Playbook for a Relaxing Family Summer

Good Morning America
Good Morning AmericaMay 30, 2026

Why It Matters

Implementing this low‑stress framework helps parents preserve work‑life balance, supports children’s development of autonomy, and prevents summer burnout for the whole household.

Key Takeaways

  • Keep a loose summer rhythm; schedule mornings, afternoons, evenings
  • Assign each child one daily responsibility to build habit
  • Treat boredom as a creative catalyst, not an emergency
  • Set intentional screen limits; avoid morning usage, intersperse activities
  • Prioritize parental self‑care; short daily breaks improve family vibe

Summary

The video features parenting expert Erica Sutter outlining a "playbook" for a relaxed yet engaging summer that fits parents' busy schedules. She recommends a loose daily rhythm—structured mornings, active afternoons, calm evenings—while ensuring each child has a simple responsibility like making the bed. Boredom is reframed as an opportunity for creativity, and screen time is managed through intentional limits and balanced with offline activities. Sutter illustrates her points with anecdotes, such as asking a bored child to help clean the kitchen or allowing a family member to watch the World Cup while the child plays soccer. She also emphasizes the need for parents to carve out brief personal downtime each day. By adopting these practices, families can reduce stress, foster independence, and create lasting positive memories, while parents maintain their own well‑being during the long summer break.

Original Description

Parenting expert Ericka Souter is here with a playbook to help parents keep children busy and entertained while creating a relaxing summer for the whole family.
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