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  • JULY 21, 2025

    Structure without stress: How we’re balancing summer break (and the research behind all of it)

    Summer is here – and with it comes the great parental dilemma: how do we keep our kids active, happy, learning, and connected without turning into cruise directors (or completely losing our minds)?

    I’ve been there. In the past, our summers have swung too far in both directions – overpacked one year, totally unstructured the next. This year, I wanted to land somewhere in the middle: a rhythm that supports growth and fun, but also feels doable for all of us.

    And research backs that up. Experts say that a balanced approach – one that includes consistent movement, light academics, screen time with a purpose, and quality family connection – is the best way to help kids thrive during the summer months.

    Here’s what that looks like in our house – and how you can create a version that works for yours.

    Step 1: Camp is Our Foundation

    Both of my kids are in day camp from 8:45 to 3:45, Monday through Friday. This already checks some major boxes:

    • Physical activity
    • Social interaction and teamwork
    • Creative and unstructured play

    Having that full day covered gives us the flexibility to keep our evenings light but purposeful.

    But I get it…camps can be expensive. So…

    Budget-Friendly Ideas: 

    • Many local communities offer reduced-cost or free summer programs through schools, libraries, parks & recreation departments, or the YMCA.
    • A 2–3 day/week program or shorter daily hours/half days can give your child social time and structure without breaking the bank.
    • Have a deadline at work and need a quiet house temporarily? You might also consider themed mini-camps that run for just a week or two. 
    • Don’t underestimate the power of the great outdoors – explore local playgrounds, splash pads, or nature trails for a free and physical afternoon adventure.

    Research tip: It’s ideal for kids to have 60–90 minutes of physical activity per day, per CDC recommendations.

    Step 2: Short, Consistent Academics (Yes, Even in the Summer)

    You’ve probably heard of the “summer slide” – the tendency for kids to lose academic skills over the 2.5-month break. Research shows students can lose even more than that – up to 2 months of reading and nearly 3 months of math skills – without consistent exposure. Yikes!

    But the good news? A little goes a long way.

    In our family, we keep it balanced with physical activity:

    • My 7-year-old son: 1 day of academic tutoring, 1 day of coding (hello, STEAM!), 1 swimming lesson, 1 basketball practice
    • My 5-year-old daughter: 1 day of academic tutoring, 1 day of academic enrichment, 1 swimming lesson, 1 ballet lesson

    On days with no structured activity, we’ll fit in something light — 10 minutes on a math website we like, a few pages from a summer reading book, or quick handwriting practice.

    Budget-Friendly Ideas:

    • Local library programs usually have awesome summer activities, such as reading challenges, free events, and age-specific story times. 
    • Free learning apps like Khan Academy Kids, Starfall, PBS Kids, or ABCya! 
    • DIY learning games: Turn sidewalk chalk into a spelling game, bake together while talking fractions, or race each other with flashcards. Our house LOVES some friendly competition!
    • Grab grade-friendly workbooks from Amazon, Target, or even the dollar store – we love how easy these are for quick, low-prep practice. Check out my shop for our family’s faves, IXL (see the “Independent Activities for Kids” section).
    • Subscribe to fun, educational magazines like Highlights or National Geographic Kids – they feel like a treat, but still build critical thinking and reading skills (Highlights even has special puzzle-only editions, making academics feel like leisure!). 
    • Reach out to local students – either high schoolers interested in teaching or college students majoring in education; many are thrilled to offer affordable tutoring or enrichment to build experience. Some may even volunteer their services for the extra experience!

    Research tip: Kids benefit from 15–30 minutes of focused academic activity, 3–5 days a week. Bonus points if it feels like play!

    Step 3: 1:1 Time with Mom and Dad

    This might be the most impactful part of our summer structure, and the one you will NOT want to skip – and it only takes 15 minutes per parent, per child, each day. (Not to mention, it’s the only thing on our list that comes at zero cost.)

    Inspired by parenting coach Amy McCready, founder of Positive Parenting Solutions, we do:

    • 15 minutes of child-led time with Mom. 
    • 15 minutes of child-led time with Dad.
    • Then we swap!

    That’s it. No multitasking, no phones – just following their lead. LEGOs, books, games, Barbies, made-up adventures…whatever they want that does NOT involve a screen.

    Budget-Friendly Ideas: None here, friends! Nobody can replace the invaluable time kids share with their parents.

    Research tip: Studies show that even brief, consistent 1:1 time improves emotional regulation, confidence, and behavior.

    Step 4: Smart Screen Time

    Both of my kids also spend 15-30 minutes a day on their Smile Zemi tablet, which offers engaging, educational content (without the wild stimulation of typical screen time).

    Screens aren’t the enemy – it’s all about what they’re doing with them.

    Budget-Friendly Ideas: Smile Zemi is awesome, but it’s not the only option! Try:

    • Khan Academy Kids or Duolingo ABC (both completely free!). 
    • YouTube Kids channels like SciShow Kids, Storyline Online, or Numberblocks. 
    • Timed “purposeful screen time” sessions with a clear learning goal (ex: “let’s learn about sea animals” vs. aimless clicking).

    Research tip: Screen quality matters more than quantity. When used the right way, these moments can replaces passive consumption with cognitive engagement.

    Step 5: Plan It Out (Without Micromanaging)

    To make all of this flow, I created a Summer Balance Template – a visual way to map out weekly activities, downtime, and learning for each child.

    It helps us:

    • Visualize where our week is too packed or too empty. 
    • Stay consistent without over-scheduling. 
    • Feel more in control (even when we’re not). 
    • Remember where the heck we are going each day!

    The Big Picture

    I’ve learned the hard way: kids don’t need every minute scheduled, but they do thrive with consistency, purpose, and connection.

    So this summer, our mantra is:

    Structure, not stress. Routine, not rigidity. Connection over perfection.

    And the best part? We’re actually enjoying our summer more – because we’ve built in time for what matters.

    So you can always refer back to it, make sure to save the graphic above for a snapshot of these important points. Screenshot it. Hang it on the fridge. Blast it in your mom group chats.

    And of course I included a full reference list below for the science nerds like me.

    Let’s make the second half of summer the best it can be…you got this, mama!

    Full Reference List

    American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Media and young minds. Pediatrics, 138(5), e20162591. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-2591

    American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Why routines are good for kids. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/Pages/Why-Routines-Are-Good-for-Kids.aspx

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). How much physical activity do children need? https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/guidelines.htm

    Cooper, H., Nye, B., Charlton, K., Lindsay, J., & Greathouse, S. (1996). The effects of summer vacation on achievement test scores: A narrative and meta-analytic review. Review of Educational Research, 66(3), 227–268. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543066003227

    McCready, A. (n.d.). The power of one-on-one time. Positive Parenting Solutions. https://www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/parenting/the-secret-sauce-in-your-discipline-strategy-15-minutes-a-day

    National Summer Learning Association. (n.d.). Summer learning loss and the achievement gap. https://www.summerlearning.org/resources/summer-learning-loss/

    Reading Rockets. (n.d.). Summer slide: What can we do about it? https://www.readingrockets.org/article/summer-slide-what-can-we-do-about-it

    Rideout, V. (2021). The Common Sense census: Media use by tweens and teens, 2021. Common Sense Media. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/the-common-sense-census-media-use-by-tweens-and-teens-2021