The rush to sign up for summer camps is in full swing! Are your kids scheduled out for the summer or are you enjoying open days and more family time?
This summer, my family is moving to our forever home. It took some time to get our finances in order and find the house and land we wanted and could afford. Until we can move in to our house, we are living in our RV.
Although I would not have chosen all 6 people in my family living in such close quarters, I am focusing on the gains we are making because of it.
This unique summer, I want to enjoy slower days spent together. Reducing the number of summer camps our children are enrolled in is a way to save money. It also provides us valuable extra time together. We only get 18 summers to lean in to building a lasting relationship with our children. Summer break is an invitation to lean into that opportunity.
Simple quality time during summer is the slower summer approach. This isn’t about being a Pinterest-perfect parent or a cruise director. It is all about intentional time together.
Time flies. It really does. My oldest will be 18 in two years. No one has ever told me that children grow too slowly. Everyone says cherish the time, because it goes by so fast. The window of time I have with my children marches forward whether I notice or not.
There are simple ways we can fill summer break while getting more time with our children. These are activities that build the parent-child relationship.
Ideas for Spending Time with the Kids this Summer
Play basketball in the driveway while dinner cooks.
Learn a line dance on Youtube together.
Wash and dry dishes together while singing to songs on the Alexa.
Go for a walk around the neighborhood after dinner.
Head to a coffee shop and each bring a book.
Set up a family bracket and play cornhole.
These 55+ activities for parents and kids to do together during summer vacation are so easy to try.
Summer activities for teens and tweens are great for older kids.
Kids can track their summer reading with this summer reading challenge printable. They can work to a special one-on-one time with you or a prize that you agree to award them.
Or try this book bingo summer reading challenge to add some incentive to reading. Mornings spent at the library were a staple for us this summer. The library is a tool for mom sanity, in my opinion, and it’s a great way to stay cool and focus on some good reading time.
You also need to read the list of free activities for kids. It is a great resource for family events near you that do not cost a lot.
The Benefit of Summer Vacation Margin Time
Between the major events of the days are the gaps where I really build relationships with my kids. The rides to run errands are when they open up. The moments when we are busily cleaning up dinner to get outside and make smore’s together are when they talk about the day.
The kids insert themselves in those transitions, and instead of wishing the chatter away, I make myself pay attention.
Those sometimes-unnoticed conversations reveal so much. Our children do talk to us when we are willing to listen. But, it can take noticing.
When I free up time, I invest more in the relationship. This summer I am focusing on enjoying the days rather than filling up the time. These are the sweet spots.
Your value is your time with your family. Take care of your family with military spouse life insurance even if the worst should happen.
What is your approach to summer with kids? Leave a comment below sharing your approach.
Get the summer organization checklist when you sign up with email….plus gain access to the full mini course on getting your home and family in balance.
