07/09/2026
One of the saddest things I see every summer is parents feeling like they have to choose between making memories and protecting sleep.
You don’t.
The goal was never perfect sleep.
The goal is raising healthy, well-rested children while creating a childhood they’ll look back on with joy.
Can you stay up for fireworks one night? Absolutely.
Can your little one nap in the tent on the beach? Of course.
Can bedtime stretch a little while cousins or grandparents are visiting? That’s part of making summer special.
The key is remembering that these moments are the exception, not the expectation.
When most sleep stays consistent, those occasional schedule bends are often no big deal. But when every bedtime, wake time, and nap changes from day to day, that’s when sleep can start to go sideways.
That’s why I love what I call the Goldilocks approach to summer sleep.
Not too strict.
Not too flexible.
Just right.
Protect sleep most of the time, leave room for life’s special moments, and enjoy the best of both worlds. 💜🧸
Comment below what’s your family’s favorite summer tradition? ☀️🏖️🎆