Mom Monday | Navigating Mother's Day, summer break and all things "Maycember"

May 4, 2026 - 18:21

The end of the school year is often called "Maycember" by parents, and for good reason. It is a whirlwind of field trips, teacher appreciation events, end-of-year projects, and sports finals, all while trying to plan for summer break and celebrate Mother's Day. Eryn Vargo, owner and founder of the locally-focused parenting resource Orlando Mom Collective, recently shared advice on how families can handle the chaos without losing their minds.

For Mother's Day, Vargo suggests keeping expectations realistic. Instead of a big, expensive brunch that adds to the stress, she recommends simple, heartfelt gestures. A handwritten note from a child or a quiet morning with coffee can mean more than a crowded restaurant. She also reminds moms that it is okay to ask for what they want, whether that is an afternoon off or help with the household to-do list.

Looking ahead to summer break, the key is to start planning now but not to overschedule. Vargo advises parents to block out a few key weeks for camps or trips, but to leave plenty of white space on the calendar for boredom and unstructured play. She also emphasizes the importance of connecting with other local parents to share resources, swap babysitting, and find free community events. The goal is to survive the May sprint and enter summer with a plan that feels manageable, not overwhelming.