Let Go of the Perfect Summer

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Jun 3, 2025

Dive into the messy reality of summer parenting, where the dream of a perfect season often clashes with chaotic moments. Discover the importance of letting kids experience boredom to inspire creativity and independence. Explore the challenges of sibling rivalry and endless snack demands, while learning to manage expectations and savor genuine family moments. Embrace the idea that presence trumps perfection—you're not failing at summer, just navigating its complexities.

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ANECDOTE

Becky's Chaotic Summer Mornings

Becky Kennedy shares her chaotic summer mornings managing multiple kids and roles.
She feels overwhelmed and depleted from tasks like being a cruise director and snack machine.

INSIGHT

Value of Boredom Blocks

Boredom is essential for children's creativity, independence, and flexibility.
Creating "boredom blocks" during summer lets kids explore and engage in new activities independently.

ANECDOTE

Bored Kids Create Together

Becky tells a story where her kids, bored without screens, spontaneously created an art project together.
This demonstrated how boredom can foster creative collaboration among siblings.

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It’s 10:00 AM. One kid’s crying over a melted popsicle, another is shouting about the remote, and you’re already wondering if it’s too soon for a second coffee. Sound familiar?

In this episode, Dr. Becky dives into the chaotic, sticky, emotionally charged season that is summer parenting—and why it often feels so much harder than we imagined. We unpack the myth of the “magical summer,” the invisible jobs no one trained you for (Camp Director, Sibling Referee, Snack Machine, anyone?), and why you're not doing it wrong… you're just doing a lot.

You’ll learn practical shifts—like how to anchor instead of fix, how to respond to snack-time meltdowns with steadiness, and why “I’m bored” isn’t a crisis but a chance to build resilience. Plus: why it’s okay to not create magic, and how presence beats perfection every time.

You’re not failing summer. You’re just parenting in it. And you deserve support that feels good inside.

Get the Good Inside App by Dr. Becky: https://bit.ly/4fSxbzk

Follow Dr. Becky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbeckyatgoodinside

For a full transcript of the episode, go to goodinside.com/podcast.

As parents, the mental load is real—to-do lists, doctor’s appointments, sports practices, work events, birthday parties… Should I keep going? If your family is anything like mine, it can feel like there are a thousand things to remember and your brain is running on overdrive. What if I told you there's a way to bring a little more calm and clarity to your chaotic, always-changing family schedule?

Meet Skylight Calendar. It’s a central, easy-to-see touchscreen with clear colors, so everyone in your family can stay in the loop. As someone obsessed with efficiency, it almost feels like magic how seamlessly it syncs with all of the calendars you're already using—Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Outlook, and more. I truly see this tool as your partner in sharing the mental load with your kids AND partner.

And because life doesn't stop when you leave the house, Skylight offers a free companion app. You can add or update events, check off to-do lists, and stay in sync with your family no matter where you are. Another great feature: If you're not completely thrilled within 120 days, you can return it for a full refund. Ready to say goodbye to calendar chaos and hello to a more organized and connected family life? Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15-inch Calendars. Just go to skylightcal.com/BECKY for $30 off. This offer expires December 31, 2025.

Today’s episode is also brought to you by Sittercity. We talk a lot about support at Good Inside—emotional support, community, not having to figure out parenting on your own. Sometimes, you also need logistical support. Like, someone to watch your kid so you can make that meeting, run those errands, or finally catch up with a friend. That’s where Sittercity can be a really helpful tool. Their platform gives you a trusted way to find sitters who are kind, experienced, and show up when you need them. You can read reviews from other parents, message sitters directly, and set up interviews—all in one spot. If you’ve been meaning to find a sitter but didn’t know where to begin, this is going to make it feel a whole lot easier. Go to Sittercity.com and use the code “goodinside" for 25% off the annual or quarterly premium subscription plans.

Today’s episode is also brought to you by Great Wolf Lodge. As a mom of three kids, I’m always on the lookout for family adventures that offer something for everyone (including myself!). That’s why Great Wolf Lodge is high on our list of future destinations! They offer a world of fun, all under one roof, including water slides, a lazy river, a massive wave pool, arcade games, mini golf and nightly dance parties! With 23 locations all across North America, and more on the way, chances are there’s a Great Wolf Lodge just a short drive away from you. You can save up to 40% off on any stay at Great Wolf Lodge from now through August 31st when you book at participating lodges. Just visit GreatWolf.com and enter the promo code “GoodInside” – when you book.s