Why Summer is So Hard for Moms

I’m going to admit something – this summer has been hard. I love my girls, and I look forward to spending time with them during summer. But summer is so hard for moms! Especially working moms. I know I’m not the only mom who feels this way – even if some of you are afraid to admit it.

Comedian Crystal Lowery wrote, “Why is summer so hard for parents? Because things have changed. When we were kids, we'd just run around town from dawn until dusk, unattended. Instead of mom slathering us with sunscreen, we burned, then peeled our damaged skin like molting snakes. Instead of sensible snacks, we'd ride our bikes to 711 to purchase fists-full of Jolly Ranchers and Atomic Fire Balls. Instead of parents entertaining us, we'd knock on our neighbor's doors and invite them out to play.”

Those days are long gone. Now, kids stay closer to home (and mom) all summer long, which makes summer exhausting.

Here are the main reasons moms struggle in the summer.

Lack of Childcare

I hate thinking of school as childcare, but the truth is I don’t have to find childcare during the school year between 8-3 because my girls go to school. For working moms, childcare during the summer is a whole thing. This is especially true when your kids are in the in-between ages – when they are too old for daycare or sitters and too young to stay home alone all day. We end up utilizing summer camps to fill the gap.

Fortunately, my girls love Chelsea Piers Summer Camp. Read all about it here!

Changes to the Routine

I am a creature of habit and so are my daughters. So, the transition from our regular school year routine to summer’s lack of routine is a challenge. Every summer, I try to create a summer routine or schedule – and it only lasts a couple of weeks before it falls apart between vacations, camps, and other outings. But when the routine disappears, the frustration begins.

Too Much Time Together

Sometimes summer provides too much time together for a family. For example, siblings are forced together for more time than usual, which results in more fighting. Being around fighting kids more often tries mom’s patience. And on and on. I love them, but I need a break. And there are far fewer breaks in the summer months.

Constant Need to Entertain

As a mom, I feel the constant pressure of society to ensure my girls are spending their time wisely and safely. So, if I allow them to binge watch TV all day, I feel guilty. If they complain they are bored, I feel like I have to find something fun and educational for them to do. And when I give up entertaining them, I have to listen to them whine and complain. It’s a lot easier to just hand them the remote or tablet.

All the Food

As my girls have gotten older, I have been amazed by how much they eat! This is especially true during the summer when they manage to eat a month’s worth of snacks in a weekend. I am constantly shopping for food and preparing food in the summer.

What makes summer hard for you? Share in the comments!

Dos and Don’ts of the First Summer Post Pandemic

After last year’s shutdown summer, and after what was one of the wildest school years ever, my girls and I were ready for summer break.

And we have been loving every minute of this post-pandemic summer! I hope you are, too!

However, now that we are in the throes of summer and school is quickly approaching, I realize I have had some wins and some fails.

So, I am taking some time today to share what I have done right (and wrong) so far in hopes it can help you make the most of your post-pandemic summer!

Don’t Overdo It

I realized very quickly into this post-pandemic summer that I was way overdoing it.

I was trying to cram everything fun in that I felt like my family missed last summer.

It started off fun, but it went south very quickly.

Basically, we were all exhausted and couldn’t go from 0-60 like I tried.

Pre-pandemic, it was normal for us to go-go-go, but we just aren’t there yet. And that’s okay.

If you are feeling worn out, slow down. There will be other summers that feel normal again.

Do Have Lowkey Fun

At the same time, fun is a must.

After burning out, I looked for ways to have lowkey fun, such as Sundaes on Sundays.

My goal was little outings that we missed out on last summer but didn’t require an entire day or a ton of energy.

What I discovered was it didn’t matter to my girls if we did something small. They were happy just to be out and feel somewhat normal again.

Don’t Stress About Screen Time

In summers past, I stressed screen time rules.

But the pandemic made all of us through our screen time rules out of the window.

And I quickly realized that trying to get my girls to fall back into old screen time rules was more trouble than it was worth.

The good news is that the pandemic introduced me to a ton of fantastic online programs, such as Tynker and iD Tech.

The quality of programming is so great that I no longer feel guilty if they are glued to their screens.

