Survival tips from a work-from-home dad who’s trying his best
It’s day one of summer break and I’ve already said “no” to popsicles before 10 AM, broken up two sibling arguments, and stepped on a LEGO barefoot while holding a baby. And I haven’t even made coffee yet.
Welcome to summer as a stay-at-home/work-from-home/figure-it-out-as-you-go dad. It’s loud. It’s sticky. And it’s not even July.
Here's how I'm surviving (so far):
🧃 1. We Made A Very Flexible Routine
Nothing Pinterest-worthy. Just a loose guide:
Mornings = cartoons, cereal, and recovery
Midday = something outdoors before it gets surface-of-the-sun hot
Afternoons = quiet time, reading time, or iPad time (let’s be honest)
It’s not about structure. It’s about survival.
💻 2. Work Happens In The In-Between
I don’t have a home office. I have a laptop on the counter and a toddler climbing my leg. So I block out 15–30 minute windows and just go. When that doesn’t work? I stay up late. Not ideal. But it’s a season.
(And by season, I mean 76 days. But who’s counting?)
🎯 3. One Intentional Thing A Day
That’s the goal. Not perfection. Just one “dad moment” that’s more than crowd control.
Maybe we build a LEGO thing. Or go on a walk. Or eat lunch outside.
If I can look back at the end of the day and say, “Hey, I showed up,” that’s enough.
🔄 4. I Rotate Activities Like A 7th Grade PE Teacher
If one kid’s bored? I switch it up.
Water table → snack → coloring → screen → books → meltdown → nap.
The key is movement. For them and for me.
🧠 5. I Remind Myself: Chaos is Normal
It’s not peaceful. It’s not Pinterest. It’s messy, loud, and a little beautiful if you squint.
They’re only little once. I’ll miss it someday. (Probably.)
So if you're out here trying to work, raise decent humans, and not lose your mind this summer...
Same.
Let’s survive it together. One Popsicle-stained day at a time.
Because no matter how tired or overwhelmed or under-caffeinated we are, here’s the truth:
Anyone Can Dad. Even in summer.
