A Summer Mindset in a Back-to-School World

As the school year began, Janelle Peregoy brainstormed 6 ways to keep the summer vacation spirit alive for her family.

I always thought of myself as a “fall” person. Leaves changing colors. Pumpkin-spice lattes. Crisp evenings. What wasn’t to like? 

This year, though, I have found myself dreading the end of summer. 

Coffee and a Morning Pause 

Summer mornings seem abundant with time. The day camps that my kids attend usually start an hour after school would have begun. 

So, I wake up a little later. 

I occasionally make pancakes or eggs for the kids on a weekday! 

My morning coffee is enjoyed outdoors while watching the butterflies that inspired my article, The Gift of Noticing, last year. 

These relaxed mornings simply lend themselves to beginning my day with intention. 

Less is More 

Splash!!! 

Sputtering as he came to the surface of the water, my son stripped off his goggles in triumph. He had jumped into the deep end of the pool! 

“Did you see my cannonball?!” 

My pediatrician has been reminding us for the last couple of years that my kids need to learn how to swim. For various reasons, we have never prioritized formal swim lessons. We do regularly take them to the local pool over summer breaks. I hoped that they would gradually learn loosely the way I once did … by playing endless games of Marco Polo and challenging friends to underwater handstands. 

Their basic swim skills have progressed significantly this summer. More importantly, they confidently navigate the water without fear or trepidation. Even better, I have “done it all” while sipping a sparkling water from the vantage point of a shaded lounge chair. 

It is a simple reminder that often in parenting, less is more. 

I like who I am in the summer. 

“Summer me” simply knows how to breathe. She is less likely to sweat the small stuff. She is less rushed. Most of her problems are solved by taking the kids to get an ice cream cone. 

Strangely enough, this relaxed version of me is less likely to stress everyone else. I feel less pushed by a schedule, so I am less reactive when the kids are not on my timeline. In turn, they are less likely to whine and stall when I do ask them to get moving. When the day ahead has one morning drop-off, I am less worried about a precise bedtime. So, I may let the boys stay up a little later for more reading, cuddling, or family board games.  

Minute for minute, I am probably not devoting any more time to my normal mom rhythms than I am the rest of the year. It’s just that the time we spent together over the last few months has simply felt more quality.  

I am more present to my family. 

It’s hard to relinquish these gifts as the impending realities of the new school year push forward. 

Saving my summer mindset 

I am not going to forestall third and first grades. The schedules will tighten. The dozens of weekly emails from my kids’ schools will again flood my inbox. However, I have brainstormed some ways to mitigate the stress of back-to-school. 

• I did not do any frantic back-to-school shopping besides a single trip for school supplies. If their shoes are getting tight or a zipper breaks on a threadbare backpack, I can always address it later. 

• We went back to the swimming pool after the first day of school. I couldn’t think of a better way to conclude the day. 

• The leisurely morning coffee and butterflies can still happen on the weekends. 

• Saying “yes” to more fun family experiences doesn’t have to be seasonal. 

• I can be skeptical of multitasking. Not every evening has to involve cooking dinner while helping with homework. I can choose one priority at a time. 

• Speaking of priorities, I can adhere to my own bedtime, especially if it means I still get a restful sleep despite the fact my alarm is set earlier. 

Cheers to keeping around my summer self a bit longer! 

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Janelle Peregoy
Images: Canva