An Old-School Summer

I’m old enough to remember life before modern technology. Mine is the last generation raised without home computers, smartphones, tablets, and streaming television. Looking back, I don’t remember ever being bored, especially during the summer. My sister and I spent our days doing our chores, playing outside, creating make-believe worlds, and reading. Dad played kickball and baseball with us, mom took us to the library, we all went to the beach often, and ice cream was a common treat, and we went camping every summer with family friends. We enjoyed simple things, nothing expensive or extravagant, and it brings back a lot of wonderful memories to this day.

As the school year wraps up and summer break begins, we have the opportunity to connect with our kids in a less hurried way. With some intentional planning, you can make the most of summer as a family, and the more you unplug, the more your children can experience some old-fashioned fun that is both enjoyable and good for them developmentally.

Because routine is healthy for kids, structure their time to adjust to days not spent in school. Consistent wake-up and bedtimes are just as important in the summer as they are during the school year. Establish activities for your kids to do every day--chores around the house, reading, outdoor play, screen time, etc. Make space for open-ended free time as well. Children need to be challenged to come up with ways to entertain themselves without technology. It sparks their imaginations and encourages them to discover new hobbies, which are important for healthy development. 

During the summer, it’s easy to let the days slip away unless we’re intentional about connecting as a family. Ask your kids to help make a list of things to do together. Be creative with low or no-cost activities, and don’t forget about the joy of spontaneous fun, too. Keep in mind that what you view as being a sure hit with your child may not be the same for them. Make plans that you think will be fun for your family, but stay flexible enough to recognize and allow time for the things your kids are drawn to.

Here are some ideas for summer fun to get you started:

• Camp out in your backyard
• Have a water balloon fight
• Plant a flower or vegetable garden
• Create a scavenger hunt for your kids
• Select and read a chapter book together
• Grab some sidewalk chalk and draw pictures around your neighborhood
• Play some classic games like four square, kickball, and jumping rope
• Go on a nature walk
• Visit a nearby town near you that you’ve never been to
• Check out free activities through your local library or museum
• Keep a family journal to record your adventures together
• Go on a picnic
• Do some messy science experiments

Keep in mind these activities don’t have to be extravagant or expensive to be memorable. View summertime as a low-pressure opportunity to connect and not another obligation to fulfill. Your summer plans will be uniquely different from those of other families. Embrace the more casual pace summer allows. Think about the things you loved as a child and share them with your kids. Creating space for some old-school fun for your children and for your family is a great way to strengthen your relationships and make memories through play. Have fun and enjoy all the wonderful things summer has to offer!