As long as my girls have spent time moving, creating, and communicating, I’m okay with them having a little extra screen time.

Plus, it means I get some time to myself.

Do Splurge

Earlier I said that my girls are totally fine doing something small, but I have tried to spoil them a bit this summer, too.

The pandemic has been really hard on our kids, and they have acted like champs.

I wanted to reward them for rolling with the punches and having a better attitude than their parents most of the time.

So, we did plan a few getaways to kid-friendly spots like DreamWorks Water Park in New Jersey.

Don’t Wait ‘Til the Last Minute to Shop for School

I remember how difficult it was to shop last year when stores didn’t have usual hours and had capacity limits.

I never want to deal with that again.

So, from here on out (pandemic or no pandemic), I am doing my back-to-school shopping sooner rather than later.

Speaking of back-to-school shopping, the next two weeks are the sweet spot for getting school clothes on sale from major retailers.

7 Fun and Safe Social Distancing Outdoor Activities for NYC Families

Things may not be quite back to normal, but there are still plenty of ways to have some summer fun with your family! This summer may be a bit more laid back in terms of big adventures, but there are plenty of little adventures around NYC that are perfect for families. Check out this list of 7 fun and safe social distancing outdoor activities for families.

Bike with the Fam

My girls love their bikes! Like most things, I have a feeling this is going to be something they eventually outgrow. So, we’re being intentional about going on bike rides as a family. Whether we bike around our neighborhood or hit up one of the off the road bike trails around NYC, it is a great way to get some exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time together.

Go to a Drive-In Movie

We sure are missing going to the movie theatre as a family, but COVID-19 has brought back the thrill of going to a drive-in movie! Drive-ins are excellent for social distancing. You stay in your own vehicle, control the volume, and enjoy new releases on the big screen. Check out Skyline Drive-In NYC to see what is playing.

Hunt for the Best Ice Cream

Eating in restaurants is still a little challenging, but finding ice cream is not. Spend the summer visiting different ice cream shops around NYC to hunt for the best one. Many of these ice cream shops offer outdoor or patio seating.

Pick Fruit

According to Mommy Poppins, “Juicy blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are usually in season from July through the end of August near NYC, and some farms even have a second crop of raspberries that ripen later in the summer.” And there are plenty of places to do some social-distance fruit picking near NYC.

Glamp Under the Stars

If your family is feeling bummed that you had to cancel your summer vacation, surprise them by taking them Glamping on Governors Island. Glamping is camping elevated for those families who like the finer things in life (like air conditioning). Even though Governor’s Island is still closed to the public, guests take a complimentary private water taxi to the campsite on the island. You’ll experience the city in a brand-new way while maintaining social distance.

Visit State Parks

If you are staying in the city throughout the summer, try to visit some of the nearby state parks. In addition to exploring a new park, many of the parks offer great activities for families, such as hiking and kayaking. Use TimeOut’s guide to the best hiking trails for NYC families to explore to help get you started on your outdoor adventures.

Drive Through a Zoo

We sure have missed seeing our favorite zoo animals, so I was thrilled to hear Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey has opened its wild safari to the public. Your family can see over 1200 wild animals from your car window!

Plus, many of the public pools in NYC will start reopening this month. Thankfully, there is no evidence that shows COVID-19 can spread through pools. Just be sure to practice social distancing around the pool areas!  

6 Things Kids Need to Do Every Day During Summer

Summer’s here, which means moms are trying to figure out how they are going to keep their kids occupied without school. With some COVID-19 restrictions still in place, it also means many moms can’t rely on summer camps to fill the days between now and the start of the next school year. You can find all sorts of summer schedules for kids online. Rather than give you a set schedule to follow, I thought it might work better just to give you a list of the six things kids need to do every day during summer break.

1. Use Their Brains

It’s important for kids to avoid the summer slide. The summer slide refers to the tendency for kids to lose what they have learned at school over the summer break. According to Scholastic, “A more recent study of children in 3rd to 5th grades also showed that students lost, on average, about 20 percent of their school-year gains in reading and 27 percent of their school-year gains in math during summer break.”

