266: Summer Survival Systems for the Whole Family

In this episode of Life of And, Tiffany Sauder gets candid about how she’s prepping her home and mindset for summer with toddlers and elementary-aged kids. Joined by producer and working mom Samantha Johnson, Tiffany walks through her real-life systems to bring more structure—and less screen time—into the chaos of summer.

From rotating toys and creating play zones to making explicit agreements about iPad time and snacks, Tiffany and Sam share their strategies for keeping kids engaged, the home organized, and themselves sane. Whether you’re staring down a season of “I’m bored” or trying to work from home with kids underfoot, this episode is full of practical ideas that make summer feel more fun—for everyone.

What You’ll Learn:

• Tiffany’s 8 go-to systems for surviving summer with toddlers and elementary kids
• How to keep kids engaged at home without relying on screens or camps
• Simple ways to reduce chaos and create more calm for the whole family

🎯 Key Tips Include:

• Rotate toys weekly to keep them feeling fresh
• Use Alexa timers and visual checklists to build independence
• Try the “one pantry, one fridge” rule for smarter snacking
• Reward good behavior with stars, not just consequences

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(02:13) Tiffany's morning mishap

(04:54) Mother's day plans and reflections

(07:31) Summer survival tips for parents

(20:26) Thrifty fun and creative play spaces

(21:01) Refreshing old toys and games

(22:58) Setting schedules and managing expectations

(24:52) Empowering kids with choices and control

(27:29) Rewarding positive behavior

Check out the apps and sponsor of this episode:

• Created in partnership with Share Your Genius
• Have you heard of Poplin? Give yourself the gift of time with your kids this summer by outsourcing your laundry! Use the code TIFFANY15 for $15 off your first order. 
• Download the Summer Sanity Toolbox: Start with priorities. Add structure. Make space for joy. Because summer is yours too.

Other Episodes in the Summer Sanity Series:

• 5 Tools & Apps To Keep You Aligned This Summer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/5-tools-apps-to-keep-you-aligned-this-summer/id1555762235?i=1000706783024 
• A Working Parent’s Guide to Navigating Summer: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-working-parents-guide-to-navigating-summer/id1555762235?i=1000705671662