For The Love Of Parenting
For the Love of Parenting, is a podcast celebrating parenthood's journey. From pregnancy through childbirth, breastfeeding, and the diverse experiences of raising children, offering guidance, stories, and expert insights to support parents from the magical moments to the real-life challenges of parenthood. We recognize there's no singular perfect path but numerous ways to be a loving, supportive parent. Tune in for insightful discussions, heartfelt stories, and a community that celebrates the love and dedication of being a parent.
For The Love Of Parenting
Parenting on Pause: What Summer Teaches Us About Transitions - Episode 74
Today we’ll talk about how the slower pace of summer helps us gently prepare for the big and small changes that parenting brings—whether it’s a child entering a new grade, a parent changing jobs, or simply adjusting to the next season of life. It’s all about leaning into the pause before the pivot.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why the slower pace of summer matters more than we think
- How to notice subtle growth and shifts in your child—and yourself
- Five gentle ways to use summer to prepare for transitions
- How to help your child navigate change without pressure
- Why parents also go through transitions (and how to honor your own!)
- The beauty of pausing before jumping into what’s next
Looking For a Deeper Dive - Check out These Episodes:
- Keep Kids' Minds Sharp & Happy This Summer! - Episode 71
- Unlock The Magic Of Summer's Farms & Farmer's Markets - Episode 32
- Boost Kids' Skills: With Stress-Free Summer Reading - Episode 31
- Easy Summer Tips for Stress-Free Parents - Episode 29
☀️ Psst... You’re missing the best part of summer! Only newsletter subscribers get the full summer scoop—bonus recipes, parenting hacks, and a few surprises just for you. Don’t miss out. Sign up now!
Contact:
For The Love of Parenting Podcast - Sponsored by Pregnancy Concepts LLC
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Email us at askus@pregnancyconcepts.com
Remember, as parents, do your best—there are no perfect parents, but countless ways to be loving and supportive. Signing off from the For Love of Parenting podcast. Thanks for listening. Until next time.
Title: Parenting on Pause: What Summer Teaches Us About Transitions
Intro Summary
Today, we’re diving into something I think all of us feel… but don’t often talk about. That space between. That pause between the hustle of the school year and the rush of what’s next. That space is called summer—and it has something to teach us. Want to learn more. So, come on!
Podcast
Hello! For the Love of Parenting Parents. Welcome back.
I love summer! Longer days, more sunshine, delicious seasonal fruit, summer events/festivals, family vacations – No school, slower schedule. Just a much needed break from the usual hustle for kids — and sometimes, a more relaxed morning routine for families. But did you know that the season of summer teaches us a lot about letting go and leaning into what’s next. Summer (even the word sounds nice. It sits in that beautiful “in-between” space: not quite the end, not quite the beginning. It gives us room to reflect on where we’ve been, reset our intentions, and slowly adjust our sails toward what’s coming next.
Summer has a way of slowing us down. And in a world that constantly pushes us to go-go-go, this pause isn’t just welcomed—it’s needed. For parents, summer can be that sacred space to take stock—not just of what our kids are learning, but of how we’re growing, too.
Transitions are a part of parenting: a child going off to kindergarten, middle school, or even college… a new job… a new routine. Summer helps us feel the shift, not just react to it. And that emotional reset? It’s everything.
So, let’s talk about our children first. Summer is a chance to observe who they’re becoming. You might notice your toddler is suddenly brave at the splash pad. Or your tween is negotiating screen time with more maturity. These are not just cute moments—they’re indicators of readiness for the next stage. And I knew for me – the summer was a time where I could see that everything my husband and taught and guided our children throughout the school year – finally clicked and came together during the summer. So, I parenting was not in vain. [laugh]
But as nice as seeing this transition in our kids was - guess what? Transitions aren’t just for them. Parents change too. Maybe this summer you’re rethinking your work schedule or asking yourself big questions like, “Do I want to keep doing this the same way?” These quieter moments often reveal the most.
Over the years, I’ve learned that summer has a quiet way of preparing us for change. It offers space to notice, reflect, and reset. Here are a few things I’ve learned about how summer can help ease life’s transitions.
- Notice the Shifts
Pay attention to the small changes — in your kids and in yourself. Growth happens quietly in the background. - Talk About What’s Coming
Use the slower pace to check in about the upcoming school year, new routines, or even feelings about what's ahead. - Practice Flexibility
Summer offers the perfect low-pressure setting to navigate change — late starts, unexpected plans, or shifting moods. - Reset Routines Gently
No need for abrupt changes. Begin easing back into routines gradually so everyone has time to adjust. - Celebrate Milestones
Mark the wins — big or small. A summer growth chart, a spontaneous ice cream night, or jotting down a proud moment in a journal can make transitions feel meaningful.
Listen, not every change is smooth. Some bring uncertainty or discomfort. Maybe you’re facing a job change you didn’t plan for, or your child is switching schools and feels nervous. Summer gives us room to process these things. It’s not about fixing everything—it’s about holding space.
Let your kids see you handle transitions honestly and with care. That’s one of the best ways we can model emotional strength.
As we wrap up today, I want you to ask yourself: What does summer really teach us?
For me—and maybe for you too—it’s this: Pause isn’t passive. It’s preparatory.
It’s the deep breath before the next step.
It’s how we stretch into what’s next—together.
This summer take a minute to soak in this season. It’s teaching you. It’s preparing you. And it’s reminding all of us that transitions don’t have to be rushed—they can be honored.
Thanks for spending time with me today.
And if this episode helped you pause and think, share it with a friend or leave a quick review. That helps other parents find us too.
Until next time. Take care!
Tags
#summerparenting, #parentingtransitions, #schoolreadiness, #familyroutine, #parentingpodcast, #seasonalparenting, #summerwithkids, #emotionalconnection, #parentingchanges, #summermilestones, #parentreflection, #workingmoms, #schoolprep, #backtoschool, #gentletransitions, #parentinggrowth, #mindfulparenting, #motherhood, #fatherhood, #parentingpodcastideas
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☀️ Psst... You’re missing the best part of summer! Only newsletter subscribers get the full summer scoop—bonus recipes, parenting hacks, and a few surprises just for you. Don’t miss out. Click to Sign up now!