Using their brains will look different for each child – and will likely vary from one day to the next. Encourage your kids to read every day and get them to play educational apps before they play apps only designed for entertainment. You might also want to consider signing your kids up for virtual educational summer camps like iD Tech.

2. Play Outside

Playing outdoors leads to happier and healthier kids. It also forces them to turn off the TV and other electronic devices. The Child Mind Institute claims, “Most of the studies agree that kids who play outside are smarter, happier, more attentive, and less anxious than kids who spend more time indoors.”

3. Exercise Their Bodies

Not only is exercising good for their health and bodies but exercising also helps them to sleep better at night! That should be reason enough for parents to encourage their kids to stay active during the summer. Whether it is going on a family walk or turning on the radio and encouraging a dance party, parents need to encourage their kids to get up and move.

4. Create Something

Give your kids time each day to create something. This is wide open! It may mean playing with Play-Doh, coloring, crafting, building with LEGOs, or staging their own play or puppet show. The point is to encourage creativity and imagination. Parents explains, “When kids feel good while they are creating, art helps boost self-confidence. And children who feel able to experiment and to make mistakes feel free to invent new ways of thinking, which extends well beyond the craft room.”

5. Do Some Chores

We all learn best by doing. That’s why it is so important to start insisting your kids help with chores around the house. Summer is the perfect time to encourage these behaviors because you aren’t as pressed for time. By the end of the summer, your kids will have mastered the art of unloading the dishwasher.

6. Your Attention

Last but not least, every day, your kids need your attention. I don’t mean they need your attention all day every day. Instead, moms should give each kid a few minutes of one-on-one attention. This may look like reading together before bed or simply putting your phone down for a few minutes to talk about their favorite things. A little bit of your attention every day will go a long way.

5 Summer Backyard Goals

If you have ever had summer backyard goals, summer 2020 is the year to get it done. With many places still closed or at limited capacity due to COVID-19, our summer vacations are bound to look different. Since we will be spending more time in our own backyards, it just makes sense to make our backyard an oasis for our families.

If you want a perfect backyard escape, these are the five things you need. Keep in mind, this is for families lucky enough to have a backyard. If you are in an apartment or simply don’t have adequate backyard space, think of ways you can incorporate these ideas into your indoor space.

Comfortable Seats for the Whole Family

Your outdoor space needs comfortable seating for the whole family. After running and playing in the sun, you need somewhere comfortable to sit and relax. One of my favorite backyard décor items is my swing chair. It is stylish and comfy. I also splurged on an adorable chaise lounge designed for kids.

Somewhere for Food and Drinks

In addition to seats, you need somewhere to sit your food and drinks. Whether you purchase an old-fashioned picnic table or go all-in for sophisticated patio furniture, choose a quality piece. Outdoor furniture should be made to be long-lasting and to withstand a variety of outdoor elements.

A Playground for Your Kids

Unfortunately, some cities and counties are still restricting kids from playing on their outdoor playground equipment because of the coronavirus. But kids need playground equipment! It helps develop their motor skills and gives them endless opportunities for imaginative play. If you’ve been debating whether you should get your own play set for the backyard, the answer is yes.

And, if your kid is a little too big for a play set, then opt for building (or buying the supplies) your own American Ninja Warrior Backyard Course. Plus, this is an excellent way for kids to wear themselves out playing so they’ll sleep better at night!

PHOTO: www.ltdcommodities.com

Games for the Adults

Kids shouldn’t be the only ones who get to enjoy the backyard. With all the different outdoor games available, choose the one that will be the most fun for you and your spouse and friends to play. You can choose from corn hole, giant yard dice, and giant Jenga. All of these yard games can be DIY or be purchased.

A Way to Cool Off

Last but not least, you need a place to cool off. It may not be super hot right now, but we know it is coming. That’s why it is so important to have a way to cool off in your backyard. Of course, it would be amazing if we all could have our own backyard pools, but I know that isn’t feasible. But, go ahead and stock up on the water toys, like sprinklers and slip and slides.

When it comes to other ways to cool off, start with finding shade. If you have natural shade, place your seats here. If you do not have natural shade, invest in an umbrella.

