Summer days always seem to fly by and before you know it the air begins to get crisp and the days grow shorter.
The beauty of summer is that there is no need to hurry up and get schoolwork done, cook dinner, do laundry, etc. While these tasks still need to be completed, summertime allows for more freedom in our days. Summer days need to be filled with fun, outdoor adventures; reading by the lake, roasting marshmallows in the campfire and playing outdoors until the sun fades away.
Yet, summers end too soon…especially when you consider that we get so few of them with our children in our homes. So, how do we learn to slow down summer and embrace these few laid back months we’re given?
5 Ways to Slow Down Summer
- Allow minimal scheduled events
While summer may seem like the perfect time to get away, if you’re not careful you’ll be too busy jumping from one thing to the next and then summer will be gone. Take time to chat with your family and choose 2-3 big outings that you want to do over the summer. Then, leave the rest of your calendar open for life’s simple daily pleasures.
- Have weekly family nights
Don’t just pop a movie in the DVD or turn on Netflix! Think outside the box! Head to the lake and go fishing, play charades, have a cooking or baking competition – make sure that you enjoy lots of laughs together!
- Pick a summer family project
Try your hand at gardening, build a picnic table or paint/stain the deck or your kids’ bedrooms together! Not only will you be teaching your children the values of teamwork and hard work, but you’ll be creating memories that will last a lifetime too!
- Explore!
Head out on an unplanned road trip for the day (or the weekend!) and stop at all the unique sites along the way! Historical markers are always educational and fun, so don’t pass those up.
- Take in as many sunrises and sunsets as you can
Beginning each new day by watching the sun rise fills you with awe and thankfulness for the gift of another day. Sunsets are not only beautiful but they also cause you to remember all of the blessed moments from your day.
Summertime doesn’t have to fly by. As with everything in life, the choice is up to you. This life we are given is a gift and we only get one shot at making the most out of every moment.
Slow down your summer, friend. This one won’t come around again. If you let it fly by, what moments will you miss?
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