It can be the best of times, and it can be the worst of times. We know it as summertime! As moms and grandmoms, we want to make it the best of times, filled with joyful memories and personalized time with our kids. The temptation is to fill up every moment with activities and day camps. I want to encourage you to embrace space this summer! Allow yourself (and your kids) to breathe and enjoy relaxed, unscheduled time. In the next few weeks, I want to give you some ideas to enjoy summer with a smile on both your face and that of your kids. Today, I want to give you simple ways to launch into summer with your family.

Celebrate the beginning of summer with a family party. I’m not talking about a big bash; I’m just talking about a fun breakfast with the kids to help them get excited about all they have to look forward to during the summer. Prepare the kids’ favorite breakfast and make several posters introducing the season.  Here is my suggestion for possible posters you can make using fun colors, stickers, and markers:

Boredom Busters –  Ask the kids to come up with activities they can do if they ever begin to feel bored.  Teach them that Boredom is in the eye of the beholder and no one ever needs to actually be bored; they just need to think a little more creatively.  In fact, I told my kids that the B-word (boredom) was off limits for our home. Talk together about ideas that someone can do when they feel like there is nothing to do.  You will all be amazed at the possibilities: sidewalk chalk, bubbles, hopscotch, reading, roller skate, basketball, frisbee, crafts, .  

Super Summer Schedule – Create another poster to write out summer daily, weekly, and/or monthly schedules.  You may want to have a summer monthly calendar marking the weeks when the kids are at camp, or you are all on a family vacation.  You can also plan a loose daily routine with activities or outings in the morning, lunch, and then rest time in the early afternoon. Everyone needs a little downtime – even teens. In our house, we called it FOB (Flat on Bunk). This is a quiet time to relax, read, nap, and simply take it easy.  For later in the afternoon, plan a craft, or allow them to watch a movie, or build a fort, or help with dinner. After dinner, what about a family game, or a walk, or simply playing outside before you start your bedtime routine? Keep in mind – kids do better with routines. You don’t have to be hard and fast with your schedule, but you will find your kids are a little more at ease when they know what to expect throughout the day.

Loving Limits –  During the summer, you may want to put a few limits on what the kids do.  You may need to place a limit on the amount of time spent on computer games, television, or tablets.  Talk about what is reasonable and work through some loving limits for the summer. Pray about what is right for your family and lovingly have a conversation about it. Make sure you and your spouse are on the same page. It is helpful for your kids to know the summer expectations up front.

The most important thing you can do to make this summer one of the “best summers ever” is to set the tone in the home with a positive attitude.  Stay flexible. Remember what Solomon said, “We can make our plans, but the final result is up to God.”  Determine within your own heart that you will enjoy your kids, even if the house isn’t perfect or you don’t get to go on a dream vacation. Summer offers a unique time to build both relationships and memories through spending time together as a family. My desire is to provide simple ways for you to enjoy your kids and make it a fun-filled summer.  By the way, be sure to give your kids the gift of your smile throughout the summer days. 

Check out my book, The Power of a Positive Mom, for more ideas and encouragement.