Keeping It Together-ish: Summer Transitions, Schedule Chaos, and Parenting With Lower Expectations

Summer can be beautiful, chaotic, expensive, overstimulating, and somehow sticky all at once. In this warm, relatable post, Maureen Czaykowsky, LMSW shares real-life encouragement for parents navigating summer transitions, schedule changes, childcare stress, vacations, travel, and the pressure to “make memories” while also keeping everyone fed, regulated, and reasonably okay. With two kids of her own, Maureen offers practical reminders about affordable camps, free community activities, play dates, flexible routines, deep breaths, patience, and the life-giving power of lowering expectations.