What kind of summer do you want your child to remember — and how do you want to feel in it?
May is a transition period.
May is the end of the 6-month grind and the beginning of a 3-month fun spree. Depending on where you are in life, whether you're single, married, married with children, or divorced with children, BAM! Just like that, the school year is ending; summer is well on its way for EVERYONE! AND we are nearly halfway through 2025.
All the extra summer fun activities are underway. There are plans for a family vacation, endless social gatherings on a beautiful patio during the week, outdoor concerts, brunches, barbecues, and even outdoor workouts—the list goes on and on.
What don't we do in the summer? REST!
BUT… I'm not here to give you a lecture. In fact, this is actually a message for moms with kids! Those of us who have the privilege of spending every waking hour with our beautiful children. Those who don't get rest, who have 100 tabs open in their minds, and who are trying to do it all without going crazy and without beating themselves up for snapping at the little people at home for the summer.
As a single woman before marriage, May is (hopefully) the last month of seeing snow in Denver, Colorado. This means I'm never missing a gym session to get this body ready to confidently wear a bikini whenever I can (mostly to get some color on my hot yella skin). But NOW, that I'm married and a South Florida resident, I proudly walk around with a sun-kissed tone all season long. In May, I'm gearing up for a summer of mindful presence with my children. To keep it real, I'm mentally preparing to be home with two very active girls who demand my attention and genuinely want me to be a part of their day.
I can hear the commentary, and I know there are thoughts like,
"What do you mean, mentally prepare to take care of your kids that you chose to have?" (people WITHOUT children)
"Enjoy it, it goes fast! It's a privilege to stay home and be with your kids." (Dad's)
"WHAT are your plans with the kids this summer? Are you putting them in camp, or are you putting your priorities aside to be home with them?" (Other moms)
"BIHHHHH You got this!!!!" (My Balcony People)
But here's the thing no one talks about enough:
Summer break is a time when parental guilt and overwhelm often intensify. You're expected to be the cruise director, personal chef, referee, chauffeur, and still somehow… yourself. All at once.That invisible load? It gets heavier. The "fun" of summer can feel like just another marathon of managing everyone's needs while your own get pushed to the bottom of the list.
It's equally important to tend to your needs as much as to be present with your children during their break from school. I strive to maintain a healthy balance between the two. I'm also a good advocate for myself, knowing when to speak up and when I need support, and communicating with my children when I need a chill day at home. I also ensure that I'm nutritionally making choices that fully support the task at hand. You can't expect a day full of busy activity with busy bodies to go smoothly if you've only had a cup of coffee and a few strawberries. That's another lecture I'll save for another day.
More importantly, I would like to introduce you to someone who truly understands and whom I heavily rely on and trust for parental advice and finding new ways to connect with my kids without feeling drained.
My Balcony Person, Stephanie Sylvera.
Stephanie Sylvera is a certified parent coach who helps families reconnect by starting with the most important relationship—the one you have with yourself. She specializes in assisting parents to identify the generational gaps in their upbringing and teaches them how to heal their inner child. Why? Because that wounded inner child often shows up when you're tired, overstimulated, and trying to "do it all" without snapping.
Stephanie's approach isn't about perfection—it's about compassion. Yes, for your kids, but first for YOU. Parenting from a place of constant depletion is not sustainable, and summer shouldn't feel like survival mode. It can be fun for you, too!
That's why I'm inviting you to a special Balcony People community webinar on May 27th at 12:00 p.m. EST. This dynamic 60-minute webinar is designed for parents who want more than just survival mode this summer. We'll unpack why children tend to eat more out of boredom (did you know nearly 50% of parents report their kids snack more frequently during summer?) and how that ties into emotional regulation, screen time, and nutritional needs.
We'll be sitting down with Stephanie for a candid conversation about:
The real-life impact of summer parenting on moms' mental well-being—and how to build your village
Tools to limit screen time without power struggles
The connection between your resilience and how your children respond to hunger, rest, and boredom
Easy, enriching activity ideas: planting, painting, cooking, chores, camp, and more!
Consider this your official permission slip to prioritize your emotional well-being. Whether you're home with the kids full-time, juggling work and family, or simply trying to stay sane through the summer, this conversation is for you.
Save your spot, bring your questions, and let's start filling those generational gaps—together.
