Just because the kids are home doesn’t mean your business and sanity must fall apart. This new summer routine has been a total revelation. We’re so excited! We’ve used it a bit already, and I’ve dabbled with it in years past, but I’ve really honed it in this year. I can’t wait to show you how I plan on juggling work-from-home life with kids in tow, without the chaos, interruptions, or guilt.

Listen Below For The Entire Episode On The Systemize Your Life Podcast

Welcome to the Systemize Your Life Podcast. I’m your host, Chelsi Jo. I help work-from-home moms escape overwhelm, find order, and reclaim control. I share systems that help you manage your time, home, family, and business — all without losing yourself in the process.

Today, I’m walking you through the exact structure I’m using every day this summer. If you want to know exactly what our days look like, this is your episode.

Why You Need a Summer Routine

This summer routine is hands-down the most flexible, realistic, and kid-friendly structure we’ve ever used — and trust me, I’ve tested a lot over the years.

If you’re feeling stretched thin before summer even starts, if you’re secretly dreading the endless snack requests and screen-time negotiations while trying to squeeze in work hours, I see you. You’re not alone. The truth is, summer doesn’t have to be chaotic or survival mode. With a solid routine in place, you can actually enjoy your kids and get your work done, without relying on screens or losing your sanity.

This system creates breathing room for everyone in your home. It helps you protect your work hours, gives your kids the predictability they crave, and frees up space for spontaneous summer fun. If you’re ready to stop feeling behind and start owning your days again, this routine is for you.

How the Summer Routine Works

The basic layout of our summer routine is a 2-3 block system. This isn’t about rigid schedules or feeling chained to the clock — it’s about creating a flow that fits your family’s unique rhythm while keeping everyone happy and productive.

I’ll walk you through exactly what happens in each part of the day, how to make it flexible (because life with kids always throws curveballs!), and how this simple structure helps you protect your work time and still enjoy those sweet summer moments with your crew.

The Concept

If you’ve been here before, you know I’m a huge fan of the five-block method — it’s been my secret weapon for years. And even in summer, that hasn’t changed.

I keep my morning routine block sacred — that quiet time before the kids wake up when I can sip coffee and center myself. And the nighttime routine block still happens after the kids go to bed. Those two blocks are my anchors.

But summer throws a curveball — there’s this massive stretch of unstructured time in the middle of the day. If you don’t plan for it, it will absolutely run your day for you.

So here’s what I do: I split the middle of the day into two chunks — an AM Block and a PM Block — with lunch as a solid anchor point right in the middle.

Because we live in Arizona, where summer heat can turn the backyard into a literal oven, outdoor free play like some families have just isn’t an option for hours on end. My kids can’t just run around outside all day. Instead, we spend time in air-conditioned spaces or go to fun indoor places.

So the routine looks like this:

• AM Block: From wake-up until lunch. This is when we tackle active stuff — errands, learning, chores, or outings.
  
• Lunch: The important reset and refuel moment that helps everyone pause and regroup.
  
• PM Block: From after lunch until bedtime. This is the calmer part of the day, where we slow down, keep screens limited, and flow through the evening routine.

And here’s the secret sauce — each big block breaks down into three simple parts that keep us grounded and moving through the day smoothly.

Breaking Down the Summer Routine AM Block

Summer might feel like it should be all sunshine and spontaneity, but if you’re anything like me, a little structure goes a long way in keeping things from turning into total chaos. I’m all about giving my kids space to be kids, while also teaching them responsibility, independence, and rhythms that actually work.

This part of our summer routine lays the foundation for peaceful mornings and sets the tone for the rest of the day. Here’s how we keep things simple, purposeful, and running smoothly.

1. Summer Morning Routine

Wake up, get dressed, make your bed, brush your teeth. That’s it. No breakfast, no screens, nothing until those four things are done. This is different than our weekend rhythm, and it’s intentionally setting a tone that summer is not a free-for-all.

