Ah, summer in the Midwest—the season of backyard BBQs, lake days, and… mood swings? If you’re a mom of a teenage daughter, you already know that summer can feel like a never-ending emotional rollercoaster. One minute, she’s happily making friendship bracelets; the next, she’s dramatically declaring that she has nothing to do and life is so unfair.
Welcome to Summertime Blues: Teenage Edition, where your once-sweet girl turns into a mix of Sleeping Beauty (but only from 2 AM to noon) and a reality TV contestant who thrives on drama. But don’t worry, fellow moms—I’ve got your back. Here are some must-have products to keep both of you from losing it this summer.
1. The Magical Iced Coffee Maker
Because caffeine is our lifeline, and spending $7 a day on Starbucks isn’t in the budget (no matter what your daughter says). A good iced coffee maker lets you fuel up and teach her a little independence—if she wants a caramel oat milk cold brew, she can make it herself. Bonus: You get to remind her that you survived summers without fancy drinks, just Kool-Aid and questionable choices.
2. At-Home Gel Nail Kit
Since you’re not trying to fund a weekly salon visit, an at-home gel nail kit is a total game-changer. Not only does it keep her entertained for a solid hour (which is a miracle in itself), but she’ll also have to sit still—quietly!—while the polish dries. Plus, you get to borrow it for your own self-care moment. Win-win.
3. Portable Mini Fan
Because Midwest summers don’t play, and when the humidity hits, everything is miserable. Whether she’s at a bonfire, a concert, or just complaining that the house is "literally a sauna" at 72 degrees, a mini fan is a must. Pro tip: Buy two. Otherwise, she’ll steal yours.
4. Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Nothing cures summertime blues like an impromptu dance party (or a dramatic sad-girl playlist moment in the backyard). A waterproof Bluetooth speaker means she can blast Olivia Rodrigo by the pool while you sneak away to listen to your ‘90s throwbacks in peace.
5. The Ultimate Self-Tanning Mousse
Because according to her, everyone has a perfect sun-kissed glow (even though we all know it's from a bottle). Save her from looking like a streaky orange mess by investing in a quality self-tanner. Pro tip: Make sure she wears gloves unless you want her walking around with Cheeto hands for a week.
6. Noise-Canceling Headphones (For You, Not Her)
Let’s be real—the biggest must-have for surviving the teenage summer blues is your own peace and quiet. Whether she’s on the phone with her BFF for three hours straight or watching TikToks at full volume, noise-canceling headphones are your ticket to keeping your sanity intact. Just pop them on, sip that iced coffee, and pretend you’re on a beach somewhere.
At the end of the day, summer with a teenage daughter is an adventure—equal parts fun, exhausting, and hilarious. But with the right essentials (and a lot of patience), we’ll survive. And if all else fails, there’s always wine. 🍷
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