<p class="ingestion featured-caption">Summer means no school, more playtime, and lots of family fun.Lisa Tanner</p><ul class="summary-list"><li><a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-i-make-time-for-myself-while-parenting-big-family">I have 11 kids</a> ranging in age from a toddler to young adults.</li><li>Since school isn't in session, summer is when my family focuses on recharging.</li></ul><p>In the summer, my busy family of 13 embraces a more laid-back approach to daily life.</p><p>Engaging with and looking after kids in the summer can be difficult — I know that better than most. But if you're not one of the lucky ones whose <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link c-link--focus-visible" href="https://www.today.com/parents/family/when-does-school-start-rcna97347">schools started back up</a> in early August, we're in the home stretch.</p><p>At this point, I've pretty much cracked the code for keeping my kids mentally sharp, entertained, and fed during <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/teachers-feel-guilty-for-not-working-summer-2024-7">summer break</a> while still managing my household. Plus, we all get more time to enjoy each other's company.</p><p>Here's what a typical summer day looks like for me as a mom with 11 kids.</p>