RESOURCES
RESOURCES
RESOURCES

Making Summer Manageable: A Guide for Parents

2 FREE Downloadable Resources at the Bottom of the Page!

As the warm weather becomes more familiar, excitement for summer is building—for kids and adults alike! Whether it’s exotic vacations or just slowing down the pace, summer opens the door to new rhythms and adventures. But for many parents, this season can also bring a unique set of challenges as the school-year structure disappears.

Download now!

It’s Not Just Kids Who Need Support

While there’s plenty of advice out there on helping children transition into summer, fewer resources are aimed at parents. The end of the school year doesn’t usually mean the end of work and other commitments. That’s why it’s essential to remember to care for yourself, too!

Suddenly having a child at home full-time can create added pressure. Many parents feel the need to schedule every moment to keep their kids entertained—but this can be exhausting. If you’re feeling this way, know that you’re not alone, and there are ways to make things easier.

Three Simple Strategies to Ease Summer Stress

Create a Summer Bucket List

You don’t need lavish vacations to make the summer special! Something as simple as visiting a favourite playground can become a memorable adventure when your child helps plan it.

By involving kids in the planning process:

  • You better understand what they’re excited about.
  • They gain a sense of accomplishment.
  • You create a go-to list for the inevitable “I’m bored” moments

Turn this into a fun craft activity! Create a “Summer Fun” poster and display it proudly. Revisit it throughout the summer to reflect and reignite enthusiasm.

Maintain a Chore Schedule

Chores are more than just tasks—they’re character-building! Studies show that kids who grow up doing chores tend to be more confident, empathetic, and successful later in life.

Benefits of a chore schedule:

  • Keeps structure during school-free months.
  • Encourages responsibility and teamwork.
  • Helps parents by sharing the household workload.

Let your child take part in choosing their chores. Use a simple chart to track progress and celebrate completed tasks with praise or small rewards.

Allow Age-Appropriate Unsupervised Time

It can be scary to step back, but unsupervised time is essential. It encourages:

  • Independent problem-solving
  • Creative free play
  • Self-regulation

Whether it’s in another room, the backyard, or the local park, allowing kids space helps them grow—and gives you time to breathe.

Take Care of Yourself Too!

Start planning now for a summer that works for your family. Avoid burnout by setting boundaries, accepting help, and saying no when needed. You deserve a peaceful, guilt-free summer just as much as your child deserves a fun one.

How can we support you?

Individual Counselling

Individual counselling sessions are available to everyone seeking support. These sessions focus on the individual’s concerns, working collaboratively with the counsellor to find solutions.

Learn More

Couples & Family Counselling

Couples and family counselling focuses on concerns and challenges within relationship dynamics. We are an approved resource for Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD).

Learn More

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy specializes in helping you achieve the things in life that you need or want to do, but in a way that will fit specifically for you.

Learn More

Group Thearpy

Group therapy is about people coming together, with guidance, to make life improvements.

Learn More

Simply Support Sessions

Simply Support Sessions are an opportunity to receive support from a Registered Professional Therapist at a more cost-effective rate than individual therapy, providing a chance to maximize your benefits budget.

Learn More

BONUS! We have 2 FREE resources you may download to make summer a little more manageable! 

“Simply” Summer Bucket List

Download Now

“Simply” Chores Resource

Download Now

Simply Counselling Newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest news and updates from Simply Counselling.

Newsletter Sign Up CTA Form

Land Acknowledgement

In the spirit of respect and truth, Simply Counselling Services acknowledges the traditional territories of the
people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the
Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda
(including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.