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The Community’s Best Tips For Tackling Summer Madness
PDT Real Talk
Mona Amin
June 29, 2025
Summer with kids? It’s like trying to juggle sunscreen bottles, sticky hands, and a million snack requests, all while just trying to keep your sanity. It’s messy, unpredictable, and yeah, sometimes totally exhausting.
This month, we asked:
“What’s your go-to summer survival tip as a parent?”
Luckily, our awesome PedsDocTalk community shared some of their best tips to help get through it all a little easier (and with maybe even a bit of fun). Here’s what parents like you are doing to survive the summer madness.
Mindset and patience matter
Remember, “We’re all just human.” Summer can test anyone’s patience. When routines loosen and days stretch longer, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and frustrated, whether you’re the parent or the child. The key? Giving yourself permission to be human and offering the same grace to your children. Lowering expectations and accepting that some days will be messy can help keep everyone a bit calmer and happier.
My go-to mantra, especially over the summer, is “I am human” and “you are human” for my kids. Repeating those words when I’m having a tough time or they are, has helped center me and allowed me to be more patient with myself and my kids. We’re all just human and doing the best we can, and honestly, during the summer months when there’s no school or sometimes little structure, it’s been a good reminder to keep at the forefront.
Setting the bar low. Vacations are going to look very different with a kiddo than they did before. I used to schedule lots of stuff in one day or plan a lot of walking. Now, I just have 2-3 "must do" things for a week long vacation, and the rest of the time we'll just choose whatever feels right for that day -- let the mood, the weather, or our tummies pick the itinerary.
Under schedule because your summer will still feel busy but more manageable.
Keep it real with some prep and routine
Summer days often throw surprises, spontaneous trips, and last-minute plans. Having a few essentials packed and ready can make all the difference between a smooth day and a meltdown waiting to happen. Keeping sunscreen, swimsuits, snacks, and changes of clothes handy lets you say “yes” to summer fun without the stress of scrambling.
A little routine, even a loose one, can help everyone feel more grounded and keep screen time in check. It doesn’t have to be rigid, just a simple plan to help the days flow better.
I always keep sunscreen in the car in case a day trip goes longer than planned. I also keep mini water guns and bubbles on hand, it cools them down and the bubbles are a fun distraction especially for road trips when you need to make stops.
Keeping diaper bag and a pair of shoes ready to go at all times.
Pack a yes/go bag with sunscreen, a change of clothes, an extra swimsuit, and towels - so it's easy to be ready and say yes to spontaneous summer fun! This is a great way to maximize the summer, especially as someone who lives in the (currently very rainy) northeast.
Come up with some sort of routine! This will help keep both your sanity and your child's as well as help limit screen time. Even if it's just outside time early in the mornings, visit the pool certain days, and a picnic others, at least you have some sort of plan for the day/week.
Kids thrive on routine (at least mine do!). Create a routine and stick to it as best you can, even with changes in location/travel. That said, it will go wrong from time to time and that's OK! Don't beat yourself up - tomorrow is a new day!
When in doubt, add some water play
Water is like magic on hot summer days. It cools kids down, keeps them entertained, and gives parents a much-needed breather. Whether it’s a quick bath, a pool visit, a splash pad, or a sprinkler, these splashy moments make a big difference in surviving the season.
Of course, safety first, always keep a close eye on children near any water, whether it’s a pool, bath, or even a water table.
When crabby, add water and/or sunshine! Water play, bath, go outside, etc.
Taking kids to the pool at least once a week. Kids LOVE it. I get to relax. And they get tired and have a great nap.
Don't underestimate the power of water play! Kids (at any age) love to dump, pour, mix, etc.
Bonus tips
Here are a few more simple tips from our community that make a big difference. Sometimes it’s the little things that help summer days go smoother and feel more fun.
Popsicle baths! My daughter loves taking a bath with a popsicle. Any sticky residue washes away. It's a win win!
I keep a stash of crackers on the car (lovingly called “car crackers”) for those random times that my toddler is yelling she’s hungry and we’re still 20 min from home.
The first day of summer break, I get the kids to write a list of things they want to do in the summer. We hang up the list in a place where we can see it often. I then print out calendars for each month they are off and we fill in each week on the Sunday before the week begins so we have an idea of what to expect.
Applying sunscreen to kid’s face with a makeup brush. Always having a tote in the car with swim suits, towel, extra change of clothes and snacks for any sporadic fun summer activities that randomly pop up!
Summer might get messy, and that’s totally okay
Between sunscreen battles, snack meltdowns, and all the sticky, sweaty moments, summer with kids rarely goes as planned. And honestly? That’s part of the beauty. Don’t underestimate the power of a grounded mindset, a bit of prep, a simple routine, and plenty of water play.
A huge thanks to everyone who shared their summer survival tips! The winner of this month’s giveaway has been notified via email. Keep an eye out for July’s question in the next Q&A newsletter!
Wishing you a summer full of laughter, sticky hands, and a whole lot of grace.
Thank you for being part of our incredible community ❤️
PedsDocTalk Monthly Recap
Check out the PedsDocTalk monthly recap of the most-viewed and talked-about content on Instagram, YouTube, and the podcast. From parenting burnout to starting solids and raising inclusive kids, these topics have sparked important conversations. Take a look at what’s been catching your attention this month!
On Instagram
This post celebrates Pride Month with a powerful message about raising inclusive, accepting kids, and why unconditional love and support for LGBTQIA+ children isn’t just meaningful, it’s lifesaving. My biggest dream as a pediatrician, a mom, and a human is for every child to be loved and accepted for exactly who they are. Not just tolerated. Celebrated.
This post dives into the classic toddler walking standoff, and why it’s not about being “strict” or “soft,” but about reading the moment. Whether you carry them or hold the line, both can be the right choice. It’s about tuning in, offering grace, and finding the balance that works for you and your child.
On YouTube
This video breaks down everything you need to know about starting solids with your baby, minus the stress. From the best first foods to how to prep them safely, it offers practical tips, myth-busting advice, and a pediatrician mom’s take on what really matters when introducing solids.
On The Podcast
This episode dives into the reality of parenting burnout, what it is, why it happens, and how to move through it. Dr. Mona is joined by Dr. Flora Sinha to explore the difference between exhaustion and true burnout, what hustle culture gets wrong, and how small, science-backed shifts can help you reclaim your energy, joy, and connection.
In The Media
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