As we wade through these last few (very full and fun) weeks of the school year, the buzz of summer planning is blowing up text threads and on our minds. As parents, there is tension to planning summer for you family. Because summer brings freedom, transition, and opportunity, it can feel overwhelming to know how to prepare your family to make the most out of the summer months. We want to strike the ideal balance of active and engaged, not too bored, not too busy. Whether your summer includes camp or not, we want to pass along a few simple ways we believe you can make summer matter by choosing to be present, connecting with God and others and growing as you go!

If you are a parent of school aged kids, then you feel with me the frantic and flurry this month of May brings as we keep up with schedules, to-do lists and phone notifications. In the midst of my preoccupied state, the voice of Jesus from the story of Mary and Martha slows me down and softens the intensity of my overwhelmed state,

⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:41-42

There are few things needed, indeed only one... To be present amidst distractions, to prioritize relationship over performance and to sit at the feet of Jesus. Now, I wonder how a shift in my heart posture as we finish the school year strong might help my perspective as I look towards summer with my family?

Here are a few simple things we've brainstormed to practice presence, cultivate connection and inspire growth, all while sitting at the feet of Jesus.

• One on one time. From time to time, I’ll ask my kids, “When do you feel most seen, known and loved by me?” And every time, their response includes some version of quality time spent together, just the two of us. Whether it’s playing a board game, building legos, going fishing or on a walk to the donut shop... When my kids get my undivided attention apart from their siblings, my to-do list, or phone distraction, it fosters connection and they feel most loved. 

How can you carve this time out in your summer schedule? It can be as spontaneous as taking one kid to run errands and using the car time to get them talking while you simply listen. Or, it can be more planned and calculated. My husband and I rotate through taking our kids on ‘dates’ after church on Sunday and it is a cup filler for each one of us. We keep it simple, but usually include a treat and a few intentional questions to engage our kid’s heart and mind.  

• Family Read-aloud. One of the simplest ways we’ve found to connect with our kids, is through reading to them. Yes, even as they get older! With a break from school, the summer provides the freedom and flexibility for us to slow down and have fun with this one. While it does take a little time and intention, this rhythm is a great deposit of connection for all of us.  We love taking the summer to read through the Jesus Storybook Bible at bedtime to continue to give us all a big picture perspective of the Bible. Reflecting on these stories often leads to meaningful connections and prayers at bedtime.

If not the Jesus Storybook Bible, pick a book or series and aim for a couple times a week either in the morning or at bedtime to gather as a family and adventure together through a story read aloud.  

• Real Life Skills. Sometimes in the school year, life is so maxed out, we miss the opportunity to come alongside our kids and teach them real life skills. So, when it comes to beating boredom, let’s ditch the screens, and give our kids some purpose! Consider how you can bring your kids alongside your house repairs or projects and teach them how to use a tools safely. Have them take a night of the week to plan a meal to cook, make the grocery list and try their hand in the kitchen. Give them a budget, and let them plan a local family adventure. Have them get everyone’s pizza order. Then let them call it in, or place an order in the drive through! 

After each new challenge, take time to "Think Twice" about it, making connections about what they learned and how they saw God in the midst of their experience. Our kids are capable and thrive with purpose, let us look towards the summer as an opportunity to empower and employ them with real life skills.

Whether summer coming brings with it a sigh of relief or uncertainty about what your days will look like, it really is the simple every day things that matter most. There are so many moments each day we have to be present, connect and grow! This summer, let us choose the few things that are needed.

Finish the school year strong and do a big, FUAGNEM happy dance when summer finally gets here!