Summertime Lifeline for Moms

Summertime is here, and while the children are rejoicing, sometimes moms can be overwhelmed with how she’s going to keep the family atmosphere positive and God-honoring. In short, she’s wondering how to keep the children from bickering and falling into moods that are less than adoring! Help is on the way!!

I don’t believe children need to be entertained all day long. It’s so great when they can learn to create some fun on their own, but the truth is, they do need a little help to know how to do that. Providing books, sports equipment, backyard toys, a simple place to cool off, and some planned adventures thrown in between there, a child can learn to enjoy those months that are free from school hours.

One key element is to plan ahead. Use a calendar – either paper or the Google one on your phone and decide when you’re going to take family vacations, day trips, have holiday gatherings, attend library story time, etc. I like to use a particular color on the calendar for my events so it pops off the page quickly when I look at it. Then after those activities that have specific dates, you can fill in the other days with creative fun.

Get creative. Don’t just simply tell your children to go outside and play. Gather some new ways for them to enjoy the backyard. I have several lists of ideas here, here and here FILLED with fun activities for children of all ages. From making ice cream in a Ziplock bag to playing flashlight tag, there are enough fun things to fill your family’s summer calendar and then some! Find the ideas that your children would enjoy and write them in on your calendar so you can have the necessary tools/ingredients when time comes to enjoy those fun ideas.

Plan for one-on-one time with each child. I called this “Mommy and Me time” when my girls were young. You could spend 15 minutes a day with each child, or 30 minutes a week, just doing something special. It could be reading a special book, making a craft, playing a game – anything they would enjoy. They might want to just sit and talk and share a snack! Just having your undivided attention is really special!

Plan for spiritual activities.

1. Vacation Bible School is always a great option! Boones Creek Bible Church is hosting our this coming week, June 5-9. We’re using the Answers in Genesis material and the theme is Kingdom Chronicles. The hours are from 6 p.m. – 8:45. We’d love for your children to join us! You can go here to register and learn all the information needed.

You can also add spiritual growth in your children’s lives with these suggestions:

2. Memorize a passage of Scripture as a family.

3. Host a Bible club in your yard. You don’t need a church to do this, you can do it on your own. I’ve held one in our garage and backyard many years. Make it an hour long. Teach the Gospel. Sing simple Gospel songs. Play a game. Make a simple craft and have a little snack. Invite the moms to come and sit in (they’ll hear the Gospel, too!). Use every opportunity to pour Truth into the hearts of your children this summer!

4. Teach your children the Books of the Bible. This would be a great project for summertime! Say the books while you jump rope. Repeat them in the car. Say them fast. Say them slow. Just do it!

If you put these ideas (and the three other posts I shared) to use right now, you won’t have to dread summertime. You’ll make memories as a family that will last a lifetime. I can’t guarantee there won’t be any squabbling, but may I also add that a strong prayer life and time in the word each day will help you know how to deal with it. Having EVERYONE start the day in God’s Word is the best way to start the day, no matter what season it is!

If you don’t have kids at home, I also have a list of fun Summertime Date ideas here that you might enjoy!

The Lord made summertime Psalm 74:17. You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you have made summer and winter. We all need the refreshment it can bring – your children AND you! So Refresh this summer with some plans, and a right heart. I’m cheering you on!