Summer in the Midwest just isn’t quite long enough for my taste. The pressure is on to enjoy the summer months! There are so many fun activities and it can be stressful to make sure you get it all in.
I recently read Why Just Survive When You Can Thrive: Tips for Thriving This Summer With Your Kids*. Keri provides great tips to help you plan your summer.
{Update} This book has been relaunched in May 2016. Check out Why Just Survive When You Can Thrive.
Because my kiddos aren’t in school, I don’t feel as much pressure to get everything in. I am sure that once they are old enough to be in school, I will feel the need to cram all the fun summer activities in.
One of my favorite tips Keri shares is to let go of the unrealistic expectation of the perfectly planned summer. I agree that you need to keep it simple so you can enjoy the summer months rather than focus on unmet expectations.
She mentions a struggle with comparing her summer with others as she saw what they were posting on social media. She realized that there is no use in comparing and feeling the mom guilt. She encourages reaching out to make real connections rather than just browsing social media and falling into the comparison trap.
Keri provides simple and helpful steps to help you plan your summer. She mentions embracing the gifts God has given you and evaluating the season of life you are in. That will help you focus on your gifts and your family when making plans.
Keri mentions that a worn down mama will struggle to be of any use. She has great tips for taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Why Just Survive When You Can Thrive has great ideas for having a summer routine. I’m sure the “I’m Bored Jar” would come in handy with older children. The book has a resource section at the end that lists ideas for summer fun. I was taking notes on her long list of ideas, especially the outside fun activities. Her Ice Chalk Activity looks fun!
Why Just Survive When You Can Thrive is a quick read that is perfect for helping a stressed out mom plan her summer. Keri provides simple advice to help you plan your summer without becoming overwhelmed.
Get the updated book here:
Why Just Survive When You Can Thrive.
Check out Keri’s blog: Keri Lynn Snyder.
I received Why Just Survive When You Can Thrive to review and I was not financially compensated in any way for this post. All opinions expressed are my own. *Asterisk denotes affiliate link.
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Rachel says
Thanks for this review! I need to check this book out… sounds like a perfect way to prepare for our summer. One more week!! :)
admin says
The book would go along well with your great summer post! Thanks for stopping by, Rachel!
Keri says
Thanks for sharing Emily! So glad you enjoyed it!
Judith says
This looks like a good read before summer so the days don’t slip away without any planning. Thanks for sharing.
admin says
Yes, it takes the stress out of planning.
Maren says
As a kid I remember my mom keeping us to a schedule in the summers. Twice a week we swam, one day we went to the movies, and the other two we relaxed around the house. I think a lot of the summer bucket lists look like so much fun and help make good use of the time. Having a few days without any plans are always nice as well!
admin says
What a fun schedule you had! Thanks for sharing. I always love having days without plans also.
Alison Bayne says
Just found you at The Art of Homemaking Mondays blog hop where I have just linked up. We were thinking along similar lines as I posted about a Summer Survival Calendar – you have to a routine, I think.
We in the UK only have six weeks’ holiday off school in the summer but I understand it is longer in the US – I would go SPARE!
Best wishes from England
Michele Morin says
Great review! Sounds like a practical and encouraging read! Glad to be your neighbor at Women with Intention!
Celi says
This is awesome! I’m always looking for ways to keep them busy during summer maybe this will be my saving grace. Thanks so much for sharing, I’m definitely checking out this book. :)
admin says
The resource section had so many great ideas!!
Kristi says
Comparison is an ugly deception. I’ve not thought of it before in the mix of summer activities, but I’ll certainly be on guard. This is our first year in trad’l school after eight years of homeschooling, and summer starts this Friday. Your book review came just in time. Visiting today via #coffeeforyourheart.
admin says
I hope you found it helpful! Thanks for stopping by.
Kelly Balarie says
This sounds like just the kind of book that I could use. So many times I find myself stressed. Thank you for the great suggestion! Cheering you on from the #RaRalinkup on Purposefulfaith.com
admin says
This book definitely helps you get on track for a less stress-filled summer. Thanks for stopping by, Kelly!
lorraine williamson says
love the review will be checking this out thanks for sharing have a great week
Kelsey Ferguson says
My kids aren’t school-aged, yet, either, but it sounds like this might be a great book for us. I struggle with feeling guilty over not having perfectly planned weeks and playdates, etc… Thanks for sharing! (Visiting from Fellowship Friday!)
admin says
If you struggle with feeling guilty, this book would be perfect! Keri helps navigate the reader through that.
Terri Presser says
Thank you for sharing this book review with us at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings
Deborah says
Sounds like a good read. Letting go of “perfect” expectations is definitely a good first step toward enjoying life and thriving.
Blessings,
admin says
Yes, getting rid of the perfect expectations isn’t just a summer planning thing. It does matter for all of life!
Jenny @ Women With Intention says
New book to add to the summer reading list! Thanks for linking up at Women With Intention Wednesdays!
admin says
It’s a quick read with great info. :)
Betsy (BPhotoArt.com) says
What a great book title. I love that mentality. And the activities sound fun too.
I’ve pinned your post, thanks for sharing at #SmallVictoriesSundayLinkup …hope to see you again this week!
admin says
The activities are great! Thanks for pinning. :)