2. Contribution & Breakfast

This is when the family gets moving. Dishes, feeding the dog, setting the table, unloading the dishwasher — everyone helps. It’s not just about chores; it’s about learning to contribute. And we’re using this time to teach the value of pitching in when work is being done.

My kids choose their contribution. I don’t use a list. If someone tries to skip this, they don’t get to move into free play.

3. Free Play

After breakfast and contributions, they go into free play. We use a whiteboard menu of options we created together. They have to choose three activities before they can watch anything.

The rule: Do three before TV. And they have to clean up one before moving on to the next.

TV is reserved for a family-friendly show or movie. Not screens or devices. Sometimes they don’t even want it, which is great!

Summer Routine Transition Time: Lunch

Lunch in our home isn’t just about food—it’s a natural pause in the day that helps us reset and re-center. By this point, the kids have already played hard, helped around the house, and moved through their morning routine, so lunch becomes a moment to slow down.

Sometimes they sit together and chat, other days they eat separately, depending on their moods or what’s going on. I don’t force it. The flexibility here matters. But what doesn’t change is what comes after.

Once lunch is over, we ease right back into our rhythm—only this time, we walk it backwards. It’s the same flow, just in reverse. It keeps the day grounded, gives the kids predictability, and honestly makes the afternoons way more peaceful for everyone.

Summer Routine PM Block in Action

The PM Block is where all the intention we’ve built throughout the day really starts to pay off. By this point, everyone knows the rhythm, and we’re just guiding the ship gently to shore.

This block mirrors the morning—free play, contribution, and routine—but with a softer, slower pace that helps us transition into a calm evening. If you’ve ever felt like bedtime is pure chaos, this is your chance to shift that.

With just a little structure and consistency, your evenings can feel peaceful, connected, and (dare I say) even enjoyable.

1. Free Play

As we head into the afternoon, the guided play menu comes back into rotation. Just like in the morning, the rule is still “three before TV.” They get to choose from our pre-written list of creative, independent activities—things like puzzles, LEGO builds, outside play, or crafts.

This helps them take ownership of their time while giving them some structure. If they want to veg out with a movie or show, they’ve got to move through their three activities first. And yes, they still need to clean up one before moving on to the next. That expectation doesn’t go away—it builds consistency, keeps our home tidy, and helps them learn the value of finishing what they start.

2. Contribution & Dinner

This is where we wrap up the day with more teamwork. While I’m starting dinner, the kids help around the house again. It’s not a punishment—it’s just part of being in a family.

Whether they’re wiping counters, setting the table, feeding the pets, or even helping with food prep, they know their contributions matter. I don’t hand out gold stars or create elaborate chore charts here. It’s simple: if something needs to be done, we do it together. And yes, there are days when this is more of a “we’re learning to be cheerful helpers” situation, but over time, the rhythm becomes familiar — and that familiarity brings peace.

3. Bedtime Routine

Evenings end the same way every day: with our predictable, peaceful bedtime routine. Baths or showers, jammies, brushing teeth, reading a book, or having a quiet chat — whatever your routine looks like, keep it consistent.

This time isn’t just about getting them to bed; it’s about reconnecting, settling their hearts, and closing the day calmly. Kids thrive on knowing what to expect, especially after a full day of play and movement. This rhythm helps everyone, including you, wind down without resistance or overwhelm.

Pro Tip: I say this often because it is that important! Remind your kids to clean up before moving to the next thing. Every. Single. Time. It’s not nagging; it’s training.

You’re teaching them how to be focused, how to take responsibility for their space, and how to be part of a home that runs smoothly. These little habits add up to a whole lot of peace in your home—and that’s worth every reminder.

What About Work Time In My Summer Routine?

Some days I work during the AM block, and other days I shift things to the PM. Blaine and I take turns depending on what’s going on that week, and sometimes, when we’re both deep in a project, we’ll tag-team the mornings and leave our evenings wide open for family time.

And guess what? Our kids actually love it. They get pockets of independence during free play, and they know that later, we’ll all be together, fully present and not juggling deadlines while trying to connect.

