Summer. The season of sunshine, patio dinners—and stress for working parents.
When the school year ends, the routine that held your life together suddenly vanishes. But your deadlines, leadership duties, and client demands? They don’t.
For executives and entrepreneurs, this time of year brings a unique collision: increased emotional demands at home and sustained performance pressure at work. And you’re caught in the middle—trying to show up for everyone, often at the cost of yourself.
You feel guilty for not being available for your kids. You feel guilty for not being fully engaged at work. And maybe you even feel guilty for feeling guilty.
Summer break is marketed as downtime. But for high-performing parents, it can feel like a pressure cooker—where time, energy, and patience stretch thin.
I remember a July not long ago. I was on a video call with a client while my daughter stood at the door mouthing ‘Come play with me.’ I powered through the session, then later wondered why I felt so emotionally flat. Because I had split myself in half, again.
Research shows role overload (being overwhelmed by conflicting responsibilities) leads to reduced cognitive functioning and emotional regulation.
When structure disappears, so does predictability—raising stress levels and decision fatigue. If you’re constantly switching between CEO and ‘parent on demand,’ your nervous system doesn’t get to recover.
Here are three practical strategies that helped me and my clients:
- Use “Anchor Moments” Instead of Schedules
Pick 2–3 non-negotiables each week (e.g., Friday pizza night, solo walk at lunch). Let them create rhythm without rigidity. - Build Micro-Boundaries, Not Walls
Explain to your kids: ‘From 9 to 11 I’m at work. After that, I’m yours.’ The structure helps them feel secure—and helps you stay focused. - Give Yourself Grace
You’re not failing. You’re navigating two full-time jobs in one body. Presence > perfection.
Summer doesn’t have to be a season of survival. It can be a season of practice—where you learn to be more flexible, more grounded, and more kind to yourself.
And if you need a reset, I’m here. You don’t have to navigate this season alone.
📥 Contact me for my free guide: The Executive Reset: A Practical Guide to Reclaiming Your Energy
