Let’s find ways to make the most of Summer

Schools out. Most families experience a different pace of life. Longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures make outside activities a perfect place to play. Bedtime for children eases up and there’s a more relaxed attitude.

Making the most of our summer requires striking a three-fold balance between planned fun, leisure moments, and spontaneous adventures. Some fun, like vacations and camps, take extra planning to keep the excitement in place without becoming a burden.

Consider a reasonable plan

A reasonable plan includes travel and activities that work best for your family. Toddlers have different physical abilities than older children. This cannot be overlooked. The youngest ones might still need nap times and diaper changes and strollers. The preteen and teens are likely ready for zip line adventures. Is this the summer for a family road trip to visit relatives or enjoy a National Park? Or, will your family be happier finding outings and events closer to home? Keeping stress at a low ebb makes the memories of together time so much happier.

Consider the cost

It’s important to consider the family’s finances when activities are being considered. Fun costs money. Hopefully you have a spending plan to guide how your money is spent each month. If not, sit down and prepare one. There’s no substitute for knowing the costs necessary to run your household. This allows you to know how much entertainment money is available to spend? If there is a surplus, it’s easy to work within those boundaries. If there’s a deficit taking place, don’t compound the problem. Work within the reality of your family’s budget to experience making happy summer moments and avoiding stress that can lead to tears and angry outbursts.

Most communities hold numerous free events. Concerts in the park and outdoor family-friendly movies. Libraries often have a few passes to local museums for their patrons to use. Pack a picnic and head to a nearby lake or park. My family had a meager income, but some of my best childhood memories were spent with an inflatable tube at a mountain lake and eating homemade potato salad.

Consider the memories

Making memories is really what summer fun is all about. Whether it’s growing tomatoes together, or hanging out with friends at a theme park, or eating watermelon after playing with tadpoles in the stream, it’s bringing people together. Take those pictures. Later, create photo albums or online collage picture boards. Print and frame some as reminders when summer ends. You’ll be able to recall how your family made the most of summer this year.

Ecclesiastes 3:12 NIV I know there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.