Pro Tip: Plan your business seasonally. I intentionally scale back my business in the summer so it doesn’t overwhelm our rhythm.

Take some time to really think about when working fits best for you. Have a conversation with your spouse or support system. Pull out your calendar, look at your blocks, and start plugging in your focused work hours in a way that complements—not competes with—your family life. When you plan with intention, everything flows more smoothly.

Guided Free Play Ideas

We sat down as a family and made this list together—it wasn’t just me rattling off tasks or brainstorming solo. I wanted my kids to feel ownership over their time, so we made it fun and collaborative.

We grabbed a whiteboard, talked through what felt exciting, creative, and doable, and then wrote our final list on the fridge where everyone could see it. That way, there’s no guessing, no “I’m bored,” and no excuses when it’s time to pick an activity.

Here are a few of our favorite go-to ideas:

• Music
  
• Crafts
  
• Painting & Drawing
  
• Baking
  
• Water Play
  
• Gymnastics & PT
  
• Reading
  
• Board Games
  
• Dolls & Dress-Up
  
• Slime & Play-Doh
  
• Shopkins & Littlest Pet Shop
  
• Job Board (earn money!)
  
• Letter Writing
  
• Boredom Buster Cards

Pro Tip: Make your own boredom buster jar with ideas from ChatGPT, or write some together.

Planning for Boredom In Your Summer Routine

Let’s be honest—they’re going to get bored, and that’s okay. Boredom isn’t the enemy; it’s actually where creativity starts. But it’s also why we plan family activities, fun outings, and even vacations when we can. These little breaks keep things exciting and give everyone something to look forward to.

And if a trip isn’t in the plans, try themed weeks or days. You can theme a full week, a single day, or just one block—like Nature Week, Baking Day, or Water Play Afternoon. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just a little intention keeps things fresh without overwhelming your routine.

“Your summer doesn’t have to feel chaotic. Just a little planning and a few systems go a long way.”

Want More Support in Creating Your Summer Routine?

If this feels like a lot, don’t worry—you don’t need to do it all at once. Just start with one part of your day, like the AM block, and build from there. Keep it simple, stay consistent, and give yourself grace. Your rhythm doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to support your goals and your family.

You can enjoy summer with your kids and make progress in your business. It all comes down to having the right systems in place. That’s why I created the Summer Systems Series—a free resource to help you structure your days with intention, so you’re not constantly scrambling. If you haven’t checked it out yet, head over to chelsijo.co to dive in.

And if you’re ready to take it a step further, apply now for Systemize to Scale — my 12-month group coaching program designed to help you organize your home, streamline your business, and finally move forward with clarity. We’re welcoming new students, and I’d love to support you this summer.

If you’re not quite ready to jump into my coaching program, that’s totally okay—come join us over in the FREE Systemize Your Life Facebook group! It’s an amazing space to ask questions, share your wins, and connect with other women who are working on building their summer routines too.

Come join us, and let’s build a summer rhythm that works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the summer routine?

It’s a simple structure that breaks your day into AM and PM blocks, creating predictable rhythms for your kids and focused, intentional work time for you. No more juggling all the things at once or feeling like you’re constantly falling behind. This gives your family the flow they need to thrive, and gives you the space to show up for your business without the overwhelm.

Can this work with toddlers and very young kids?

Absolutely. You might need to adjust your expectations a bit, especially if your kids are younger—you’ll likely be more hands-on during free play, offering guidance and helping them transition between activities. But the routine still works, and it still brings that structure and peace your home needs. Even with little ones, the consistency creates a sense of security and helps you establish rhythms that will grow with your family over time.

What if my kids resist cleaning up or doing contributions?

Stay consistent—it truly is the key to making your routine stick. Set clear expectations, communicate them with love, and follow through every single time. Kids thrive when they know what to expect and see you modeling the behavior you want from them.

Show them how to clean up after themselves, how to transition calmly, and how to take responsibility for their space. And when they forget or push back (because they will!), remind them gently but firmly. You’re not being mean—you’re teaching. And over time, those small, steady efforts will shape habits that last.