Summer has arrived, and with it, the expectation of lots of sunshine, friends, and fun. But between work responsibilities, youth sport schedules and summer camps, the summer months fill up quickly. Before we know it, summer is over and we (and our kids) haven’t had the chance to enjoy our favorite summer experiences.
When it comes to making lasting summer memories, being intentional makes all the difference:
- Share your favorite summer memories. Ask kids about their favorite memories of past summers. What exactly made those times special? Was it what they were doing? Or who they were with? Was it an especially fun or unique activity? Look for common threads across those stories.
- Make a bucket list. Using those memories as a guide, make “bucket lists” of the experiences that are most important to you as a family and as individuals.
- Use a calendar. Together decide on the most essential family activities and get them on the calendar. Then add any individual activities that will require participation by someone else (providing rides, sleepovers, etc.)
- Leave lots of open time. Summer is about relaxation, which might be coffee on the porch, a walk in the neighborhood, or riding a bike. Spontaneous moments often become the happiest memories.
- Boredom is OK. Boredom is a gift that kids (and adults) can appreciate by getting curious about how best to spend empty time. It becomes a great incentive to invent a game, create some art, learn a new hobby, or read.
- Limit screen time. Screen time rarely creates a favorite summer memory. Set family boundaries on phones and laptops, TV, or other electronic distractions. Refer to your bucket lists for more active things to do.
For more ideas of how to engage young people all summer, check out kidsmatter2us.org.
