you, then you’ll definitely want to keep reading. Also, let me know in the comment section below what you think and how you’re handling the summer slump!

How to Handle the Summer Slump (Without Just “Pushing Through”)

Here’s the truth: powering through isn’t really sustainable. Instead, you need gentle strategies that refill your energy and rebuild structure in your home. All without overloading your plate, because that won’t help either. Below are 5 ways you can handle the summer slump in a simple way. Let me know what ones you’ll try out in the comments below!

1. Rebuild a Light Structure (That Works for YOU)

You and your kids NEED structure. Trust me. And you don’t need a military-level schedule, that’s silly. But I’m telling you, you need some predictability. Try creating a simple rhythm for your day. Below is an example for you, plus in the freebie below you’ll get a summer schedule example to help you out!

Morning routine
Daily anchor activities (like outdoor time, lunch, quiet time)
Afternoon “reset” window (TV time, nap time, quiet play)

Need help setting that up?
👉 Grab my free Morning Routine Checklist for Moms:

2. Choose One Small Daily Goal

Instead of a long to-do list that you can stare at each day and eventually ignore, give yourself one win each day! Because, why not?!

“Today I’ll fold the laundry.”
“Today I’ll eat a real breakfast.”
“Today I’ll sit outside alone for 10 minutes for some Vitamin D.”

Small goals will help you feel less overwhelmed. And more wins = more motivation! This will help boost your mood a bit over the summer.

3. Let Go of the Pressure to Be the “Fun Mom”

Whoever decided what a “fun mom” is anyway? Just be you! If you’re working your strengths then you’re being a fun mom in your own way and your kids will love it! Pinterest crafts every day? You don’t have to do them unless that’s your jam. Elaborate outings are fun but can be super chaotic and expensive, so do them or don’t or just choose a couple special days for the summer. Nothing is required if you don’t want to do it.

When you’re a kid, fun looks like:

Watching a show together in pajamas
Eating lunch in the backyard
Filling up a plastic tub with water and splashing around

Simple pleasures are what it’s all about. If your kids are safe, loved, and fed, you’re doing enough! And enough is just right, mama.

4. Make Space for YOU (Without Guilt)

You don’t need a full day off, but hey it’s your summer too! That means you should enjoy it and do things just for you that fill up your cup. Here are a few ideas to help you out:

Drink a quiet cup of coffee before everyone wakes up (drink it outside for an extra perk)
Play a podcast in your ears while your kids play
Give your kids 20 minutes of screen time and let that be your time to breathe, journal, or scroll in peace

Remember, this isn’t selfish. It’s simple things you need for yourself to help lower the overwhelm so you don’t get burnt out. You matter and doing small things throughout the day for yourself is not only self care, it’s good for your entire family!

👉 And if you’re really struggling with mommy burnout, my Motherhood Burnout Guide will walk you through how to reset your routines and reclaim your energy. Check it out for more information!

5. Name It. Normalize It

Sometimes saying it out loud is all you need to adjust your mood. We all get stuck in a rut sometimes and have an off day. Just saying, “I’m in a slump right now,” can take the power out of it and help you work through the harder moments. This doesn’t mean you’re broken or lazy. It means you’re living through a mentally and emotionally demanding season! And it’s okay to acknowledge that.

You’re allowed to say:

“I’m feeling off.”
“This season is hard.”
“I’m doing my best with what I have today.”

You might realize it helps to just say it to yourself or to your husband/spouse. Having a bad day doesn’t make you a bad mom, it makes you human. Work through the bad day / summer slump with an open mind and positive attitude. You’ll get through it!

Good News: The Summer Slump Won’t Last Forever

Summer is the best time of year, but it can definitely feel long, tedious, and overwhelming. But the good news is, this slump? It won’t last forever. You don’t need to overhaul your life to climb out of it. You just need a little support, a bit of structure, and permission to stop holding yourself up to impossible standards! Remember: your worth as a mom isn’t measured by themed activities or the amount of joy you feel daily. It’s measured by love. And you’re showing up in love, even when you’re tired.

So if you’re feeling in a slump today, take this as your sign to exhale. Reset. Simplify. And take care of you too! You got this!

👉 Ready to reset?

Get this huuuuge summer download packs with pages to keep your kids busy, help you reset a daily schedule, and more! Join in below:

Feeling the full burnout? My Mommy Burnout Guide will help you ditch the chaos, create peace, and finally feel like yourself again!

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