Why Summer Can Be Difficult for Parents — and What to Do About It

Summer used to mean freedom and spontaneity — the sound of the ice cream truck roaming the neighborhood, midweek sleepovers, soccer games that lasted until sunset, and biking with a snack hanging from the handlebars.

But these days, summer often brings frustration and anxiety for parents, with recurring challenges that seem to surface every year. In fact, many parents eagerly await the school year just to see their kids return to a routine and structured activities. In this article, experts outline some of the most common summertime struggles parents face — and smart strategies for dealing with them.

We’re now in the heart of summer, and for many, it’s been anything but relaxing. Here are five reasons parents dread the lazy, chaotic days of summer — and what you can do about each one:

1. "I'm Bored!" — The Constant Complaint

Kids often complain about being bored, even when they’re busy with swim lessons, playdates, errands, and household chores.

The good news: Boredom isn’t always bad. It can actually spark creativity, pushing children to invent games and explore interests they wouldn’t discover with constant entertainment. Next time your child says, “I’m bored,” try not to rescue them immediately. Let them sit with the feeling a bit — you may be surprised by what they come up with.

2. Lack of Routine and Constant Transitions

Summer is often the biggest disruption of the year for children — and for the whole family. Replacing a structured school day with unstructured hours can feel overwhelming, especially without the benefit of teaching credentials.

The good news: A bit of routine goes a long way. Even a simple schedule — like consistent wake-up and bedtime hours, a daily task list, or one planned activity per day — can make the days feel more manageable. A little structure can help kids navigate the unpredictability of summer more smoothly.

3. Summer Is Expensive!

A quick search shows that day camps in many areas can cost upwards of $1,200 per child per month, with activities ranging from ziplining and sushi rolling to woodworking and robotics.

The good news: Affordable alternatives do exist, such as local parks and recreation programs. While summer can be pricey, it also offers children the chance to explore new skills and experiences that might not be available during the school year.

4. Extreme Heat Makes Camps Uncomfortable

Some camps run only until mid-afternoon, leaving parents to juggle evening playdates or find other ways to fill the time. And the sweltering heat doesn’t help.

The good news: Camp teaches flexibility. Kids learn to adapt to new people and situations — a lifelong skill. It’s okay not to plan an evening activity every day. Children benefit from some unstructured downtime too.

5. Children with Special Needs Struggle More

Summer’s lack of structure can be especially challenging for children with special needs. They may lose access to the daily support and routines they rely on, and not all camp staff are trained to meet their unique needs.

The good news: Some camps offer tailored activities for children with autism, cerebral palsy, and other special needs. Before enrolling your child, ask about accommodations and whether staff are trained to provide inclusive support.

Strategies to Prevent Common Summer Problems

Summer vacation can feel overwhelming, especially for kids with anxiety, ADHD, or autism. But a few core strategies can make summer smoother and more enjoyable for everyone:

✅ Stick to Sleep and Meal Routines

Children feel more secure when they know what to expect. Keeping consistent bedtimes, wake-up times, and mealtimes helps them transition from one activity to another more easily.

✅ Create a Visual Daily Schedule

Post a simple daily plan with pictures or words, depending on your child’s age. For example:

• 7:00 AM – Wake up, brush teeth

• 8:00 AM – Breakfast

• 10:00 AM – Playground or pool

This gives kids a sense of order and helps them anticipate what’s next.

✅ Communicate Plans Clearly

Let your children know in advance what’s happening:

“We’re going to Aunt Sarah’s house on Thursday at 5 PM for dinner.”

Consistent outings, like a daily park or pool visit, give kids something to look forward to and help structure the rest of their day.

✅ Focus on Positive Behaviors

Choose a few good behaviors to work on and reward them with stickers or special treats. Ignore minor bad behaviors when possible, but make it clear that aggressive behavior won't get them what they want.

✅ Limit Screen Time and Encourage Outdoor Activities

Camp is a great option if available. If not, try to incorporate at least one outdoor activity a day. Time in nature is especially helpful for children with sensory or social challenges.

✅ Understand and Validate Their Fears

Instead of asking yes/no questions like “Are you scared of camp?”, try open-ended ones: “How do you feel about going to camp?”

This helps you understand what’s bothering your child so you can help them manage anxiety step by step.

✅ Change the Scenery

Even a short stay in a hotel or rented apartment can refresh kids’ moods. Cook simple meals if needed, or enjoy a couple of nights in a new space to break the routine.

✅ Take Care of Yourself Too

Summer break can be exhausting for parents. Don’t hesitate to call in help — whether it’s a babysitter, family member, or a trusted friend. Even a couple of hours of support can make a big difference.

✅ Prepare for Setbacks

Even with the best planning, some days will be tough. Stay calm and consistent. Yelling or physical discipline usually makes things worse. At the same time, giving in teaches your child that tantrums work. Stay firm and compassionate — your child will learn better ways to express themselves.