Why Teacher Back to School Success Starts with Setting Limits in These 4 Areas Over Summer

Send us a text

🎉 Summer is almost here, and I'm dropping some serious truth bombs about why your sweet summer break should be about HEALING, not hustling. If your summer to-do list is longer than a CVS receipt (I see you! 😅), this episode is your roadmap to setting the limits you need for a joyful back-to-school season.

🎯 What You'll Learn

The Four Essential Areas to Set Limits This Summer:

1. 👪 Set Limits with Your Family

• Just because you're "off" doesn't mean you're available 24/7
• How to handle the division of labor conversations
• Scripts for saying no lovingly: "I love spending time with you, but I also need time to recharge so I don't burn out before school starts"
• The "guided close" technique for managing requests

2. 🚫 Set Limits with Guilt & Over-Productivity

• Unlearn the martyr complex (I see you, people-pleaser! 💕)
• Schedule non-doing time proactively
• Remember: Productive rest is important too
• Having needs doesn't make you needy - it makes you human ✨

3. 📅 Set Limits with Invitations & Commitments

• Do fewer things and enjoy them more
• The gut check question: "Is this aligned with rest and joy, or guilt and obligation?"
• My Christmas story: One favorite activity per family member = more joy, less stress
• Simple script: "I'm prioritizing rest this summer. I'm gonna have to pass."

4. 📱 Set Limits with Social Media & Screen Time

• Your nervous system wasn't designed to "drink trauma from a fire hose"
• Experiment with app deletions and screen-time goals
• Model the behavior you want to see
• Focus on being present with the people who matter most

This episode includes practical strategies, a pep talk (always), and a celebration of all you've accomplished this year.

Listen now, and share with a teaching friend!

Want to truly thrive in teaching without sacrificing your personal life?
Check out my signature on-demand course, Balance Your Teacher Life. You can go the self-study route or join a cohort with group coaching for Summer 2025.

Check out all the details here: www.gracestevens.com/balance

📘 My latest (and greatest!) book:
The Empowered Teacher Toolkit
Check out the best-selling Positive Mindset Habits for Teachers book here
Beat Teacher Burnout with Better Boundaries book here

Wanna get social?
https://www.tiktok.com/@gracestevensteacher
https://www.facebook.com/GraceStevensTeacher
https://www.Instagram.com/gracestevensteacher

Old school: Website : www.GraceStevens.com (courses, blog & freebies!)