At our recent Moms of Little Ones gathering, we discussed summer rhythms.
Kids are out of school, the days are longer, and daily life looks different, so what rhythms and routines do we implement?
This is something I began to think more about as summer neared.
Rosemary is at home with me year-round, so our everyday is already a bit different. We have our daily rhythms and routines, but with the arrival of summer come feelings of nostalgia and a desire to ease on structure, make room for the unplanned, and implement more fun! I can remember, too the joys of summer as a kid and want to recreate that for Rosemary.
Summer is one of the best times to create meaningful memories, connect more, and draw closer to God as a family. So, here are a few ideas to slow down and make the most of it:
- Quiet mornings that begin with talking to God and opening the Word and/or a devotional
- Praying and having breakfast together at the table
- Adventures together – trips to the library, zoo, aquarium, children’s museum, or local and national parks
- More water play and pool time
- Sweet treats and surprises! Baked cookies, watermelon, homemade popsicles, s’mores, a *just for fun* gift
- Summer reading and creativity (more of this for me in the afternoons while Rosemary naps)
- Family walks around the neighborhood after dinner
- Impromptu outings
- A family movie night. At Rosemary’s age, this could simply mean watching an episode or two of Bluey.
- Doing a devotional together before bed (something Derek and I are doing)
Other ideas:
Start a weekly tradition: pizza night, an outdoor movie night, a family game night, a pool day, or a sno-ball run.
Be intentional about occasional activities like the 4th of July celebration, a family vacation, campouts, and summer birthdays.
Start a prayer journal or family devotional, and make note of how God is working and speaking to you.
What rhythms and routines are you implementing this summer?
