Sunday Edition: Summer Rhythm's That Work (So Far)
A flexible plan for working from home with kids and keeping your sanity
The Sunday Edition is Tuesday’s little sister—off-the-cuff updates I’d bring up over a coffee catch-up with a friend.
This summer, I’m working from home while also parenting two kids who are out of school for the season, and we’ve officially entered the “Mom, I’m bored” portion of June.
Inspired by my boyfriend’s idea (thank you, logistics genius), my kids put together their own lists that are simple enough to stick with but structured enough to keep the wheels turning. Three pieces of paper. Three categories. One fridge magnet to rule them all.
I’ve found that having this rhythm gives the day a little shape, without feeling like I’m forcing a rigid schedule. It helps me, too. When I’m jumping between emails and snack requests, I don’t have to make 27 micro-decisions a day about what to do next. The lists have our back.
These are the basics, the things that just need to get done. They’re posted weekly and adjusted based on what’s happening around the house. Think: unload the dishwasher, take the recycling out, wipe down the table after lunch. Each kid picks 2–3 for the week, and they know the expectation is to complete them without me reminding them 14 times. (We’re working on it.)
This is the list I’m most excited about. These are personalized little goals that align with their age, interests, or skills they’re working on. For my youngest, that might look like “read five early readers this week” or “tie your shoes by yourself.” For my older one, maybe it’s “learn a card trick” or “write a comic strip.” These are meant to stretch them just a little and give them something to feel proud of.
This lists exists purely to answer the dreaded “I don’t know what to dooooo.” Gentle reminders for bubble painting, Lego challenges, dance parties, kitchen experiments, water balloon games, comic book making, sidewalk chalk obstacle courses. These aren’t “musts” just a list of easy sparks. Some require zero prep. Some need supervision. But they’re there to keep things moving when the energy dips. I don’t feel the need to fix it when my children tell me they are bored. I like to give them space to wonder and fill their time themselves. It allows for curiosity and problem solving.
And sure, not every day will go smoothly. Sometimes the lists might get ignored, or we end up in pajamas till 3pm. But it’s summer. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s just to find some joy, structure, and space to breathe.
If you’re also navigating the WFH summer shuffle, I highly recommend giving this a try. Three pieces of paper. That’s it.
Enjoy this free printable of the chores, challenges and activities pages! Click download below.
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