Ah, late July into August—that weird in-between place where sunscreen feels like a second skin, popsicles have lost their sparkle, and no one knows what day it is anymore. You’ve already vacationed (or attempted to), grilled, chased fireflies, and now… everyone’s cranky, hot, and over it.
Including you. Especially you.
This is The Summer Stretch—those long, hazy, post-trip days where the energy is off, everyone’s restless, and Target is already throwing back-to-school displays at your face like a dare.
So what’s a moody mama of tweens (or just a beautifully burnt-out human) to do?
Let’s talk survival. Let’s talk soul-savers. Let’s talk lazy meals, low-effort joy, and tiny moments of peace in a house full of eye-rolls.
Soul-Saving Family Activities (That Don’t Involve You Losing Your Sanity)
These aren’t “Pinterest-perfect summer bucket list” ideas. These are keep-us-from-murdering-each-other activities that just might make a memory or two.
- Reverse Movie Night
Let the kids pick a movie for you. They curate snacks. They set up the living room. You just sit and watch whatever chaotic tween humor they throw your way. (You’ll laugh. You won’t want to. But you will.) - Summer Bingo
Create a quick family “Boredom Bingo” board: things like make a smoothie, read for 20 minutes, dance to one song, clean something without being asked. Winner gets to skip chores for a day. - Afternoon Drives with No Destination
Put on a playlist (throw in one song per family member), grab iced coffees or slushies, and drive country roads until someone smiles or falls asleep. Windows down. No agenda. - DIY Spa Hour
Facemasks, foot soaks, cucumber slices and all. Yes, even the boys. Especially the boys. Moody kids get weirdly tender when you hand them a warm towel and some lavender lotion. - “Teach Me Something” Hour
Let each kid teach you (and the siblings) something: a dance move, a video game skill, a craft. It’s goofy. It’s empowering. It ends in laughter 87% of the time.
Lazy, Moody-Girl Meals (No Shame, All Ease)
Summer dinners in this season? We’re going for minimal cooking, maximum satisfaction.
- Snack Plate Suppers
Cheese cubes, hummus, berries, pretzels, hard-boiled eggs, cucumber slices, leftover rotisserie chicken. No one complains. Everyone eats. - Build-Your-Own Burrito Bowls
Rice (make a bunch at once), beans, corn, shredded cheese, avocado or not, salsa, sour cream. Line it up like you’re Chipotle and let them go wild. - Breakfast-for-Dinner Nights
Pancakes, scrambled eggs, fruit. Everyone cheers. You barely lift a finger. - Pasta + Frozen Veggie Magic
Cook pasta. Dump in a bag of frozen mixed veg the last 3 minutes. Drain. Add butter or olive oil, parmesan, and done. - Takeout Tuesday (or Whenever)
No explanation needed. Budget for one night where you don’t touch a dish or plan a thing. It’s holy.
Moody Mama Moments of Peace (Because You. Are. Tired.)
This stretch of summer tends to eat moms alive. So here’s permission to opt out, zone out, or run away briefly for your own sanity.
- Porch Coffee at Sunrise (Alone)
Before the house wakes up. Just you, the birds, and the hum of cicadas. Leave your phone inside. Let the silence talk back. - Audiobook + Folding Laundry
Turn a mindless chore into a mental escape. Pick a thriller, a rom-com, or a memoir that makes you feel seen. - Afternoon Bath or Shower with the Door Locked
Midday reset. Lavender soap. The sound of no one asking where their phone charger is. - Target Run Alone (With a Beverage)
Wander. Touch throw pillows. Sniff candles. Pretend you’re making important decisions when really, you just need 45 minutes of air conditioning and eye candy. - Evening Journal Dump
Just a page. What went wrong. What went right. What you’re grateful for. What you’re really feeling. It doesn’t need to be pretty. Just real.
You’re Not Failing—It’s Just August
This isn’t the golden stretch of summer anymore. This is the melty, moody, emotional hangover of the season. And that’s okay.
You’re not doing it wrong if you’re a little short-fused. Or if the kids are suddenly feral. Or if no one knows what they want but they know they don’t want that. You’re doing just fine. We all are.
So stretch through these sticky days with grace, grit, and iced coffee. Pull out the paper plates. Lean into lazy fun. And when all else fails, remember: school starts soon.
And that, my friend, is a reason to hope.
Tell Me:
What’s your go-to move when the summer mood hits hard? Drop it in the comments—I need inspiration (and so does everyone else).
Fry, Party of Five 