How We Keep Summer Calm(ish) with the Balanced Daily Board

Summer at our house isn’t perfect—but it’s not total chaos either.

When school’s out, we swap our Routine Daily Board or Weekly Board for the Balanced Daily Board. This one shift gives our family the freedom we crave during summer break while still offering just enough structure to keep everyone grounded.

With three kids (one of them autistic), we’ve learned the hard way what works—and what doesn’t. These seven strategies help us actually enjoy our days instead of just survive them.

What is the Balanced Daily Board?
If you’re new here, the Balanced Board is a flexible visual routine system. Instead of assigning specific tasks in a fixed order, kids choose activities from four categories:

• Day (getting dressed, brushing teeth, etc.)

• Body (movement, outside play, or sensory activities)

• Mind (reading, building, puzzles, etc.)

• Home (chores or small responsibilities)

It’s our go-to during summer because it encourages independence while supporting emotional regulation and task follow-through.

7 Ways We Use the Balanced Daily Board in Summer
We’ll be diving into each of these in upcoming blog posts, but here’s a quick look at what’s helped the most:

1. No screens until the board is done
   This rule alone reduces 90% of our summer power struggles.

2. Tasks aren’t done until they’re cleaned up
   They know: if it’s not cleaned up, it’s not finished.

3. Kids pick the order
   Letting them choose helps avoid pushback and gives them a sense of control.

4. We physically swap boards for the summer
   Packing away our Routine Boards and putting up the Balanced Boards gives a visual cue that routines are changing—but still in place.

5. We use both the Reward Path Board and our Color-by-Number Charts
   Each child can pick which one works best to help them track progress and stay motivated.

6. We anchor each day with one planned activity
   Whether it’s a playdate, a park trip, or the library, one planned thing helps shape the whole day.

7. We show up consistently—even if we don’t finish everything
   We don’t aim for perfection. But we do check in every day. That rhythm makes a big difference.

If summer has started to feel overwhelming—or you’re just trying to cut down on the “I’m bored” complaints—the Balanced Board might be exactly what your family needs. In the coming weeks, I’ll break down each of these tips in detail so you can find what works best for your crew.

Want to get started?
Find Your Perfect Board →
Or download our free Color-by-Number Reward Charts right here.