By Kim Ureno
Summer brings longer days, sunshine and the joyful chaos of kids out of school. For remote working parents, this season can be both a blessing and a challenge, balancing work deadlines while keeping your kids engaged and happy at home.
The key to surviving (and thriving!) this summer lies in smart self-care, boundaries,and tapping into great community resources.
Here’s a guide to summer self-care for remote working parents, because taking care of yourself helps you take better care of your family.
1. Create a Flexible Daily Routine
Kids thrive on structure, and so do working parents. Map out a daily rhythm that includes dedicated work blocks, fun family activities and downtime for everyone.
Flexibility is key — some days won’t go as planned, and that’s OK. Try to align your most focused work hours with quieter times for your kids, like early mornings or nap times.
I have twin 9-year-old boys, and every summer I tell myself I’ll keep screen time in check and stick to a routine. But some days, the plan unravels by 10 a.m. and we end up in the backyard or heading to the pool instead.
I’ve learned to be flexible. As my boys have gotten older, I’ve also realized I don’t have to be their activities director all day. Sometimes they just want space to be kids, and that gives me space to work, too.
2. Tap Into Local Summer Programs for Kids
One of the biggest summer self-care hacks? Having a break and knowing your kids are in a safe, stimulating environment.
Community centers like the JCC offer fantastic summer programs, everything from sports and swimming to arts and STEM activities. These programs are designed to keep your kids engaged, active and social, giving you pockets of uninterrupted work time and peace of mind.
Many affiliated organizations also run camps and workshops tailored to different ages and interests. Check out your local JCC or community center websites to find out about registration deadlines and program details — signing up early often helps!
3. Prioritize Movement and Outdoor Time
Fresh air and physical activity are natural mood boosters. Schedule daily outdoor time for your family — even a short walk, a bike ride or backyard games can help everyone reset and recharge. When you take breaks, try to join your kids outside.
This not only models healthy habits but gives you a genuine mental break from screens and work. In our house, the pool is our go-to. It’s not always part of the “plan,” but we end up there a lot. I’ve learned to see it not just as a break for my kids but for me, too — a moment to step away from screens, move my body, and soak in the joy that summer can bring.
4. Set Clear Boundaries Around Work Hours
Remote work often blurs the line between “work time” and “family time.” It’s OK to communicate your availability clearly with colleagues and your family. Use tools like calendar blocks or status messages to signal when you need focused time and when you’re “off the clock.”
This protects your energy and models good work-life balance for your kids.
5. Practice Mindfulness and Simple Relaxation
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Five minutes of deep breathing, a short meditation or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea can help reduce stress and increase your patience. Apps like Calm or Headspace offer short, guided mindfulness exercises perfect for busy parents.
6. Connect with Other Parents
You’re not alone! Find or form a support group with other remote working parents in your community or through your kids’ summer programs. Sharing experiences, tips, and even co-hosting playdates can ease the pressure and make the summer more enjoyable for everyone.
7. Give Yourself Grace
Some days will be more chaotic than others, and that’s part of parenting, especially when working remotely. Celebrate small wins, don’t strive for perfection and remember that taking time for yourself is a gift to your whole family.
Summer Self-Care is Within Reach
Balancing remote work and parenting through the summer is no small feat. But by building a flexible routine, accessing great community resources like those at the JCC, prioritizing outdoor time and practicing small self-care habits, you can create a summer filled with growth, connection and well-being.
Explore what your local community centers and their affiliates have to offer — summer programs are often tailored to make life easier and more fun for families just like yours. Your kids will have memorable experiences, and you’ll find the space to breathe and thrive.
Here’s to a joyful, balanced, and self-caring summer!
Kim Ureno is a social media specialist at Jewish Community Services.
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