Consider your Priorities and Set Goals:

Think about what you want to prioritize this summer and then set goals according to those larger ideas. I encourage parents to think about priorities for the family and kids as well as personal priorities. For example, if you want to prioritize quality time with the kids it is also important to consider what YOU need and want during family time as well. Prioritize these goals and break them down into manageable tasks. This will provide a sense of direction and purpose to your summer routine.

Set a Schedule (Keep it flexible though):

Setting a schedule is regulating for a lot of people, especially children. When our kids feel a sense of what to expect in a day, they tend to feel less tension and uncertainty about what lies ahead each morning. It’s still important, for your sanity, to keep things flexible. So, start by designating specific blocks of time for activities such as quiet time, reading, outdoor play, creative projects, and camp/ planned activities. However, remember to keep the schedule flexible to allow for spontaneous adventures and relaxation (see ideas for what to do in the area after this list).

Incorporate Learning and Enrichment:

Summer break doesn’t have to mean learning stops. Most children are naturally curious and love to explore. That’s why I recommend encouraging your children to engage in educational activities that align with their interests. Visit the local library to stock up on books, join summer reading programs, or explore online educational platforms. Consider planning visits to museums, science centers, or historical sites to make learning fun and interactive. Sometimes, it’s as easy as walking around the backyard or a local forest preserve and looking up the trees, plants, insects, and animals you find. 

Encourage Physical Activity:

After being stuck indoors all winter, summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities and keep the whole family active. This is also helpful for passing time as a parent and getting some extra Vitamin D while watching your kids play. I recommend planning regular outings to parks, going for family hikes, organizing backyard games, or setting up a water table in the backyard or sprinkler/splash pad on warmer days. If it’s feasible, summer sports camps or swimming lessons also promote physical fitness and provide kids with new experiences. This will also give you a little downtime to tackle your personal goals over the summer months or just to rest for a minute! 

Embrace Mindfulness and Relaxation as Much as Possible:

This is where balance comes in. Amidst the excitement and busyness of summer, it’s essential to find moments to unwind and rest or relax. I generally recommend incorporating mindfulness activities into your routine, such as yoga or meditation, or using a mindfulness app for daily practice. Create a cozy reading corner where you and your children can unwind with their favorite books and have that quiet time structured into their day. Encourage downtime for everyone to recharge and reflect.

Encourage Creative Play and Projects:

Summer break is an excellent opportunity for your children to explore their creativity and pursue artistic endeavors. Set up an art station with various art supplies, encourage imaginative play, or enroll them in art classes or workshops (again only if that is feasible). Allow time for unstructured play and let their creativity flourish. There is a lot of benefit to allowing kids to get messy with paints, play-doh or even just get a big piece of paper out and mess-free markers! They will love the independence and it may keep them occupied for a while. 

Maintain Consistency and Flexibility:

While routine provides structure, remember that summer break is also a time for spontaneity and flexibility. Be open to adjusting your schedule as needed to accommodate family outings, vacations, or special events. Strike a balance between consistency and work toward embracing the unexpected.

What Can I Do With My Kids in the Western Suburbs of Chicago

Discover Nature at Morton Arboretum:

Located in Lisle, the Morton Arboretum is a haven of natural beauty and outdoor exploration. Take your kids on a scenic hike through the lush forest trails, participate in hands-on activities at the Children’s Garden, or embark on a nature-themed scavenger hunt. It’s an awesome place to go on a solo hike or family outing.

Enjoy Water Fun at Centennial Beach or a Park District Pool Nearby:

Beat the summer heat by taking a trip to Centennial Beach in Naperville. This historic outdoor swimming facility features a beautiful sandy beach, designated swimming areas, water slides, and a children’s large splash, shallow end area. Also, don’t forget to check out your local park district for their pool pass options. Some even offer reciprocal residency so you can get a better rate for another community pool! 

Visit Cosley Zoo:

Nestled in Wheaton, Cosley Zoo provides a fantastic opportunity for your children to get up close and personal with a variety of animals. Explore the exhibits showcasing native Illinois wildlife, including red foxes, white-tailed deer, and adorable farm animals. The zoo also offers educational programs, animal encounters, and nature-themed events throughout the summer.

Explore Cantigny Park:

Cantigny Park, located in Wheaton, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and family-friendly activities. Stroll through the stunning gardens, explore the historic mansion, and let your children release their energy at the playgrounds. The park also features picnic areas, hiking trails, and an outdoor tank park that military history enthusiasts will love.

Splash into Fun at Raging Waves Waterpark:

For an exhilarating water adventure, head to Raging Waves Waterpark in Yorkville. This expansive waterpark features thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and interactive water play areas. Spend a day zooming down water slides with your kids or relaxing in the sun while they explore the kid-friendly areas.

Visit Brookfield Zoo:

While technically located just outside the western suburbs, Brookfield Zoo is definitely worth the short trip. This renowned zoo offers a diverse collection of animals from around the world. Explore the exhibits, attend educational animal encounters, and enjoy special events throughout the summer. Don’t forget to check out the Dolphin Show and the Tropic World Rainforest exhibit. There’s so much for littles and bigger kiddos as well.