Let Your Clothes Give You a Tropical State of Mind

The 2020 summer is going to look much different from any other summer I’ve ever known. It is looking more and more like we won’t be going on as many summer vacations to beautiful destinations. And, I’m not going to lie, it has had this traveler feeling a little down in the dumps.

But instead of wallowing about all the places I won’t get to go this summer vacation, I am choosing to lift my spirits by embracing a summer vacation mindset wherever I wind up. So bring on the drinks with little umbrellas and bring on the summer fashion!

Of all the times for tropical, beach fashion to be all the rage, this is the year! I guess we all want to have a tropical state of mind, even if we aren’t traveling to our favorite tropical destinations. If you need a fashion pick-me-up, here are some of my favorite summer fashion trends.

All About Raffia and Tropical Prints

From designer brands to Target, resort wear is 100% in. According to Italist, “A 2020 fashion trend and predominant aesthetic for Spring-Summer is natural and tropical-inspired style. Specifically, bags and shoes constructed of woven raffia, rope, bamboo, and other plant-derived materials that evoke a certain summertime slowness that we desperately need.”

You have probably seen fashion featuring raffia, which is made from palm leaves, showing up everywhere from runways to department shoes. It is used for handbags and added to the wedges of shoes. It shouts “tropical escape.”

In addition to raffia material, tropical prints are back in a big way. Whereas Hawaiian print shirts were once deemed unfashionable and only worn by older men, they are now all the rage. Not only are these tropical shirts back in fashion for men, but women are also embraced tropical prints for clothing. Tropical prints embrace tropical flowers, trees, oceans, islands, gardens, flamingos, and more.

If you want to embrace a tropical state of mind, even while staying in New York City, these are a few ways to add a vacation feel to your wardrobe.

For Your Bags

The raffia trend is huge when it comes to handbags. Even if the material is not truly raffia, you can find plenty of woven bags that are in fashion. Whether you are making a quick run to a store or finally heading back to the office, this tropical bag will remind you that summer is here.

For Your Shoes

When it comes to summer shoes, it is easy to embrace all things tropical. From raffia wedges to floral slides, tropical is in! If you treat your feet like they are on vacation, your mind will follow.

For Your Clothing

As I already mentioned, tropical prints are back in! While some women are ready to go all-in and dress head to toe in tropic prints, other women may want to just add a kimono to their wardrobe. Either way, a fun, bright print that reminds you of all things summer is just what you need to lift your spirits.

For Your Face

Last but not least, trick yourself into believing you are on vacation the next time you leave the house by sporting a tropical print face mask! You can even find face masks with the same tropical print as your resort wear clothing.

Summer Safety Tips for Kids

Even though New York families are still pushing through distance learning, Memorial Day weekend unofficially marks the start of summer. While everyone is firing up the grills and heading outdoors this weekend, I thought it would be a good time to review summer safety tips for kids.

Protect Their Skin

Did you know the sunburns your kids get when they are children can result in skin cancer later in life? It’s true. That’s why it is so important to make them put on sunscreen with SPF whenever they play outside. It is also wise to invest in some children’s clothing with UV protection. You should also try to limit their exposure to the sun’s strongest UV rays that occur during the middle of the day. Instead, aim to play outside in the morning or the early evening.

Keep Them Hydrated

Dehydration is a serious problem on hot summer days, especially for kids. That’s why it is so important to make sure they are drinking enough water. Children’s Health suggests, “The amount of water a child should drink varies by age, weight and activity level. However, a general rule is take half of your child's weight (up to 100 pounds) – and that's the number of ounces of water they should drink every day.”

Teach Them the Pool Rules

My girls love swimming and going to the pool is a regular activity for us. But, even so, I make a point to teach my daughters the pool rules and teach them to swim. During the summer, the number of pool-related injuries is alarming. For example, running around the slippery pool deck is a leading cause of emergency dental visits during the summer. And, sadly, “drownings are the leading cause of injury death for young children ages 1 to 4.” Adults should always supervise kids at the pool.

Keep Them Cool

Even kids can suffer from heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion. That’s why you should never leave your kids in a parked car. Also, kids should be dressed appropriately for the summer temperatures in lightweight and loose clothing. You should also avoid being outdoors during the hottest parts of the day – the hottest part of the day is typically 3 pm.

