When Summer Isn’t a Break: Holding It Together in the Heat

Let's be real, the summer break doesn’t always feel like a break. It’s more like a juggling act under a blazing sun—with kids home for weeks, emotional energy running low, and an internal pressure to make the most of the season.

In theory, summer is about slowing down. But the reality for many parents is far more complex. There’s a tension between wanting to create joyful memories and simply trying to manage the long, hot days without losing steam. Social media doesn’t help either—endless scrolls of curated snapshots can make us question if we’re doing enough, or if we're somehow missing out.

But those polished photos don’t tell the whole story. They rarely show the emotional load behind the scenes, the tired arguments, the overstimulated kids, the moments where you just feel flat. And they certainly don’t reflect your worth as a parent. You’re not failing because your summer doesn’t look like a commercial. You’re just living real life.

Why Summer Can Feel So Hard—for Everyone

There’s a quiet reality that doesn’t get talked about enough: summer can be especially challenging for kids. For many, the structure of the school day provides predictability, routine, and a sense of safety. When that disappears for weeks at a time, it can feel disorienting. You may notice increased emotional ups and downs, clinginess, boredom, or behavior that seems “out of character.”

None of this means something is wrong with your child. In fact, it can be a very normal nervous system response to the lack of routine and certainty.

As parents or caregivers, it can help to build in gentle rhythms—even if it’s just a consistent wake-up time, a midday pause, or a calming bedtime ritual. These small anchors can create big feelings of safety for kids (and for you too).

Present (Enough) Parenting

You don’t need to become a camp counselor or a Pinterest guru. Your kids don’t need you to be entertaining—they need you to be attuned. When you can slow down enough to notice what’s going on emotionally, even briefly, it gives them space to settle too.

What does this look like? Maybe it’s pausing when tempers flare. Taking a few deep breaths together. Letting a tough moment pass without rushing to fix it. Or reflecting together at the end of a difficult day:"That was a hard one today. How are you doing now?"

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s connection - imperfect, clumsy, human connection that helps everyone feel a little more seen.

8 Grounding Reminders for Summer Survival

1. Your kids don’t need constant magic. Your presence, even in small moments, can be what matters most.

2. Boredom is okay. It’s not your job to fill every moment. Letting kids be bored builds creativity and problem-solving.

3. Structure helps. Even light, flexible structure offers grounding and predictability.

4. You can say no. To plans, to pressure, to anything that doesn’t feel supportive right now.

5. Ask for help. And ask in the right places - from those who have shown up before.

6. Your nervous system sets the tone. Care for yourself first when you can. Even micro-moments of rest matter.

7. Money doesn’t define the memories. You don’t need to spend to connect. Shared time, creativity, and honesty go further than you think.

8. You’re allowed to struggle. And you’re allowed to get support.

   
   

A Gentle Reminder

When the noise, heat, and demands of summer collide with exhaustion or unspoken mental health challenges, it can start to feel like too much. That’s not weakness - it’s a signal. And therapy can be a place to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself in ways that feel grounding and true. We offer therapy online, making support accessible wherever you are in New Mexico.

And remember - summer is just a season. It’ll end. And you’ll still be here. Not perfect. Not always calm. But showing up the best way you know how. That counts.

But it's not easy. If your cup feels empty, you don’t have to refill it alone. We’re here for that too.

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A self-described geek, Maria Laquerre-Diego is a CEO and Owner who is committed to increasing access to mental health services and breaking down the stigma surrounding therapy services. As a therapist turned CEO, Maria has developed a unique perspective when it comes to mental health and the barriers surrounding mental health treatment. Influenced by her time at New Mexico State University in the Family and Consumer Science department, and University of New Hampshire’s Marriage and Family Therapy department, Maria has turned her dedication to giving back and supporting future generations of therapists. In addition to supporting mental health providers, Maria takes an active role in addressing the continued stigma of mental health services through the use of pop culture – everything from movies and television shows to superheroes and Disney characters. Maria has spoken about mental health at several local events, has served as an officer on professional boards and has provided training to clinicians all over the country while maintaining her and her family’s roots as Aggies! Outside of the office, Maria can be found spending time with her family and loved ones, exploring the world through travel, and creating cosplays for herself, her husband and their two little ones. Maria is always happy to talk about Star Wars, Marvel and mental health and can be contacted through her practice website www.anewhopetc.org