Mothering the Pause: A Summer of Staying Home (Mostly)

We don’t do camps. (yet)
And while we take a few trips here and there, I’m mostly home with my kids all summer.
That’s always been the case—
But this summer feels different.

They’re getting older.
They’re 2 and 4 now—just old enough to communicate more clearly, play a little more independently, and show glimmers of who they’re becoming.

We’re still deep in the little years,
But there’s more space between the needs now.
More rhythm. More room to breathe.

And in that space, I’m finding a new version of presence.
A chance to mother differently—not louder, not busier… but softer.
This is what I call Mothering the Pause—and here are a few things I’m practicing this summer to support that.

1. Looser Screen Time Boundaries (Guilt-Free)

During the school year, screens are a weekend-only thing in our house, if at all.
But summer is its own season—with different rhythms and different needs.

So, yes… I’m letting my kids watch a little TV.
Usually a low-stimulation show like Puffin Rock or Trash Truck.
While I shower. While the little one naps. While I work or take a moment to myself.

I don’t need to be everything, all the time.
Sometimes, I need 30 quiet minutes.
And that’s okay.

2. Mom Groups: The Sanity-Saving Socials

I’ve found two local mom groups that have been absolute gold this summer.

🟢 One is a homeschool community—invite-only, quiet, word-of-mouth.
They meet weekly for Nature Club: prayer, story, activity, and free play in the woods.
It’s wholesome, peaceful, and just enough structure.

🟣 The other group I found through a friend that’s also on Instagram.
They do a hike day and a craft/story day every week. Perfect for adding rhythm to our week and getting the kids (and me!) out of the house and into community.

If you’re feeling isolated—seek out a local group. It makes all the difference.

3. The Gym: Not Just for Fitness

Our gym has childcare.
That alone is reason enough for me to go.

But it’s more than that.
This is me time that also happens to make me feel strong and capable.
This week I tried a barre class and a step class—both made me realize just how out of shape I am 😅
But also? How good it feels to move.

4. Food as Fuel (For Moms & Kids)

When I eat well, I feel better. Period.
And that goes for my kids, too.
Gut health affects mood, energy, and immunity—so what we snack on matters.

Some of our current staples:
✨ Arbonne Protein shakes (easy, fast, full of nutrients)
✨ Energy Fizz when I’m dragging through that afternoon slump
✨ GreenSynergy – Probiotics, Collagen Support, Blend of Fruits & Veggies
✨ MATCHA. Our favorite thing. My kids literally sing, “Matcha matcha mommy! I’m gonna be a matcha mommy!” 💚

My Dailly Essentials in a cart for you! ❤

Fueling our bodies on purpose is a gift I’m learning to give us every day.

For the kids, the love fresh fruit, local cheese, and I use Thrive Market to shop for organic, gluten free, no added sugar packaged snacks for on the go. Tractor Wheels and dried mangos are some of our favorites!

5. Cycle Awareness + Small Wellness Rituals

Tracking where I am in my cycle and eating accordingly (especially the week before my period) has been a game-changer.

More protein, grounding foods, and slowing down a bit (and giving myself some grace) really helps.

I also recently started using Arbonne’s Cycle Support – it helps relieve cycle symptoms (fatigue, nausea, cramping, etc) for me, MOOD management has been the biggest help ❤ (they also have supplements for menopause, hot flashes, UTI support, and prenatals!)

These small changes make a big difference.

6. Me Time + Quality Time = My Best Mental Health Combo

Here’s what I’ve learned this summer:
I don’t need to escape my life to feel better.
I need to drop into it—on purpose.

When I carve out space for me AND make space to truly see and enjoy my kids,
I’m my most grounded self.
Not perfect.
But present.

This is The Pivot Practice in Real Life

These small shifts? These are pivots.
They may not be dramatic.
But they’re life-giving.
Intentional motherhood, self-support, daily grace.

This is what I call The Pivot Practice.
And it’s what I hope to help other women create for themselves, too.

If this resonates, you might love this other Mothering the Pause post I wrote earlier this year.

Mothering the Pause: A Summer of Staying Home (Mostly)