My friend is a teacher and one of the first writing assignments she gives to her students each year is to write about their favorite summer memories. Every year, a number of students answer with, “We didn’t do anything this summer. My mom was busy, so we just watched TV all day.” I’ll admit—I’ve gotten distracted and let summer with my kids fly by in the past, and I’ve let them spend way too much time in front of screens. I’m not beating myself up over it, but this year, I want to change how my family does summer.
Now I’ve tried this makeover before and made the mistake of overcomplicating things. This year, instead of fretting about perfection, I’m going to focus on the fundamentals to make fun, realistic summer memories. Want to get back to basics with me? Here are the 4 memories I’m going to help my kids make this summer.
1. Memories of a Joyful Mom
At some point, the sight of our kids chilling out in their pajamas until 2 p.m. every afternoon will drive us crazy. Sure, a few days of intense summer relaxation are fine, but to avoid “angry mom summer memories” and create joyful mom memories instead, tell your kids that after their initial decompression, you expect them to be productive for at least part of the day. (You can start with these four life skills you can teach your kids over the summer.)
Don’t make your kids read your mind. Spell out your expectations so you don’t blow up when you’ve reached your limit. Then, entice them into action with these 50 ideas for summer fun.
2. Memories of the Great Outdoors
Summer’s hot where I live. Unless you’re in the pool or have the air conditioner cranked up, it’s pretty uncomfortable. The temptation is for kids to stay inside glued to a screen. Still, our kids need sunshine and to get out of the house.
Short day trips or a picnic under a shady tree are great ways to make summer memories. Plan an inexpensive road trip by staying with family or friends. Closer to home, see a movie, visit (free) museums, or head to the nearest body of water. If the weather is pleasant where you live, tell your kids, “When the sun is out, we are too.”
3. Memories of Thinking of Others
Sometimes, the quest for fun summer memories can get off track if we make it our goal to fill our children’s summers with nothing but fabulous trips, amusement parks, and time at the mall with friends. Sure, they’ll have good memories, but they could have so much more.
The summer is a perfect time for kids to volunteer. Your little kids can go with you when you play cards at a nursing home. Older kids can take part in local mission trips around your city or work at a part-time job to have money to donate. All kids can help out neighbors or grandparents.
4. Memories of Discovery
My husband has told me that his childhood summers were one long stretch of boredom. He and his brother watched a lot of the Spiderman cartoon, argued through games of Parcheesi, and accidentally caught the pasture behind their house on fire. (I guess it wasn’t boring when the fire department showed up.)
We don’t have to entertain our children every second, but if kids have options for discovery—reading a great book, learning a craft or how to build something, playing a summer sport—they’ll make some pretty good memories. And by all means, if your kids are old enough, get them to help out around the house or get a job. Make summer memories you’ll want your children to remember.
Make summer memories you'll want your children to remember. Click To TweetTell us! What are your ideas for making good summer memories?
