There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens (Ecclesiastes 3:1). He has made everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
The kids are home! This time of the year we see so many posts and memes on social media about little ones asking for food every five minutes, or moms exhausting all efforts and ideas before 9am. I know that summertime hits differently in each home, and while it’s a joyful time for some moms (I’m one of them!) for some others it can become difficult to find ways to keep the kiddos entertained and get any type of work done.
But I’m a firm believer that time is a precious gift, and planning always makes it better (Psalm 90:12). Anticipating seasonal changes in family rhythms and planning around these truly works.
Aside from summer camps and trips, here are some thoughts and ideas of things to do while the kids are home. These are for the simple, ordinary days, which is when most of life happens. Consider these and know that it is possible to enter this season with peace, and joyfully be graceful with your children and yourself. Keep in mind that there is a time for everything and God made it all beautiful in its time!
1. Books (let them choose) to unlock screens
At home, everyone needs to read the Bible and/or a couple chapters of a book before doing anything else. Even my 5-year-old, who’s not a fluent reader yet, he grabs any book and pretends to read it. This works for them to unlock screens in the afternoon.
Reading is essential for kids’ development and growth. This is something my kids have learned to enjoy, even when we have to enforce it sometimes, but the key is to let them choose the books they want to read. According to Scholastic’s Summer Reading Report, kids of different ages enjoy summer reading when they can choose their books and read whatever and whenever they want (70%), and to have an enjoyable way to pass the time (53%). Don’t have books? Public library branches provide great resources and the opportunity to borrow books. My kids love it because they have their own library cards and choose the books they’ll bring home.
I have a close friend that has her kids “purchase” their screen time with reading time. For instance: if the child reads one hour, that’s all they get of screen time. It’s a wonderful idea, and although I don’t apply it rigorously, I apply the principle and it works.
2. Unstructured time to let them get bored (and watch them create, play, or build something new!)
It is important for moms to understand that we don’t need to keep the kids entertained at all times. It is not doable, not realistic and not good for their growth and development, so take that pressure off of yourself and include “free/unstructured time for kids” as part of your summer planning.
The much feared “I’m bored” complaint is actually not as bad as it sounds, because it provides a wonderful opportunity for moms to let their kids rest from the overstimulation and overactivity that screens and high-paced activities provide, while creating space for creativity, innovation and bonding with siblings.
No one ever invented something great in a moment of frenzy. Some of the biggest and most amazing inventions in life came when the creator was simply doing nothing, or just testing and learning. The Child Mind Institute published an article about the benefits of boredom and it explains why being bored is a good thing for kids, how can parents help their child transform boredom into something fun and creative, and ideas on some good projects for bored kids of different ages.
For us, unstructured time works. It’s fascinating to see my children create, come up with ideas to play together, make pillow forts in the living room, draw, color, prepare shows for stuffed animals, make science experiments, write short stories and even reorganize spaces – my daughter specifically. Those who know us, know she’s a mini me 🙂 I see time as a gift!
In addition to these positive points, my children’s unstructured time is my window to do some things around the house or work on dedicated writing projects.
3. Veggies and fruits during the week to unlock sweets for the weekend
This one works year-round in my household, but especially in the summer. It is easy and comfortable to live on vacation mode and fall into the trap of eating sugar and ultra-processed foods for comfort and fun. But this is an important part of summer planning: to make sure we continue to fuel our bodies with high-quality foods.
If you can take some time on a weekly basis to wash, cut and keep handy TONS of fruits and veggies in clear containers, hungry little people will open the fridge or pantry and grab these.
4. Chores
This one also works throughout the year, but it picks up in the summer because the kids have more time. Also, it provides an opportunity to teach them new skills (baking and cooking included). It’s part of the process of equipping them to become more independent as they continue to grow.
Kids enjoy feeling productive and helpful in the house, aside from the sense of accomplishment when they get money for their work. According to a study from Harvard, “shared responsibilities help children develop greater self-worth, confidence, work ethic, and empathy for others.” My kids are learning to make their own breakfast (which gives me a bit of extra time for other things), bake, serve themselves fruits and other healthy snacks, vacuum (the most popular in my house, people fight to get the chance to vacuum. If they knew…), wash dishes, do laundry, etc. My oldest son takes out the trash and this summer, I’ll give him access to a bit more money by doing bigger chores that will require more work, such as washing the car.
5. Make devotional time part of your summer planning
I have tried different times of the day to study the Word of God with my children. I have found that the best time is the morning, during breakfast. Their minds are fresh, moods are mostly positive, and I have the energy, clarity, and drive to dive into a topic, a story, or a specific chapter/book (and the patience to answer a million questions!).
Depending on your kids’ ages, you may already have Children’s Bibles, or books and resources to guide your time with them. My two oldest (almost 9 and 11) at this point read the “real” adult Bible and when I read with them, I include my 5-year-old, who pays attention and asks questions.
I usually try to read to them whatever I have already read earlier on that morning. Having read, meditated and prayed on such portion of the Scriptures gives me the ability to easily present it to my children and teach them what I have learned. Another option is to read a Psalm, or a Proverb, or just pick a portion of the Bible that will answer questions or is related to conversations you have had at home.
For our devotionals and Bible study times, I try to use the SOAP method. (Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer). It works pretty well and helps me provide a practical application for their walk with Jesus.
For moms who prefer to follow a more structured Bible time, there are many summer resources and simple biblical curricula available. One that our MMC founder and CEO has done with her children is called Bible Bee. Their summer program to memorize scripture looks amazing! Since this is one of my goals for my family, I’m considering getting it as part of my summer planning essentials.
6. Water is always a good idea
When we didn’t have a pool in the house and my kids were younger, I would always buy a small plastic pool for them to use the entire summer and it was so fun.
A few years ago, when I used to work full time, I planned for 1/2 days (mornings) scattered throughout the summer to take the kids to the beach. When I transitioned into family-full-time life, beach and pool became our #1 plan.
As it relates to going to the beach, I pack light. I make sure I’m loaded with good snacks, and off we go. I like it when we take the whole gear (only when my husband comes with us). But when I go by myself with the kids, I try to make my life easier. Less is more. No chairs, no heavy stuff. I have enjoyed the beach with my kids summer after summer, with or without Daddy, with or without friends. We just love breathing salty air, playing in the sand, and getting in the water. My favorite beach in Miami with clear and calm waters, parking, restaurant, and outdoor showers is El Farito Beach on Key Biscayne.
During rainy afternoons, nothing like a good “dancing in the rain” scene when kids are allowed to get messy. Long showers or baths are also allowed for “relaxing moments.” Water in any form and shape will always be a good idea.