City of Chicago Outings:

Explore Chicago’s Parks:

Chicago boasts an array of beautiful parks that provide the perfect backdrop for family outings. Millennium Park, with its iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (also known as “The Bean”), is a must-visit spot for capturing unique family photos. Grant Park offers stunning lakefront views and hosts various events, including concerts and festivals. Lincoln Park, with its zoo and nature trails, is a fantastic destination for a day of outdoor exploration. 

Visit Kid-Friendly Museums:

Chicago is renowned for its world-class museums, many of which offer engaging exhibits for children. The Museum of Science and Industry, with its interactive displays and hands-on experiments, will undoubtedly spark your child’s curiosity. The Shedd Aquarium is another fantastic choice, where kids can marvel at marine life and even witness live dolphin and penguin shows. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a hidden gem that provides educational experiences focused on local wildlife and natural habitats.

Splash in Water Parks:

Beat the summer heat by visiting one of Chicago’s fantastic water parks. The Maggie Daley Park Play Garden features an innovative water feature, perfect for children of all ages. The Crown Fountain at Millennium Park offers an opportunity for your little ones to splash around in shallow water while enjoying the mesmerizing digital art display. For a more extensive water park experience, venture out to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in nearby Gurnee for thrilling slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.

Enjoy Lakefront Activities:

Chicago’s stunning Lake Michigan shoreline offers endless opportunities for family fun. Spend a day at one of the many public beaches, such as North Avenue Beach or Montrose Beach, where your children can build sandcastles, play beach volleyball, or take a refreshing swim. Consider renting bicycles or rollerblades and cruising along the Lakefront Trail, taking in the picturesque views of the city skyline.

Discover Nature in Botanic Gardens:

Escape the bustling city and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Located in Glencoe, just north of the city, this expansive garden offers a variety of themed gardens, walking trails, and beautiful landscapes. Engage your children with the hands-on activities in the Children’s Garden, or participate in one of the many educational programs designed for families.

Feeling Overwhelmed is Completely Normal

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that feeling overwhelmed as a mother is completely normal! Start with Validation because you are certainly not alone in feeling this way. Being responsible for the well-being of another human being (or more than one human being) is a huge responsibility, and it’s natural to feel a little out of your depth at times. However, if these feelings persist and begin to impact your day-to-day life, it may be a sign that you need to take action and learn additional coping skills to feel less impacted.

Mother’s Can Face an Overwhelming Number of Tasks to Accomplish Every Day

One of the most common causes of overwhelm for mothers is the sheer volume of tasks that need to be accomplished on a daily basis. The hardest thing about this list of tasks, is a lot of it goes unseen and is simply a mental load carried all by herself. From feeding and changing diapers to juggling work and household chores, it can feel like there are simply not enough hours in the day to get everything done. This is especially true for new mothers who are still adjusting to the demands of caring for a newborn.

Understanding How to Prioritize is Key

When this feeling comes up, it’s important to prioritize your tasks and focus on what’s most important. Make a list of the things that need to be done each day, and prioritize them based on their level of urgency. Trust that your list will be there for you later, tomorrow or someone else can check a box for you! If you’re struggling to keep up with everything, consider enlisting the support of someone in your support network. There is also the option to hire additional support if that resource is available to you.

Practice Self-Care

Practicing self-care is another helpful strategy, and frankly, a good life skill to develop. Taking time for yourself can be challenging as a mother, but it’s essential for your well-being. Whether it’s going for a walk, taking a bath, or reading a book, find ways to prioritize your own needs and take care of yourself. The topic of self-care is something we could write a whole other post about (stay tuned for that). It starts with really thinking about yourself as a priority.

You Cannot Take Care of Others if You Don’t Care for Yourself First

We cannot care for others until we take care of ourselves and we will not feel better about ourselves if we run ourselves into the ground. A great book that explores this further is Real Self Care by Pooja Lakshmin, MD if you want to another resource.

Connect With Other Moms

Last, but not least, connect as much as you can with other mothers! Joining a parenting group or attending a playdate can help you feel less alone and provide you with a supportive network of other mothers who are going through similar experiences. It also is a helpful strategy to get out of the house! If these feelings f overwhelm do not subside, reach out for help with an experienced Therapist who works with moms.

Online Therapy for Moms in Chicago IL and Wisconsin!

We are currently taking clients and encourage you to reach out for your free 15-minute phone consultation to see if this could be a beneficial resource for you. This is another way to feel like you are not alone and to experience a validating and productive conversation surrounding your role as a mother and human being!  

1. Read more about us to discover if we are the best fit for you.
2. Schedule an appointment.
3. Start living your best life!

Other Services:

Limitless Counseling Center has a variety of specialty services catered to your needs. In addition to our online OCD therapy in Chicago, IL, we also provide online therapy for panic disorder, generalized anxiety, social anxiety or phobias as well as perinatal and postpartum OCD and anxiety.