How to Make the Most of Those Long Summer Days

 

Now that the anxiety of getting those last school projects done has faded and the excitement of putting car rider lines, reading logs, and late night homework battles on the shelf for a few months has waned, it is time for us to figure out…

How to make the most of those long summer days.

For the first week or two we have binged, stayed up late and slept in late. Let’s face it, we haven’t done anything early. I imagine that is how the Israelites must have felt after they finally made it across the Red Sea and found a place to camp. “Alright kids.. go build another sand castle or something, Mama needs a nap!”

Yep, that pretty much sums it up. However, my kiddo’s have had their TV and video game days and I have had my nap so unless I want us all to slip into a summer coma it is time to think of a few ways to make this summer productive for all of us.

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds, tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Duet.11:18=19

God had some good advice for those parents journeying through the desert. Here are a few ways I was inspired after taking His advice.

Memorize some scripture

This was certainly God’s advice to those in the wilderness. He went as far to tell them to bind His Word on their heads and tie them around their wrists.  Maybe you could design some buffs to put on your heads. You could be professional about it or just cut the sleeve out of one of dad’s (notice I didn’t say mom’s) old t shirts, get some sharpies, write out your favorite verse, make a cool design and ta DA!  A cool buff for those hot summer days.

Go for a walk

We could all use the exercise. Our youngest boys are in middle and high school now. I am sort of trying to help us all get into better shape by making some healthy adjustments over the summer. One of those includes going on a walk once a day. We try and mix up the scenery by walking in different parts of the city. Looking at nature, people or businesses are great ways to strike up conversations allowing parents to weave in their faith or things about God.

Watch some quality TV together

Yes, lying down does’t have to be sleeping. Summer was made for rest and relaxation. This is a great time to have movie nights or watch something on YouTube with your kids. If they are hungry for someone to hang out with use that time to get to know them a little better. Like it or not, our kids are changing all the time.

 Just do something 

Plan to do things with your kids when you are up! Much time is wasted by not knowing what to do. So plan some things. Just pick any of these words and let your imagination go wild: Volunteer, Plant, Paint, Cook, Draw, Sing, Drive, Bike, Watch, Clean, Climb, or Hike, really any verb will do.

However you choose to spend the long summer days, just make sure to talk about God and His love for your kids while you are doing it!

Hey if you would like to see some really cool ways your child can learn and improve their study skills while having fun this summer? Sign up for my free email updates and get a FREE copy of Solomon’s Summer Survival Lit when you confirm your subscription. Click Here for your free downloadable resource!

Leave me a comment below or a story about how you spent some quality time with your kids this summer. I would love to hear from you!

Madaline