Summer as a Mother
- Monica B. Staley
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
Summer as a mother... It's been a focus on my mind & in my heart all May long. From a free, digital, 60-day summer devo for moms, to an outdoor faith-based flow yoga class for women, to logistical hacks and mindset tools, our summer as mothers can be thoughtfully filled with faith, family, and fun! (Along with all the craziness!)
First, I'm very excited to share what the Lord put on my heart for moms this summer! Stay Close to the Source of Peace: A Summer Devo for Moms is a free, digital, 60-day, simple but impactful guided devotional for moms, derived from my book, Her Prayer for Peace. Download it below, and share for accountability & community!
Later this summer, I've partnered with SALT, (Sweat and Live Truth), a Christian brand that unites believers through faith-centered fitness events. We hope to make this a recurring collaboration of faith & yoga, so stay tuned for future community events, too!
15 Summer as a Mother Hacks
(I can't take all the credit! I found many of these from various internet sources.)
I know I need all the summertime help & hacks I can get, especially when I'm trying to manage my work-life plus enjoy the lives of my two small humans (full-time)! But remember, these are meant to be helpful, not overwhelming. Choose a handful and run with them!
1 cup/day/kid... super simple, wildly helpful!
Use an onion cut in half to clean the grate of a hot grill.
Designate a mom/dad lifeguard for pool days with friends, rotate every 15 minutes (no phones allowed!).
Protect kid's hair from chlorine by getting it wet before swimming.
Rub baby powder on sandy spots to remove sand from wet skin.
Apply sunscreen with a fun paintbrush. (We actually use this.)
Use cinnamon to keep ants away. Mix a cup into your sandbox!
Mosquitos are attracted to stinky feet; have your kids wear sneakers AMAP.
If bit, mix a paste of baking soda & water to stop the itch. Leave on for 10 minutes.
Reuse baby wipe containers to store small toys, crayons, or even dry snacks.
11. Freeze saturated sponges in Ziploc bags for cheap & easy icepacks.
12. Wrap foil around popsicle sticks to catch all the stickiness!
13. Freeze leftover coffee in ice cube trays to keep iced coffee cold. Use frozen grapes to chill a glass of wine. 😊
14. Set aside 3-5 games, toys, or activities that only come out on rainy days.
15. Check out this Nature Scavenger Hunt. Then make a collage of everything you find!
Summer as a Mother (Mindset)
Last but most certainly not least, our summer mindsets matter, especially as moms. Hopefully you've already finalized any care, camps, or activities for your kids this summer! From a mindset perspective, a structured daily schedule (including free time!) is key for everyone's well-being. But now that you've planned this & that, be sure to allow space for free time & spontaneity!
Plan now to spend time outside every day this summer. Fresh air does every mind & body good! Plant that seed in your mind now and water it every day this summer to see you & your family flourish. In line with getting outside, take care of yourself to avoid burnout. This week, come up with a few ways you'll take care of yourself this summer. For me it's: daily prayer(!), weekly-monthly date nights, monthly dinners with friends, regular/scheduled alone time, and prioritizing protein, adaptogens, hydration, movement, and sleep. Holistically taking care of ourselves helps support & protect our mindset!
The 'invisible load of motherhood' can get heavier during the summer.
Set yourself up for success by keeping these 5 truths in mind:
Choosing to relax is "productive!"
Don't compare your summer plans with other families.
Ask for help (and receive it!). Maybe do a "kid swap" with a friend once a week/month.
Aim to harmonize plans, objectives & expectations with ease, gratitude & grace.
Remember, if you're having fun, your kids likely are too!
From preventing sunburns and avoiding burnout, to experiencing Christ's peace and flow yoga with mom friends, summer as a mother can be thoughtfully filled with faith, family, and fun. (Along with all the craziness, of course!) Let's make some fun & sweet memories with our families this summer, Mamas! 🥰
Free, digital, 60-day Summer Devo for Moms:
Outdoor faith-based flow yoga class for women:
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