As the Hive Manager at Jus B Media, I’ve been working remotely long before it became the norm for many people. One of the biggest perks of working from home is the flexibility it gives me to be present for my family, especially during the summer months.
But Let’s be honest, summer break and productivity don’t always go hand in hand.
I have two boys, ages 17 and 10, and we’ve spent many summers navigating the balance between my work responsibilities and making the most of their time off from school. At this point, my boys know the routine. They understand that when Mom is sitting at her desk, she’s working and needs to focus.
Well…most of the time.
My oldest has a busy schedule of his own these days. Between friends, activities, sports, and being a teenager, he’s often coming and going. My youngest is a different story. Teaching a 10-year-old how to entertain himself while Mom works is an ongoing lesson, and some days are definitely more successful than others.
Over the years, I’ve learned one important truth: once the kids wake up, everything is fair game. That’s why I’ve stopped trying to force every summer day into a perfect schedule. Instead, I’ve learned to embrace the flexibility that comes with working remotely and focus on what matters most: meeting my deadlines, being present for my family, and giving myself grace when things don’t go according to plan.
Some days I get a ton accomplished. Other days I only cross one thing off my to-do list. And occasionally, I don’t get nearly as much done as I had planned. That’s just the reality of working from home with kids during the summer.
The good news? After many summers of trial and error, I’ve found a few strategies that help me stay productive while still enjoying this season of life. Here are the tips that have worked best for me:
- Embrace Flexibility
- Time Block Your Day
- Set Clear Boundaries
- Don’t Forget to Enjoy Summer
- Let Go of Perfection
- Make the Memories
Start with a Flexible Schedule
One of the greatest benefits of remote work is that it doesn’t always have to fit into a traditional 9-to-5 schedule.
For me, that means getting up early.
The quiet hours before anyone else wakes up are often my most productive. I use that time to tackle important projects, answer emails, review deadlines, and complete work that requires my full attention.
Once the kids are awake, the day becomes much less predictable.
Some days my youngest is happy entertaining himself. Some days friends show up at the pool. Some days family stops by unexpectedly. And some days everyone has plans elsewhere and I suddenly have an incredibly productive workday.
It’s always a gamble, and I’ve learned to roll with it.
Time Blocking Has Saved My Sanity
I’m not someone who schedules every minute of my day, but I do try to loosely block my time.
I know which tasks require deep focus and which can be done in shorter bursts. I schedule meetings and collaborative work during parts of the day when interruptions are less likely to derail me, and I save focused project work for those quieter morning hours whenever possible.
Having a general plan helps me stay on track while still allowing room for summer to happen.
Because summer is going to happen whether your calendar likes it or not.
Set Clear Boundaries Early
One thing that’s helped tremendously over the years is setting expectations with my kids.
When they were younger, that meant explaining that a closed office door or a meeting on my screen meant Mom couldn’t be interrupted unless it was important. As they’ve gotten older, they’ve become pretty good at recognizing when I’m working and when I’m available.
Kids may not always love the boundaries, but they do appreciate consistency.
The earlier you establish those expectations, the easier it becomes for everyone.
Don’t Forget to Enjoy Summer Yourself
One mistake many remote workers make is trying to power through the entire day without taking a break.
Summer is short. Don’t miss it.
One of the reasons I love working remotely is that I can step away for a few minutes and enjoy the season. Whether it’s eating lunch outside, watching the kids swim, taking a walk, or simply sitting in the sunshine with a glass of lemonade, those small breaks make a huge difference.
The work is still there when I come back, but I’m usually more focused and refreshed.
Lower the Pressure for Perfection
If you take one thing away from this blog, let it be this: Give yourself grace.
There are going to be days when you cross ten things off your to-do list. There are going to be days when you cross off one. And there are going to be days when nothing gets done at all. That’s okay.
Successful remote work during the summer isn’t about maintaining perfect productivity. It’s about finding a balance between your professional responsibilities and your personal life.
I’ve learned to separate urgent tasks from everything else. If something has a deadline, it gets done. That might mean working early in the morning or logging back in later at night after the house quiets down.
Deadlines are non-negotiable.
Everything else goes on my to-do list.
Keeping a running list helps me stay organized without stressing about when every single task will get completed. I work through those items when time allows, and if they don’t get done today, they’ll be there tomorrow.
Make Time for the Memories
Some of my favorite summer memories aren’t elaborate vacations or expensive adventures.
They’re the simple things:
- An ice cream run after dinner
- A family movie night
- A local festival
- An afternoon swimming in the pool
- A backyard fire and s’mores
Summer memories don’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.
As a mom, I’ve learned just how quickly these years go by. My 17-year-old was once the little boy asking me for snacks every twenty minutes while I worked, and closing my laptop screen when he had enough and wanted my full attention. Now he’s almost an adult with his own schedule and his own life.
That’s a reminder I carry with me every summer.
The emails will still be there tomorrow.
These summers won’t.
Enjoy This Season of Life
At Jus B Media, family comes first, and I’m grateful to work for a small business that understands that productivity and family time don’t have to compete. With realistic expectations, a little planning, and a lot of flexibility, it’s possible to meet your deadlines, support your Hive, and still make time for what matters most.
Summer is supposed to bring less stress, not more.
So enjoy the sunshine. Give yourself grace. Meet your deadlines. Make the memories.
Before you know it, the school buses will be back, the routines will return, and you’ll be wishing for just one more summer afternoon.
Here’s to productive mornings, sunny afternoons, and a summer well spent.
