Surviving (and Thriving) the Summer Holidays as a Mum: Navigating Overwhelm with Grace.

Summer holidays.

For the kids, it’s all sunshine, snacks, and spontaneous fun.

But for mums?

It can feel like a six-week emotional marathon with no finish line in sight.

Let’s be honest, no one really prepares you for the mental load of summer. The juggling act of keeping little humans entertained, managing meltdowns, trying to work (or run a business), and finding a scrap of time for yourself? It’s a lot.

If you’ve ever found yourself counting down the minutes until bedtime while also feeling guilty for not soaking up every moment… you’re not alone.

Why Summer Overwhelm Hits Hard

During the school year, there’s a rhythm. A routine.

In summer, all that structure disappears—and for many mums, that can create a storm of pressure:

• To be present and enjoy every second

• To create magical memories

• To stay patient, calm, and endlessly available

• To somehow still run your home, your business, or show up at work

It’s beautiful… and it’s exhausting.

Let’s Drop the Guilt

Before we dive into managing the overwhelm, here’s a truth that might just set you free:

You don’t have to love every minute to love your children.

It’s okay to crave quiet.

It’s okay to feel touched out, burnt out, or completely over it.

It’s okay to say “I need a break.”

You’re a human being. And you matter too.

5 Ways to Manage Summer Overwhelm as a Mum

These aren’t tips to help you become “Supermum.”

These are gentle tools to help you feel more you—so you can show up from a place of presence instead of pressure.

1. Create a Loose Rhythm (Not a Strict Schedule)

Kids thrive on predictability, and so do nervous systems. Instead of planning every hour, try a simple rhythm:

• Morning: Get outside (walk, park, picnic)

• Afternoon: Chill time (TV, crafts, downtime)

• Evening: Family dinner & connection

It creates flow without rigidity, and reduces decision fatigue.

2. Start the Day with You

Even five minutes before the chaos begins can make a difference.

Breathe. Journal. Stretch. Step outside with your coffee.

It’s not about doing more, it’s about starting with intention, not reaction.

Need help getting grounded?

Download my free Moment of Calm Meditation link below.

3. Name the Feeling Out Loud

Overwhelm loses power when we name it.

Say it to yourself, to a friend, or even to your kids:

“Mummy’s feeling a little overwhelmed today, so we’re going to keep things really simple.”

You’re modelling emotional awareness—and giving yourself permission to be human.

4. Build in Pockets of Peace

You don’t need a full spa day.

You need micro-moments of peace:

• Sitting in the sun for 3 minutes while they play

• Hiding in the bathroom with your headphones and breathwork

• Saying yes to screen time so you can recharge

Small moments count. Collect them.

5. Ask for Support (Even if It Feels Awkward)

You don’t have to do it all alone.

Lean on your partner, friends, neighbours, family.

Swap playdates. Share the load. Let go of the belief that asking for help means you’re failing. It actually means you’re nourishing yourself.

And Remember…

Summer isn’t about doing more.

It’s about presence. Connection.

And sometimes, that looks like water fights in the garden, and sometimes, it looks like everyone having quiet time in separate rooms.

You’re allowed to do what works for you.

You’re doing an incredible job, even if it doesn’t feel like it today.

If this spoke to you, share it with a mum friend who might need to hear it too.

And if you want a little more calm and connection this summer, I created a free meditation just for you: Download it here https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1587697/160806726418826940/share

You’ve got this,

Vicky x