Listen on Apple. Listen on Spotify. Listen on YouTube.

Summer break can be a challenging time, especially for high-achieving women. With kids at home and friends busy, it often falls on us to keep them engaged and entertained. It’s frustrating when we feel like the bad guy constantly creating schedules and holding everyone accountable, including our husbands.

My husband Willie works from home and is okay with the kids taking time off. But I struggle with them being on their phones and watching TV all day. They wake up late, make something to eat, and then just lounge around.

“It feels as if I have to create this calendar. Once again, I’m the bad guy. I have to create this calendar where the kids will be engaged and have something to do.” (Veronica Cisneros)

Today’s episode is all about managing summer break when your kids are home with not a lot to do. You’ll learn how to create a balanced schedule for your kids without losing your sanity, how to get your partner involved, and realistic steps to keep your kids engaged.

Summary

• Set clear expectations and have a family meeting to discuss the importance of a balanced routine.
• Create a flexible schedule that includes a variety of activities and involve your kids in the planning process.
• Share the responsibility with your partner and communicate why certain tasks are important to you.
• Limit screen time and encourage outdoor play and hobbies that don’t involve screens.
• Plan family activities that everyone enjoys to strengthen family bonds.
• Seek support if you’re feeling overwhelmed and take care of your own mental health.

The Summer Break Struggle

Summer break can be a challenging time, especially for high-achieving women. With kids at home and friends busy, it often falls on us to keep them engaged and entertained. It’s frustrating when we feel like the bad guy constantly creating schedules and holding everyone accountable, including our husbands.

My husband Willie works from home and is okay with the kids taking time off. But I struggle with them being on their phones and watching TV all day. They wake up late, make something to eat, and then just lounge around. It frustrates me because I feel like I have to create a calendar to keep them engaged and productive.

Setting Rules and Boundaries

When I found out my daughter was struggling with reading, I implemented a rule: no phone until she reads two chapters a day and writes a summary. However, enforcing this rule consistently has been challenging. Willie and I often argue about follow-through. He tells her once and expects it to be done, while I believe there needs to be some level of monitoring to ensure it gets done.

“You and I both know, mom to mom, you and I both know that we have to be on top of our kids. Maybe not all the time, but a good amount of time. And yeah, we’ll say it one time, but there has to be some level of follow through because it’s something new. My kids aren’t like, okay, I’m going to totally get it done every single morning. Would I like them to be like that? Absolutely. Are they like that? No, no, I’m just going to be honest. They’re not like that. So this is where I’m on Willie’s ass. Hey, did you double check? Well, Why should I double check? Because we need to. Because she’s 13. Because she’s going to forget. So yeah, there has to be some follow through.” (Veronica Cisneros)

The Impact of Screen Time

Kids today are exposed to so much on their phones, from social media comparisons to harmful content. As a therapist, I see firsthand how this affects their mental health. I worry about my kids’ exposure and try to balance protecting them with giving them some independence. My daughters, like many kids, are influenced by what they see online, which can impact their self-esteem.

Steps to a Balanced Summer Break

Here are some realistic steps to manage summer break effectively:

1. Set Clear Expectations: Have a family meeting to discuss the importance of a balanced routine. Explain why it’s crucial for them to have a mix of activities, including outdoor play, reading, and creative time. Before this meeting, discuss with your partner what their ideal summer for the kids looks like and share your vision too. Understanding each other’s perspectives is key.
2. Create a Flexible Schedule: Instead of a rigid calendar, create a flexible schedule that includes a variety of activities. Use input from your kids to make it more engaging for them. This isn’t about asking for their permission but making the activities feel rewarding rather than punitive.
3. Delegate Responsibilities: Share the responsibility with your partner. For example, have your partner take on specific tasks like organizing activities during his breaks. Communicate clearly about why certain tasks are important to you to ensure they are taken seriously.
4. Limit Screen Time: Set specific times for screen use and enforce breaks. Encourage outdoor play and hobbies that don’t involve screens. This can be challenging as kids often resist, but it’s crucial for their well-being.
5. Engage in Activities Together: Plan family activities that everyone enjoys. This not only keeps the kids engaged but also strengthens family bonds. Be intentional about spending quality time together and make it a priority despite busy schedules.

