Summer Break, Not Sanity Break: Watching My Sister Parent in the Heatwave of Chaos
I don’t have kids, but I’ve seen what summer does to parents—up close and unfiltered. My sister has two adorable, high-energy kids and let me tell you… summer break at her house is not all sunshine and sidewalk chalk. It’s chaos. Beautiful, snack-demanding, sticky chaos.
Between endless snack requests, sibling squabbles over who gets the blue bowl (yes, the bowl), and the pressure to make “core summer memories,” she’s basically one meltdown away from renaming the house Camp Overwhelmed.
Meanwhile, I’m over here watching from the sidelines, child-free with my iced coffee and deep respect.
In my latest blog, I’m sharing the hilarious, honest truth about parental summer stress, what I’ve learned from watching my sister survive it, and why we need to stop expecting parents to be camp counselors with full-time jobs and glitter tolerance.
Because sometimes, cereal is dinner. And that’s more than okay.
The Summer Spiral (aka Why I Almost Cried in Target Over a Swimsuit)
Every year, summer shows up with sunshine, longer days, and an avalanche of pressure. Suddenly, it’s all about glow-ups, beach bodies, perfectly planned vacations, and backyard BBQs where everyone somehow looks like they belong in a lifestyle magazine.
Meanwhile, I’m just trying to find a tank top that doesn’t stick to my back and survive Target’s fitting room without crying. (Spoiler: I didn’t make it. I ate loaded fries in the parking lot instead.)
The Summer Spiral is real, friend—and it’s not just about body image. It’s the social pressure, the mom guilt, the financial stress, the comparison trap, and the feeling that you’re somehow falling behind in a season that’s supposed to feel easy.
In my latest blog, I’m sharing my personal summer meltdowns, what I’ve learned about reclaiming peace, and why stretchy clothes, boundaries, and snacks are the holy trinity of summer survival.
Because this year? I’m opting out of the spiral—and you can too.
Your Body is Not a Project This Summer
Summer’s rolling in, and so is the pressure—everywhere you turn, it’s “get beach-ready!” and “drop 10 pounds by Friday!” like we’re all contestants on some weird reality show called Extreme Body Makeover: Swimsuit Edition. Trust me, I’ve been there—canceling plans, stressing over outfits, and body-checking like it’s a full-time job. But here’s what I’m learning (and maybe you need to hear it too): Your body is not some Pinterest DIY project. You don’t need to “fix” yourself to enjoy sunshine, popsicles, or pool days. This summer, I’m choosing stretchy clothes, soft towels, and moving my body for joy—not punishment. No more crash diets or mirror meltdowns—just kindness, sunscreen, and snacks.
Gentle Parenting: Healing Generations One Choice at a Time
Gentle parenting isn't about perfection; it's about presence. It's a commitment to understanding, empathy, and guiding our children with respect rather than control. This approach recognizes that both parents and children are on a continuous journey of growth and learning.
At TRC, we understand that embracing gentle parenting means acknowledging our own imperfections and striving to respond to our children's needs with compassion. It's about setting boundaries with kindness, validating emotions, and fostering a secure environment where children feel seen and heard.
While the path of gentle parenting can be challenging, especially during moments of stress or when past patterns resurface, it's a path that leads to deeper connections and emotional resilience. By choosing empathy over punishment and understanding over judgment, we lay the foundation for our children's healthy development and our own healing.
Remember, gentle parenting is not about being the perfect parent; it's about being a present and mindful one. It's about choosing connection, even when it's hard, and growing together as a family.
Recognizing the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety: What Your Body is Trying to Tell You
Recognizing the physical symptoms of anxiety is an important first step in managing it.