How to Work From Home During Summer Break With Kids

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Summer break is here, which means longer days, popsicles melting faster than you can buy them, and kids suddenly appearing every time you sit down to answer an email.

If you’re trying to work from home while your kids are home for the summer, first of all, solidarity, mama.

Second, let me remind you of something important:

These summers don’t last forever.

I know your business matters. Your goals matter. And your clients matter. But these years when your kids still want to spend every waking moment with you fly by faster than we’d like to admit.

So before we dive into the productivity tips, my biggest piece of advice is this: make time to step away from work and soak up the magic of summer with your kiddos. The business will still be there tomorrow. Childhood doesn’t wait.

Now, let’s talk about how to keep your business moving forward while still making memories.

Working From Home During Summer Is Like Coaching a Soccer Game While Playing in It

Trying to work from home with kids around is a lot like being the coach, referee, player, and snack coordinator of a soccer game, all at the same time.

One minute you’re responding to a client email.

The next minute you’re settling a dispute over who touched whose Popsicle.

Then you’re back on a Zoom call while simultaneously locating a missing swimsuit, finding sunscreen, and answering a question about whether worms have eyebrows.

The multitasking is next-level.

The good news is, it teaches us a lot about patience, flexibility, and prioritization. And while summer may not be your most productive season ever, it can absolutely be a successful one.

Here are a few strategies that have helped me navigate the challenge of trying to work from home while the kiddo is home for summer break.

1. Master the Art of Using Pockets of Time

One thing motherhood teaches us is that productivity doesn’t always happen in large, uninterrupted blocks.

Sometimes it happens in tiny pockets of time. And that’s okay.

Look for opportunities throughout the day:

• Nap time
• Quiet time
• Screen time
• Early mornings
• Evenings after bedtime
• Backyard playtime while you work nearby

Some days you’ll get an hour.

Other days you’ll get fifteen minutes.

Some days you’ll answer three emails while standing in the driveway watching kids ride bikes.

Welcome to entrepreneurship, mama.

When you work from home, flexibility often becomes your greatest productivity tool. Instead of waiting for the perfect uninterrupted workday, learn to make progress in the time you have.

We become the queens of multitasking for a reason.

2. Team Up With Other Moms

One of the best productivity hacks isn’t a planner or an app.

It’s community.

Connect with other moms and organize playdates throughout the week. Consider creating a schedule where each mom takes responsibility for the kids on designated days.

For example:

• Monday: Your house
• Wednesday: Another mom’s house
• Friday: Someone else’s turn

Everyone wins.

Your kids get social time.

The moms get support.

And you’ll have dedicated windows of time to focus on your business.

As mompreneurs, we often feel like we need to do everything ourselves. But building a support system can make a huge difference, especially when you’re trying to work from home during the busy summer months.

3. Explore Local Summer Camps

If you haven’t checked out your local recreation centers, now is the time.

This is something I still take advantage of year-round by signing my kiddo up for local programs and camps. They’re usually shorter, more flexible, and much more budget-friendly than traditional camps.

Many recreation departments offer:

• Half-day camps
• Full-day camps
• Sports programs
• Art camps
• STEM activities
• Nature programs

The best part is, your kids get to spend their day having fun, making friends, and creating memories.

Meanwhile, you get focused time to work on your business without constant interruptions.

It’s a win-win situation.

Even enrolling your child in a camp for just a few mornings each week can provide enough dedicated work time to keep projects moving forward.

4. Create Clear Working Hours

This tip can be a game changer, especially if your children are old enough to understand boundaries.

Designate certain hours during the day as work time. Then communicate those expectations clearly.

For example:

“Mommy is working from 9:00 to 11:00. After that, we’ll go swimming together.”

Kids thrive on routine and predictability.

What many children really want isn’t unlimited access to your attention.

They simply want reassurance that they’ll have some of your attention.

When they know exactly when they’ll get quality time with you, they’re often much more cooperative during your work hours.

And here’s the important part:

When your work hours are over, disconnect.

Put the phone down.

Close the laptop.

Be fully present.

The quality of your time matters far more than the quantity.

Those moments of undivided attention are what your kids will remember.

5. Get Your Kids Involved

This one may sound a little counterintuitive. But hear me out.

Kids love helping. They love feeling included.And they especially love being part of what mommy is doing.

I remember when I was a kid, I LOVED being involved in anything work-related because I thought it was the coolest thing ever. My family owns a bakery, so every summer my sister and I would spend the mornings there with our dad. We’d help out, and then we’d head home with him to spend the rest of the day together.

Some of my favorite memories are the simple ones. Afternoon naps on the porch, falling asleep to the sound of wind chimes, and waking up with swollen eyes because we’d been bitten by spiders (ha!). Those are the memories I’ll cherish forever.

I also remember when my mom would bring home projects from work that involved sending mail. My sister and I loved folding letters, stuffing envelopes, sealing them, and adding stamps. We felt so important being part of what she was doing. Did she probably save any time by involving us? Questionable. Did we absolutely love it? Without a doubt.

Kids love feeling included. Get creative and think of ways you can involve your kiddos in your work, no matter their age. You might be surprised by how much they enjoy it, and the memories you’re creating along the way.

Depending on their age, maybe they can:

• Organize supplies
• Stuff envelopes
• Sort paperwork
• Help package products
• Brainstorm ideas
• Create drawings for your office
• Test products
• Help with simple social media content

Get creative.

You might be surprised how much they enjoy participating in your business journey.

And who knows? They might spark a creative idea for your business, and along the way, you could be inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Bonus Tip: Use Travel Time Wisely

Summer often means road trips, vacations, and family adventures.

Believe it or not, those travel hours can become productive opportunities.

Use those opportunities to squeeze in a little work while riding shotgun on summer road trips…just like I’m doing right now as I write this blog post.

If you’re not the one driving, consider using travel time to:

• Write blog content
• Outline social media posts
• Respond to emails
• Brainstorm new ideas
• Plan upcoming launches

Not every minute needs to be productive, but having a few flexible tasks ready can help you maximize unexpected downtime.

Reminder

If you’re trying to work from home this summer while raising kids, give yourself some grace.

Summer productivity will probably look different than productivity during the school year.

And that’s okay.

Your goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress.

Use the pockets of time you have. Lean on your community. Set healthy boundaries. Involve your kids when you can. And most importantly, make space to enjoy the season.

Because one day, the toys will be picked up, the pool towels will be put away, and the house will be quiet again.

Your business will continue to grow.

But these summer memories with your kids are the moments you’ll treasure forever.

Here’s to all the incredible Moms juggling a million things—keep shining bright, cheering each other on, and building the life you love!

Xoxo,
Ashley

Friendly Note: I’m simply sharing my journey, experiences, and lessons learned as a Mom in business. This isn’t legal, financial, or professional advice. Always check with a qualified pro for guidance tailored to you.