Our Real-Life Summer Plans (Spoiler: It’s Still Chaos)

It’s officially summer, and the Chaos Commanders are here with survival strategies, snack updates, and some serious summer planning realness. In this episode, we share our personal summer plans—from sleepaway camps and teen jobs to field trips, screen-time boundaries, and even learning to cook. Whether you’re navigating toddler chaos or managing a teen’s packed schedule, this episode is full of practical ideas, community resources, and creative ways to command the summer without losing your mind.

We also share our own family traditions (hello, butterfly releases), talk about life skills we’re teaching our kids, and brainstorm creative local adventures that don’t break the bank. This is your ultimate guide for a summer that’s structured enough to keep the peace but flexible enough to embrace the fun.

 

QUOTES

“We’re still in sync, even when we can’t hang out.” – Katelynn

“We want them to run feral—but in one location. Contained chaos.” – Katelynn

“It’s a personal goal for me… I want to cut back on iPad time. Otherwise, it gets out of hand.” – Annie

“I want it done the way I want it done, but Mom's gonna start saying yes to these things this summer because it truly helps so much.” – Annie

 

TAKEAWAYS

1️⃣ Summer doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs a plan. Whether you're working or staying home, a loose structure can help everyone thrive.

2️⃣ Give kids real responsibilities. From chore charts to cooking, summer is a great time to teach life skills.

3️⃣ Mix education with fun. Summer learning doesn’t have to feel like school—think nature journaling, geocaching, and local tours.

4️⃣ Don't underestimate your local resources. Libraries, city guides, free community events, and even recycling centers offer hidden gems.

5️⃣ Share the load. Team up with other moms to swap ideas, schedule shared activities, and keep the chaos contained together.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Liquid Death – Cherry Obituary

• Liquid Death – Classic Soda Variety Pack

• Liquid Death – Flavored Variety Pack

• Blueberry Pancake Muffins

• 20 LBS Adjustable Weighted Vest

• 40 LBS Adjustable Weighted Vest

• Story Time From Space

 

FEATURED CHAOS ANTHEM

“In the Summertime” – Mungo Jerry

A feel-good, carefree jam that captures the spirit of warm days, outdoor adventures, and the kind of freedom that only summer brings. It’s the perfect soundtrack to this episode—and your family’s summer playlist.

🎧 You can find it (and all our episode anthems) on The Chaos Commanders: Season One playlists available on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

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