What is Your Family Doing this Summer?

Spring Break and Easter are behind us. That means summer is quickly barreling down upon us. As I child I loved the summer break. I would run, play, and just felt more “free” during the summer. I don’t know what my parents thought about summer though. It was probably more of a hassle for them to figure out what to do with me, because now being a parent I understand that my kids’ freedom usually costs me money and is not so “free.”

Summer is a wonderful time to invest more time and energy into our children. Some of you may be tired already just thinking about the energy it takes to keep going during the summer as you spend time with kids. (It would be nice if there was a magic “parent pill” that you could take sometimes to get the little extra boost you need to keep up. I used to think naps were for the kids’ benefit…now I know better).  As a parent, how can you maximize your summer time and not get burned out?

Bucket Full of Water Balloons

Here a few thoughts that I have that may help you:

• Do a pre-flight safety check and announcement. If you have flown in a decent sized airplane recently you have had this happen. We should do this as well – before, during, and prior to landing – our summer schedules. What are you checking? You are making sure that you are keeping your life roles in proper perspective. First, you are a Christ follower; second, you are a spouse; third, you are a parent; fourth, you are a . . . and so on.  Remember they tell you on the plane to always put your oxygen mask on first before helping anyone next to you. Not putting your oxygen mask on first could be detrimental to you and the one you want to assist.
• Check your fatigue meter. Have you over committed? Look at your schedule/calendar and plan some down time that allows you to relax and be refreshed.
• Check your relationship gauge. Are you under connected? Are you spending time with your spouse without the kiddos? Are you spending time with adult friends (with or without the kids)?
• Draw a picture of your child as a young adult. Next to your picture, even if it’s a stick figure, write down characteristics & qualities that you desire your children to have. What experiences do they need to have to help forge those? Use the summer to spur growth in your child – spiritually, physically, emotionally, and intellectually.
• Have fun! Let your kids be kids. Turn on the water sprinkler and run through it. Choose to be spontaneous and just enjoy your kids. This is a special time – do not miss it!

Splat! I just “whomped” you with a water balloon…what you going to do about?

Looking forward to summer,