Parents are embracing a much-needed “Type C  Summer”—here’s how

In the chaos of modern parenting, a new kind of balance is emerging.

Enter Summer 2025: the reign of the Type C parent—that magical blend of planner and free spirit, rising from the relatable TikToks of moms who’ve had enough pretending.

Welcome to the Type C Summer, where letting go becomes part of the plan.

From TikTok to Williamsburg: how Type C parenting hit its stride

A viral TikTok by Taylor Vasquez—a mom of two—ruminated on the daily chaos of motherhood: forgetting your debit card, being overstimulated by the word “mom,” bracing for toddler meltdown after toddler meltdown. Her video sparked thousands of comments: “This. Is. Me.”

The term “Type C parent” (not scientific, but culturally spot-on) describes someone who strategizes for survival with structure when possible and flexibility when absolutely necessary. Type C parents might color-code calendars but also lose track of shoes.

@taylorvasquez__ Who can relate? 😂 #motherhood #momsoftiktok #momof2 #typec #typecmom #momwithadhd #typecpersonality #adhd #momhumor #contentcreator #microinfluencer @Tide Laundry ♬ original sound – taylor vasquez || toddler mom

Related: Type C moms are taking over TikTok—and they’re finally feeling seen

Real confessions meet real pain: Skylight’s campaign

That chaotic hum of parenting just got louder and more visible thanks to Skylight’s “Parent Confessions” campaign. They collected 1,165 anonymous confessions to illuminate just how stretched-thin families are. According to Skylight’s 2024 Mental Load Report:

• Parents average 30.4 hours per week on mental load—scheduling, logistics, emotional coordination—equivalent to a full-time job worth $60,000/year.
• Mental load takes up 63% of daily brain space.
• 79% of parents report anxiety about scheduling.

And the confessions? Equal parts hilarious and heartbreakingly human:

• “I too am scared of the spider in the bathroom.” —Dad, 32
• “I hide the good ice cream in a broccoli bag in the freezer.” —Mom, 34
• “I once bought all the things my daughter needed for camp but forgot to register her.” —Mom, 44
• “If we don’t have cash in the house for the tooth fairy, we use money from their piggy bank.” —Dad, 35

Each confession is anonymous but sourced directly from real parents across the U.S. as part of Skylight’s digital confessional wall. Funny, raw, and weirdly comforting—they’re a collective sigh of “same here.”

It’s official: Summer 2025 is a Type C vibe

Skylight’s newest data shows that parents are relating to and proudly living the Type C label:

• 73% of parents say they’ve embraced Type C tactics this summer.
• 40% are rewriting household traditions on their own terms.
• 30% have declared a truce with Pinterest-perfect dinners.
• 25% are embracing screen time without shame.

These aren’t parenting failures. These are adaptive strategies—a quiet rebellion against impossible standards and an exhausted shrug toward reality.

Why the Type C parent moment matters

Type C parenting reflects a shift toward emotional honesty and flexibility. As experts like Dr. Caroline Fenkel explain, this attuned approach supports resilience, security, and authenticity in kids.

It also speaks to a broader reality: the “default parent”—often the mom—continues to carry a heavy mental load, one that can mirror a second unpaid job. For many, embracing the Type C mindset feels more like a reclaiming of balance and agency.

TL;DR: You’re not a mess—you’re a Type C parent.

Whether you’re laughing through the chaos or just trying to survive until bedtime, you’re part of a rising tribe redefining what “good parenting” looks like.

So eat the secret chocolate. Watch Cars for the third time while texting your mom group.

If you’re showing up with love—even in sweatpants and cereal-stained dignity—you’re doing enough.

And this summer? That’s more than enough.

Related: POV: You grow up with a Type B mom—and realize love doesn’t need to look perfect