Make Them Wear Helmets

Whenever your kids are enjoying any activities with wheels, such as riding bikes, roller skating, or skateboarding, they need to be wearing helmets. According to Children’s Health, “Apart from automobiles, bicycles are related to more childhood injuries than any other consumer product. Wearing a helmet is the first rule to preventing serious bicycle injuries in kids.”

Protect Them from Bugs

When spending time outdoors in a locale where bugs are biting, be sure to use insect repellant. Insects, like mosquitos and ticks, can bite and spread disease. Plus, bug bites are super annoying. You can also avoid getting bit by saying no to strongly scented soaps and lotions.

Summer Safety Tips During the Time of COVID

The summer of 2020 will look different than previous summers because we are still dealing with COVID-19. As a result, it means there are some additional summer safety measures parents will need to consider. For example, kids (and parents) are still encouraged to practice social distancing. Plus, as pools and other kid-friendly spaces open back up, parents should remind kids not to share anything – especially things like swim goggles or nose clips.

Last Minute Getaway Ideas for This Upcoming Labor Day Weekend

What better way to say goodbye to summer than a quick Labor Day getaway? This summer has flown by, and I am looking for ways to send summer off with a bang with my little family. I’m thinking a trip is in the works. Labor Day weekend begins next Friday once you clock out of work, so you’ve only got a week to make your plans. I’m here to help with some road trip destinations near NYC and some good ideas for a last-minute international flight.

The Adirondacks and Lake Placid

Drive Time = 5 Hours

If you are looking for an outdoor adventure within driving distance of NYC, look no further than Lake Place in the Adirondacks. Your whole family will enjoy the scenic views, and you will find plenty of things to do outdoors, such as hiking, paddle boarding, or golfing.

Rhode Island Beaches

Drive Time = 3 Hours, 15 Minutes

If you want to enjoy some family beach time, head towards one of the Rhode Island beaches, such as Narragansett Beach, Salty Brine State Beach, or Roger Wheeler State Beach. These quaint seaside towns cater to beach-loving families. Families will love watching the fishermen, riding bikes, and eating their share of seafood.

Ocean City, New Jersey

Drive Time – 2 Hours, 15 Minutes

Did you know that nearby Ocean City has been named New Jersey’s favorite beach multiple years in a row and was even named Best Beach in America in 2016 by Coastal Living? When you visit, it is easy to see why. This is a super family-friendly beach destination complete with a boardwalk, an amusement park, and beautiful beaches.

The Great New York State Fair

Drive Time = 4 Hours

If your idea of saying bye to summer involves a wild and crazy time for your kids, then head to The Great New York State Fair in Syracuse, which runs from August 21st – September 2nd. This is the oldest state fair in America, and they do it big! In addition to the typical fair rides and food, this state fair also has crazy good entertainment, such as concerts by famous musicians over Labor Day weekend.

Best Last-Minute International Spots

For those families looking for a last-minute jet-setting adventure, I found some great tips on Kayak. For example, Kayak suggests, “If you’re looking for an international bargain, head north or south — not east or west. Based on last year’s data, destinations in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean shine through as affordable escapes, with median airfares barely breaking $300 roundtrip for Labor Day. Noticeably absent from the list? Destinations in Europe, Africa or Asia.”

What are you planning to do with your family this Labor Day Weekend? Let me know in the comments!

10 Awesome August Events for Families in NYC

August has arrived, which means summer will be over before we know it. So, we’d better do our best to enjoy every last minute we have! Thankfully, there is tons of fun things to do in NYC for families this month – everything from delicious food events to outdoor carnivals. You can even go ahead and visit the nearby apple orchards and stock up before fall.

Today, I am highlight 10 family-friendly NYC happenings in August, so get your calendar ready!

Restaurant Week

As a foodie, you know I am super pumped for Restaurant Week 2019. Running from July 22—Aug 16th, Restaurant Week offers deals at over 370 restaurants with prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner. TimeOut has a guide for places to take the kids during Restaurant Week.

Manhattan’s Summer Streets

Saturdays in August mean car-free days in Manhattan where families are encouraged to use other means of travel (i.e., bikes, scooters) for a 7-mile stretch. Along this route, there are rest stops with family-friendly activities.

