Why Most Moms Dread It—and What to Do Instead

Summer break sounds like a dream:
Family memories. Ice cream cones. Late-night talks under the stars.
But let’s be honest—sometimes it’s just chaos, clutter, and screen-time battles.

If you're already counting the days until school starts again… you’re not alone.
But what if I told you that a few intentional shifts can turn this summer from survival mode into real connection?

Today I’m sharing the three most powerful mindset shifts that changed everything for my family—and for the moms I coach.

What Makes Summer So Hard (And Why It’s Not Your Fault)

There’s an abrupt shift that happens when school ends:

• No structure

• No schedule

• No bandwidth

Your teen's brain—especially that prefrontal cortex responsible for motivation, decisions, and executive functioning—goes offline.

And what takes over?
That primitive brain that seeks:

• Comfort

• Ease

• Escape

Which means:
Sleep schedules fall apart.
Screens multiply.
Kitchens look like a tornado hit.
And your dreams of memory-making turn into a pile of dirty dishes and short tempers.

The Secret to Saving Your Summer (and Your Sanity)

Trying to change your son’s behavior is exhausting.
Trying to control everything around him? Even worse.

Here’s the key:
Change the way you’re thinking about summer—and about him.

You can’t control his mood, motivation, or how many gallons of milk he drinks.
But you can create connection, peace, and influence with three mindset shifts that work.

1. Manage Your Expectations

Unrealistic expectations = guaranteed frustration.

If you catch yourself thinking…

• “He should notice the dishes in the sink.”

• “He should limit his own screen time.”

• “He should come home early because I’m tired.”

Stop. Breathe. Reset.

His brain is wired right now to seek pleasure, avoid pain, and stay efficient—not to offer help unprompted.
When you manage your expectations, you don’t get less connection—you actually get more.

Try This:

Instead of expecting him to just know, clearly ask for what you need.
The more connected he feels, the more likely he is to respond without the eye roll.

2. Make a Loose Plan (aka “The Outline”)

Rigid structure in the summer = instant pushback.
But zero structure? That’s chaos.

Create a loose plan with your son, not for him.

📝 Ask:

• “What’s something you’d like to learn this summer?”

• “Is there something you wish you were better at?”

• “I’ve got a few I’d love to teach you too—want to trade ideas?”

This builds:

• Buy-in (it was his idea)

• Life skills (goal setting, follow-through)

• Confidence (accomplishing real things)

Want to teach him how to grill, mow a lawn, or invest his money? Now’s the time.
It all starts with the outline.

3. Be Flexible (But Not a Doormat)

Flexibility creates space for connection.
But here’s the truth:
Too much rigidity creates rebellion.
Too much flexibility breeds chaos.

Ask yourself:
“Is this a moment to hold firm or to bend?”
Then trust your gut. You know.

And remember—adjusting isn’t giving up. It’s modeling real-life compromise.

Want all 6 tips in one place?

I’ve created a free printable:
🧭 “6 Tips to Survive and Thrive This Summer With Your Teen Son”
Stick it on the fridge. Refer back to it. Let it ground you when things feel chaotic.

👉 Click here to download the free summer survival guide

Want more connection and support?

Join my private Facebook group for moms raising teenage boys.
You’ll find other moms just like you—doing their best, navigating chaos, and showing up with love (even when it’s messy).

👉 Join the Facebook group here

Remember, Mom:

You are doing better than you think.
You’re not failing summer—you’re learning how to show up with more purpose, patience, and peace.
One moment at a time.

Even one of these shifts can turn your summer around.

Let’s make it one to remember—for the right reasons.

Related Episodes You Might Like:

Parenting with Purpose: Why Your Current Approach Isn't Working and What To Do Instead

The Complete Guide to Creating an Intentional Parenting Plan: And Why It’s the Key to Parenting Success