2025 CJN June/July | Page 17

Easing Summer Parenting Stress

By Howard Olshansky, JFS Executive Director

Summer often evokes images of carefree fun— sunshine, barbecues, beach days, and children playing late into the evening. But for many parents, especially those juggling work, caregiving, and household responsibilities, the summer months can also bring stressors that aren’ t talked about enough.

When school lets out, so does the structure that keeps many families grounded. Suddenly, routines vanish, childcare becomes a logistical puzzle, and there’ s pressure to create lasting memories— often with limited time and energy.

Here are strategies to ease summer parenting stress and find moments of connection along the way:- Shift Expectations

Summer doesn’ t have to be packed with Pinterest-worthy activities. Letting go of the idea that you need to constantly entertain your kids can be freeing. Simple moments— popsicles on the porch, catching fireflies, or

reading together— often leave the biggest impact.- Create a Flexible Daily Rhythm

Children thrive with routine, even when school is out. A loose daily flow— morning outdoor time, quiet afternoons, and consistent meals and bedtimes— can offer stability without feeling rigid.- Don’ t Overschedule

Camps and enrichment programs can be great, but too many activities can lead to burnout— for kids and parents. Downtime encourages creativity, independent play, and gives everyone space to breathe.- Keep a“ Boredom Buster” Toolkit

Instead of planning elaborate outings, keep a jar or list of easy ideas on hand: build a fort, go on a nature walk, make a sidewalk chalk mural. These low-effort activities can bring quick joy with minimal prep.- Make Space for Yourself

With kids home more often, it’ s easy to forget your own needs. Take small breaks when you can— a walk, a coffee with a friend, or ten quiet minutes alone. Caring for yourself isn’ t selfish; it’ s essential.- Practice Self-Compassion

Some days will be messy. There may be more screen time, sibling squabbles, or takeout dinners than you’ d prefer. That’ s okay. Perfection isn’ t the goal— presence is.- Include Kids in the Planning

Give children a say in what summer looks like. Ask what they’ d like to do or create a family bucket list together. When kids feel ownership, they’ re more likely to engage— and less likely to resist.

Summer stress is real, but it doesn’ t have to steal your joy. With a bit of planning, permission to let go of perfection, and a focus on connection over control, parents can navigate the season with more ease. You don’ t need to do it all— you just need to show up.

The Charlotte Jewish News- June / July 2025- Page 17

Jewish Family Services Acknowledgements April 2025

Volunteers: Brian Ablitz, Jessica Alfandary, Marcia Arnholt, Mike Arnholt, Daniel Benjamin, Andrew Bernstein, Jonathan Collman, Andrea Cronson, Julie Dermack, Elayne DeMaria, Joni Deutsch, Sheryl Effren, Jamie Fram, Rachel Friedman, Robert Friedman, Meredith Gartner, Marty Goldfarb, Blair Goldsmith, Richard Goldsmith, Joann Goldstein, Jennifer Golynsky, Gail Halverson, June Hirschmann, Rebecca Hockfield, Tara and Liat Hubara, Bob Jacobson, Jodie Joseph, Rikki Kinitsky, Jennifer Koss, Stephanie Kreitman, Glenn Kunkes, Eric Lerner, Kim Levy, Adina Loewensteiner, Matt Luftglass, Frada Mozenter, Deb Perelgut, Wendy Petricoff, Barbara Rein, Nina Rose, Cindy Siesel, Stuart Singer, Lisa Somerson, Lauren Stark, Lorin Stiefel, Steve Teich, Gail Vogel, Nancy Wielunski, Bob Weinstein, Amanda Zaidman, Jeff Zaleon

Passover“ Taste of the Holiday” Deliveries: Jessica Alfandary, Bonnie Bonomo, Charlotte Jewish Day School, Dan Coblenz, Erica Davison, Scott Gilbert, Richard Goldsmith, Jodie Joseph, Marcia Lampert. Alison Lerner, Kim Levy, Ana Silverstein, Harry Sparks, Lauren Stark

Special Thanks: Shai Fargian and Yafo Kitchen for donation of Passover meals

Hadassah Meal Preppies: June Hirschmann, Paul Hirschmann, Penny Krieger, Judy Kaufmann, Betsy Olinger, Geneva Boxer, Denise Abadi, Yvette Jacobson, Kim Maguire, Judith Goodwin, Andrea Schewitz, Sara Friedman, Gabriel Allen

Shalom Green: Thank to all Shalom Green volunteers for providing fresh produce to our pantry clients.

Food Pantry Donations: Thank you to our generous community for continuing to donate to the food pantry. We continue to collect donations every other Wednesday at the portico entrance to the Blumenthal Center for Jewish Education Building at Shalom Park.

Jewish Family Services Tributes April 2025

For a Speedy Recovery of Jeff Lyons Stanley Greenspon

Happy Anniversary Lee and Jeff Bierer Harvey and Tammy Chesler Barry and Karen Greenblatt Steve and Linda Lepow Rob and Kelly Markiewitz Scott and Julie Rizzo Rick and Marci Willenzik

Happy Birthday Ed Newman Paul and Lynn Edelstein Mark Perlin Sam Goldberg

Jill Newman Shel and Ellen Goldstein Marshall Rauch Shel and Ellen Goldstein Nathan Rose Leonard and Karen Fox Rachel Green Mona Radiloff Jacob Swimmer Shel and Ellen Goldstein

Mazel Tov Amanda Levine & Kevin Pietrick, on their marriage Howard Olshansky

The Hebrew Cemetery joins with the community in remembering the names of those who have been buried in the cemetery in the month of April, 2025

Alexander Vishnev 1 / 27 / 1964- 3 / 30 / 25

Jeanne Lecker 2 / 15 / 1930- 4 / 25 / 2025

In Appreciation of Barbara Bernhardt Jacqueline Kaplan Bunny Bramson Jacqueline Kaplan Patti Norcom Jacqueline Kaplan

Now more than ever, personalized advice matters

In Honor of Dru and Rick Abrams Allan and Marcelle Oxman Lucy Silverstein, Elected Student Advisor to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County School Board Shel and Ellen Goldstein

The L / A Wealth Management Group

Peter A. Levinson, CRPS ™, CPFA ® Senior Vice President Senior Financial Advisor

980.282.1770 peter _ levinson @ ml. com

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 6000 Fairview Road Suite 600 Charlotte, NC 28210

704.705.3332

In Memory of Bob Abel Paul and Lynn Edelstein Leonard and Karen Fox Shel and Ellen Goldstein Stanley Greenspon Florence Jaffa Gary Silverstein Mark Damon Andrew and Julie Dermack

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