Bronx Zoo’s Dinosaur Safari

If you haven’t taken the family to Dinosaur Safari at the Bronx Zoo, make plans to visit before this exhibit closes in early November. Your kids will love seeing the 40 animatronic dinosaurs and the fossil dig.

Photo: Alliance for Coney Island Sand Sculpting Competition

Sand Sculpting Contest

The 29th Annual Sand Sculpting Competition will take place on August 17th at the Coney Island Beach. These sand sculptures are incredible and totally worth the trip!

Fly NYC

For a more laidback family adventure, check out FlyNYC Kite Flying Festival on Saturday, August 17th at Riverside Park. If you don’t have a kite of your own, kite kits are provided until they run out.

Photo: NYC-ARTS

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

This weekend, head to Queens for the amazing Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Your family will marvel at the custom-made boats and enjoy cultural favorites (i.e., music, demonstrations, food, and bubble tea).

Hercules in Central Park

The Disney version of Hercules is being performed in Central Park in the evenings from August 31st – September 4th. Not only will kids love this live theater experience, but parents will appreciate that it is FREE!

Smorgasburg

Back to food again, because, of course! Smorgasburg is held Saturdays and Sundays during August in Prospect Park. You can try a wide variety of dishes and treats.

Richmond County Fair

Take the family to an old-fashion county fair (and Staten Island’s one and only) from August 31st to September 2nd. This is a wonderful way to send out summer.

Summer Outdoor Movies

Families have tons of options for free outdoor movies this summer in NYC. Check out this list of outdoor movies in NYC from the New York Times and make plans to get there early!

Photo: Whitney Browne of YYDC on Battery Dance Festival

Battery Dance Festival

Make plans to spend time at New York’s longest-running dance festival. The Battery Dance Festival will be held August 11th – 16th at Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park.

Which NYC event are you most looking forward to enjoying with your family this month? Let me know in the comments!

How to Survive an NYC Heat Wave

Last week in New York was brutal! A crazy heatwave hit, and it was sweltering. Those of us who call NYC home aren’t accustomed to temps this high – and apparently, the city as a whole isn’t either since 50,000 lost power!

Now before you think I am overreacting, you should know that this heatwave was deadly. This last heatwave has been blamed for at least 6 deaths. A heatwave of this magnitude should be taken seriously. Unfortunately, for many of us, we don’t know how to handle a heatwave because we don’t deal with them frequently.

So today I’m sharing tips on how to survive an NYC heatwave so we can all be better prepared next time.

Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

When you hear that a heatwave can be deadly, this is because high temperatures can cause heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is more serious than heat exhaustion. If you suspect you or someone else is suffering from heat stroke, you need to call 9-1-1 immediately.

To distinguish between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, refer to the above illustration. The basic idea is if you start to feel unwell, it is best to get indoors and try to cool off.

Fill Up on H2O

Next, if you know it is going to be hot, it is best to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Take a water bottle with you wherever you go. If you are forced to be outdoors, it is even a good idea to wet your clothes with cool water.

Dress Lightly

Another way to stay cool is to dress appropriately for the hot temperatures. Avoid any clothing that is tight or made of thick fabrics. Instead, you should wear light, loose clothing that allows your skin to breathe easier. Fortunately, there are plenty of fashionable options that are designed for hot temperatures, such as sundresses and palazzo pants.

Stay Wet

If you simply can’t stay indoors and must go outdoors, choose water activities where you can stay wet. For example, my daughters enjoyed early morning swims. They got some of their daily physical activity in the pool before it reached the hottest point of the day.

Use This as an Excuse to Bond Indoors

Finally, the best way to survive an NYC heatwave is to stay indoors! Use the excessive heat as an excuse to hang out at home, catch up on indoor tasks, and bond with your family. My daughters entertained us with dancing performances and comedy routines. We relaxed and just enjoyed the time we had with one another without all the distractions we usually have.

A heatwave is the perfect excuse to make some homemade popsicles, bust out your favorite board games, and watch classic films. When you start to feel stir-crazy, just remind yourself the heatwave will be over before you know it, winter will arrive, and you will be begging for the summer to return.