How to Reset When the Summer Went Nothing Like You Planned
Based on Episode 2 of Root to Ring: A Resilient Parenting Podcast
If you’ve ever reached the end of summer feeling more burned out than refreshed, this post is for you.
You imagined bonfires, beach days, and family bonding. But what you got?
Tension. Disconnection. Constant bickering. And more screen time than you care to admit.
Here’s the truth: you’re not behind. You’re human. And you’re not the only mom wondering how to start this school year with anything other than emotional whiplash.
I’m Abi Brown, Parenting Coach and host of Root to Ring: A Resilient Parenting Podcast. I support emotionally invested moms navigating the messy middle of motherhood — where connection feels fragile and the parenting books just aren’t cutting it.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to reset after a summer that didn’t go as planned, so you can begin the school year with resilience, not reactivity.
Why Summer Feels So Heavy for Moms of Teens
We tend to associate summer with freedom and rest. But for many moms, summer brings:
- Less structure and more unpredictability
- More time together, but not necessarily more connection
- Higher expectations and more pressure to “make memories”
Add in your teen’s shifting moods, their desire for independence, and your own nervous system on edge, and it makes sense why you feel more frazzled than refreshed.
The Hidden Grief of “Wasted” Time
Let’s name something tender: underneath the stress, there’s grief.
Grief for the version of summer you hoped for.
Grief for the closeness you didn’t feel.
Grief for the kid you used to know and the relationship that now feels like a question mark.
When you feel like the summer was “wasted,” it’s easy to spiral into shame. But shame keeps you stuck. What helps is learning how to reset with compassion — not self-judgment.
A 3-Step Reset for Moms After a Hard Summer
Here’s how to begin again, even if the school year is already underway.
1. Reflect Without Shame
Before you rush to fix things, take a moment to ask:
- What actually felt good this summer, even if it was small?
- What moments did I feel connected to my teen, or to myself?
- What patterns kept showing up, and how did I respond?
This isn’t about creating a highlight reel. It’s about honest reflection without shame. When you name what’s true, you can begin to shift.
2. Regulate First, Then Reconnect
If your nervous system is still on edge, you’re not in a space to connect — no matter how good your intentions are.
Resetting starts with you, not your teen.
Ask yourself:
- What helps me feel grounded and clear?
- Where can I create small moments of stillness this week?
- How do I want to show up, even when things get hard?
From that place, you’ll be able to reconnect with more steadiness and less reactivity.
3. Repair Through Presence, Not Perfection
You don’t need the perfect back-to-school routine or a five-step communication plan.
You need presence.
Even if things were rough last week, or all summer, it’s never too late to say:
“I know things felt tense this summer. I want us to feel more connected this year. Can we try again?”
Your teen may not respond how you want. That’s okay. The goal is not instant closeness. It’s planting seeds of safety and trust.
This Work Isn’t Easy, But You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
You’re showing up. You’re trying. You’re learning how to parent with intention, even in a season that feels foggy and frustrating.
That work matters.
🎧 Prefer to Listen?
Press play below to hear the full episode:
Episode Title: How to Reset When the Summer Went Nothing Like You Planned
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Want to Feel More Grounded This School Year?
If you’re nodding along, feeling like this is exactly what you’ve needed, then Rooted 1:1 Coaching may be your next step.
Inside this transformational mentorship, we’ll work together to:
- Regulate your nervous system in real time
- Rebuild trust with your teen, even after rupture
- Create rhythms that feel steady — not performative
- Heal your story so you can lead with calm confidence
This isn’t behavior management. This is family transformation, from the inside out.
Book Your Free Discovery Call Here
Or DM me @parentingwithabi with the word ROOTED and I’ll send you the details.
You’re not too late. You’re right on time.
—
Abi Brown
Parenting Coach & Host of Root to Ring: A Resilient Parenting Podcast