Communication and Compromise

One of the biggest challenges is aligning with your partner on summer plans. Willie’s idea of summer is for the kids to relax, while I believe in a more structured approach. We need to communicate openly and compromise. For example, Willie and I might need to agree on a balance between relaxation and structured activities to ensure both our needs and the kids’ needs are met.

“Hell to the yeah, I’ll be a work in progress until the day I die. So why? Why do we feel this way? Our need to control comes from wanting the best for our children. We worry about their exposure to harmful content and their self -esteem when they compare themselves to others online. It’s a valid concern and it’s essential to balance our desire to protect them with giving them some independence.” (Veronica Cisneros)

Practical Tips

• Family Meetings: Regularly check in with your family to adjust plans as needed.
• Involve the Kids: Let them have a say in activities to increase their buy-in.
• Consistency: Follow through with the rules you set to establish a routine.
• Flexibility: Be willing to adjust plans when necessary and give grace to yourself and your partner.

“Are you capable of having this conversation even if you don’t agree with your partner? And maintain, and maintain your emotions. I left that out. Are you able to have a conversation without allowing your emotions to get the best of you and you go off like crazy or you withdraw? Are you capable of having this conversation even if he doesn’t agree with you? And if you’re not, okay, so we need to find another time to do it. Now is not the time.” (Veronica Cisneros)

Managing summer break requires balancing structure with freedom, setting clear expectations, and fostering open communication with your partner. By implementing these steps, you can create a more harmonious and engaging summer for your family. Remember, it’s a work in progress, and every effort you make is a step towards a more balanced and enjoyable summer break for everyone.

Useful links:

• Join our FaceBook Page – Empowered and Unapologetic
• Take the Marriage Predictor quiz!
• Follow me on Instagram
• Check out the new website! https://veronicacisneros.org/
• Outside The Norm Counseling – 951 395 3288 call to schedule an appointment today!
• 5 Things that are Killing your Marriage Free Guide available at www.veronicacisneros.org

Meet Veronica Cisneros

As a leading authority in women’s empowerment and a fierce advocate for building strong networks, Veronica is your go-to guru for turning fears into victories, struggles into strengths, and doubts into boundless opportunities.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 10 plus years; empowering high-achieving women in business to conquer both professional heights and personal fulfillment. She doesn’t do bandaids!
Veronica has a unique approach to overcoming obstacles and smashing through the glass ceilings that loom over ambitious women. With her arsenal of practical tools, actionable strategies, and unwavering support, Veronica doesn’t just help women succeed in their careers – she helps them thrive in every facet of their lives.

But Veronica’s expertise isn’t just theoretical – it’s personal. With over 24 years of marriage, three daughters, and a soaring career, Veronica embodies the resilience and determination needed to navigate life’s challenges. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Group Private Practice Owner, of Outside The Norm Counseling, Marriage Coach, and the voice behind the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast, Veronica effortlessly guides women to challenge themselves beyond their comfort zones.

Veronica is more than an expert – she’s a partner in transformation, turning mundane relationships into true connections. With her relatable charm and infectious humor, Veronica illuminates the path for women who refuse to settle for anything less than success in both business and relationships. Through practical tips, heartfelt anecdotes, and her trademark wit, Veronica empowers every woman to cultivate unbreakable bonds without sacrificing their ambitions.

Whether you listen to the podcast, join the free Facebook community, or do the Workshop,  you’re in the right place. Let’s do this together!

Thanks for listening!

Did you enjoy this podcast? Feel free to share this podcast on social media! You can also leave a review of the Empowered and Unapologetic Podcast on Apple Podcast {previously iTunes) and subscribe!