Sizzle or fizzle? Here’s an idea for a summer to savor in a calmer, connected fashion: Check out The Unhurried Summer, a free, multi-week digital resource created by Cary Hamilton, owner/director/therapist of Olympia Therapy. Parents will find videos and tip sheets to guide the family through the next couple of months. It’s a grounded way to let your nervous system reset and recharge along with the whole family.
You already know how fast the time slips by, and it seems our ideal summer does not always unfold as imagined. Let’s take a peek at the program.
The Weeks of An Unhurried Summer
“Everything is so fast! We thought we had time to catch up and then we don’t,” says Cary. There are lots of reasons everyone is on the go all the time. It’s work, commuting, taking kids somewhere, finances, and more things to do than it seems there is time. Olympia Therapy’s no-cost summer program offers ideas and “permissions” to prevent burn-out and create more satisfying memories of summer 2026. It’s no wonder our nerves get jangled when school is barely out and there are already school supplies for sale in the stores.
Slowing Down is Possible
This year, Olympia Therapy’s summer support has taken its own advice and reduced from eight to six weeks. It adds breathing room for everyone.
Summer Week #1 – I’m Bored
The initial novelty of summer is wearing off. Parents may hear, “I’m bored.” For your younger children, it is time to let them outside to play. It’s up to them to figure out what to do. You might have games, balls and other items, and they can learn to do these things without you there all the time. Of course, it is fun to have some time together, but you’re not supposed to be there the whole time. Let then go get curious.
Older children can be responsible for their daily calendars. You’re not a full-time entertainer. You can put parameters on screen time (it’s not all bad) and chores. They can plan their time to see friends, read and do activities together. “Lower the pace,” says Cary. “Don’t make all the decisions.” You are not letting your children run wild. You are helping them to tend to their own well-being. “They may get angry,” she adds. “Let them. They like to be entertained all the time. The world is not going to do that for you.”
Week #2: Modeling Calmness
The state of your family’s nervous system is usually a reflection of the parents’. “It’s contagious,” says Cary. “Be calm, respond with patience. The kids do that similarly.”
Of course, this in not always easy or the first place parents go in a situation, and yet with practice it gets noticeably easier. Take a deep breath or two. Your children will mirror you.
Week #3: Play Time is not Wasted Time
There are many ways to play. Kids can be naturally good at it, while parents have lost or diminished that talent. It’s about bringing a sense of curiosity and joy to the table. It’s throwing rocks into Puget Sound, swinging at the park, running through the sprinkler or letting the dog take you for a walk. Games and instruments can be played. “Parents are hiding or overplanning,” Cary notices. “You don’t need that pressure.” Kids can have hours of engaged play. “Adults can give their children 15 minutes. Come on!” she adds. Put down your phone and be with your kids.
Week #4: Screen Time Conversation – Screen Maxing or What?
Screens are not always bad. It is up to the parents to establish and maintain boundaries.
“It’s not all or nothing,” coaches Cary. When the phone is used to check out of your life, it ultimately does not make you feel better or help regulate your system in a healthy way. Screen time can feed anxiety and depression. How much is enough? How much is too much? These are important questions to find your right answers. Then you can make a plan with your children.
Week #5. Repair Relationships
People that live together don’t agree about everything. Expect fights or arguments to surface. It’s not a question of “if” but “when.” “Kids get hot, hungry or thirsty,” Cary says. “It’s going to happen. Summer can be a time to repair relationships.”
This week has steps that are effective for all members. Dealing with conflict is challenging for most and practice facing it is powerful.
Week #6: The Unhurried Parent
Summer sure goes by in a blink. There will be new videos and ‘permission slips’ to keep you on track. Cary reminds parents that what you worry about doesn’t likely happen anyway. Your energy is better spent in other places.
You have permission to slow down. The time you spend together with family and friends helps you reset your nervous system and calm down. When you give yourself more time, it is possible to reflect, digest and make better choices. It is a way to prevent burn-out rather than waiting for it.
Summer can be a time to say, “Yes.” Notice the here and now. Have a second cup of coffee. Take that walk with your child. Stop at the park on the way home. Cover your ice cream in a pile of local berries. Savor summer. Enjoy the sizzle, skip fizzle.
Visit the Olympia Therapy website for a summer of tips and much more information.
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