To the Moms Holding It All (Barely) Together This Summer—You’re Not Alone

Let’s be real: Summer “break” for moms?

Yeah. That’s cute.

It’s less sipping iced coffee in the sun and more juggling snacks, sunscreen, screentime guilt, sibling fights, and that deep, underlying feeling of I love my kids so much… but if they touch me one more time, I might scream into a pillow.

I had a moment the other day that I want to share with you.

I was at the car wash, just trying to get one freaking thing off my to-do list, when I spotted another mom a few cars down. Her kid opened the car door mid-wash (cue the chaos), and I could hear the shouting and bickering inside her car.

She snapped: “I DON’T CARE!” And I mean snapped in a way that old, pre-kids me would have probably judged hard.

But standing there, covered in soap suds and empathy, I just smiled.

Because I got it. I really, truly got it.

We’ve all had those “I don’t care” moments. The ones where we’re tapped out, overstimulated, and so damn tired of refereeing tiny humans who somehow need you constantly but also don’t listen to anything you say.

And here’s my confession: Even with all the coaching certifications, nervous system training, trauma-informed tools, and good intentions—I still lose it. I still say things I don’t mean.

Like this summer when I was so frustrated with Kieran that I threatened to send him to a camp or worse, to live with another family. (I know. Oof. It felt just as awful coming out as it does writing it now.)

And yes, we repair.

And yes, I know better.

But sometimes, I still mess up—because I’m human.

And so are you.

This isn’t a “here’s how to fix it” blog today.

It’s a “I see you, girl” blog.

I see the version of you who’s trying so hard to make this summer magical while also fantasizing about a solo weekend in a silent hotel room.

I see the one who feels guilty for snapping but also wants five minutes of not being touched or talked to.

I see you balancing it all—work, home, groceries, your own mental health—on a very wobbly plate.

And I want to say:

✨ You’re doing better than you think.

✨ You’re allowed to have moments.

✨ You’re not failing. You’re just full.

So tell me—how’s your summer really going?

Drop a story in the comments or send me a message.

No shame. No sugarcoating. Just realness.

Let’s hold space for each other through the mess and magic.

With love (and probably not even wearing a bra),

Ashley