Ways to connect with your child over the summer
Summer is around the corner! Maybe you are counting down the days and looking forward to a new rhythm for your family. Or, maybe, you are feeling overwhelmed of what to do with your kids and family with the lack of school, sports, and structure. Or maybe, just maybe, you feel a little bit of it all!
As a mom of four, and fellow parent who is both looking forward to the summer schedule and also wondering what to do and wanting to connect with my children over the summer, I love Parent Cue resources. They have specific resources based on your kids’s ages and stages from littles, elementary aged kids, middle schoolers, high schoolers, and beyond! So stay tuned for more blog posts of connecting with your older kids, but this one is starting out showcasing ways to connect with your elementary school child or children this summer. I too have to remind myself, it is not about what you do together, it is about being together!
Remember: your kids will remember how they felt during summer break, not the things they did or didn’t get.
True connection is what matters most.
I hope you are encouraged and enjoy! You got this!
The weather is warm.
The lake is calling.
The pools are open.
School is out.
Summer is here!
If you’re looking for ways to keep your kids engaged and active—both mentally and physically—over the next few months, we have ideas!
1. Take family field trips.
Whether you can take a day off work, or simply plan something fun in the evening, take a few hours to go to the zoo, visit a local park, or visit a museum.
2. Volunteer locally.
Find a local charity or talk with your local church about ways your kid can help out during the summer.
3. Plan a family game night…
or make it a party and invite some friends over. Most importantly, let your kids plan the activities and menu! You’re busy enough during the day, so don’t feel like you need to be the family cruise director all summer.
4. Read a book series.
Almost every kid in school will have some type of required summer reading. But, outside of that, let them get creative and pick a longer book series to read over time.
5. Plan a family dinner night.
Again, let your kids do the menu planning. Encourage a certain theme, whether it’s Italian, Mexican, or burgers and fries. When it’s time to cook, you can help, but you would be surprised at how many kids begin to love cooking after they first give it a try.
6. Work out together.
Invite your kids on your morning run or when you go to the gym. You might even think about planning some kind of “30-Day Fitness Challenge” to energize the whole family during the summer.
7. Give screen time a purpose.
Take advantage of all of the positive aspects of screens. Find some fun, educational apps to download to help them continue learning during the summer. Or, find a fun app you can connect over, like Heads Up, Words With Friends, or Mad Libs.
8. Take a hike.
Search for some memorable spots you can hike to, like a waterfall, quiet creek, mountain overlook, or just the perfect spot to watch a sunset.
9. Clean the house and have a garage sale.
Sure, they might hate this idea, but it’s their stuff, too. This will help them take ownership of things around the house and possibly help them keep their rooms and closets cleaner in the future. For even more incentive, offer to give them the money they make from selling their stuff.
10. Make puzzle time.
Grab a massive, 1,000-piece puzzle, put it on the kitchen table, and spend a few weeks putting the whole thing together.
Summer gives you ample opportunities for connection with your kids in whatever time you have available.
Remember: your kids will remember how they felt during summer break, not the things they did or didn’t get.
True connection is what matters most.
If we can be a resource for you and your family this summer or school year, please reach out to us today!