EP 11: The Secret to a Happier Summer: Rhythm, Not Routine (and What’s Working For Us So Far)

The My Outdoorsy Mom Podcast

This week’s episode is a peek inside our first full week of summer with all three kids home — what’s working, what’s not, and why I’m leaning into rhythm instead of a rigid routine.

From snack baskets and swim team wins to my latest trick for managing screen time (hint: it involves a pantry lock and a lanyard), I’m sharing the real-life systems that are helping our summer flow.

I also open up about parenting an anxious child through new transitions, including how we navigated our middle child’s first season on the swim team — and why trusting our kids sometimes means gently nudging them forward.

Plus, I’m recapping my May R.E.P.O.R.T. (Reading, Eating, Playing, Obsessing, Recommending, and Treating) with summer inspiration, easy meal ideas, and encouragement for your own season of motherhood.

🎧 Tune in for:

• Our Daily Five checklist boards (and how it earns screen time)

• The best summer parenting hack: snack baskets

• How we’re encouraging independent play with Yoto Players

• Swim team lessons for my sensitive kiddo

• Why rhythm > rigid routine

• My May R.E.P.O.R.T. including a perfect pasta salad and a new Old Navy find

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:

• Yoto Player + 10% off link

• Daily Five checklist boards

• Read about why the Yoto is our MVP for the Summer

• Shop our favorite Yoto Cards

• Bogg Bag

• Lauren @thekinected_ot on Instagram

• The white Old Navy boxy tee

• Outdoorsy Little Explorers Monthly Activity Guide Subscription

*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you decide to make a purchase. I only share products I genuinely love and use with my own family. Thanks for supporting My Outdoorsy Mom!