Systems to Simplify Whatever Summer Mode You're In

Well, we’re in the first weekend of August, and at this point families start to go on different paths because some kids aren’t starting school until at least late August, while other kids start school in two weeks! That means parents are either still fully in summer break mode (traveling, day camp, sleepaway camp, summer activities) or they have back-to-school on their minds…

In our family my three kids go to different schools, and of course it worked out that they have three different start dates! My youngest starts 1^st grade on August 12^th (his school sent out his teacher assignment and school supply list last week so the start of the year is feeling very real!) while on the other end of the spectrum my oldest son starts 7^th grade on September 2, so he’s still very much in the thick of summer!

Knowing that families are in different summer modes right now, this week I thought that I’d help lessen the behind-the-scenes of work of parenting by sharing what’s worked for me and my three kids for when we have many summer days and activities ahead, and also when I’m preparing to go back-to-school, as a sort of “choose your own adventure” to find the exact help you need right now!

Below I’ve gathered some of my favorite articles to help with the varied needs of this time of summer. I hope these ideas and systems lessen the parenting work you’re faced with right now!

Family Travel

Sleepaway Camp

Thick of Summer

Back to School

To help you avoid wasting time with endless searching, I put together these lists of what works for our family - click on any of the below for the help you need!

• Outdoor Toys & Water Toys for Toddler to Teen

• Screen-Free Road Trip Activities

• Carry-On Bag Essentials

• Sleepaway Camp Items Kids Love That Are Not On Official Packing Lists

• Back to School Essentials

• Lunch Packing Essentials

• Homework Supplies Kids Need at Home

I hope these ideas are helpful as you head into another week of summer parenting!

❤️, Amanda, your Type A Mom friend

PS: The August One Liner (the to-do list for this month that will set us all up for success), plus a recording of the Substack Live walkthrough of the schedule (called The Table Read), is available now for paid subscribers (click here).

If you want the list, the recording of the walkthrough, the upcoming mid-month Studio Visit check-in on August 15th, the Script Notes paid subscriber only chat, and the additional Production Suite resources, upgrade your subscription here⬇️

*Some of the above links are affiliate links.