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Summer is a great time to connect as a family and strengthen relational bonds. Summer is a great time to unwind and relax. However, especially with the pandemic over the past couple of years, parents need to be creative to help their children stay occupied over the summer months
![Friendship and communication concept.](https://family-life-psychology-v1725499542.websitepro-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/friendship-and-communication-concept--1024x682.jpg)
A Successful Summer
Creating a successful summer begins with intentional planning. Children thrive on structure. While it’s important to let our kids relax and unwind, it’s equally important to maintain some consistency in waking, sleeping, and eating times. Working with our children to write out a visual schedule for free time, access to technology, and other routines helps set healthy expectations and ensures everyone is on the same page. Developing structure at home minimizes behavioral difficulties and allows parents to spend more time focusing on connecting and having fun with our children.
![I'll make sure you grow up big and strong](https://family-life-psychology-v1725499542.websitepro-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/i-ll-make-sure-you-grow-up-big-and-strong-1024x1024.jpg)
Planning
A little bit of planning can go a long way to make summer more fun too. Vision unites individuals to work towards a
common purpose. The clearer the vision, the more individuals will be united together to work as a team. Winning
sports teams all have one thing in common. All the players have bought into the game plan and are working
together as a team to achieve a common goal. Consider using the following activity to create a vision for summer fun
together as a family team.
Links
Link for planning summer activities together: https://lollyjane.com/summer-boredom-buster-popsicle-sticks/
Another great way to build connection over the summer is to learn more about your child’s love languages. Consider taking this quiz together with your child and learn how you can grow in intentionally expressing love towards them.
http://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/child-quiz/
Make The Most of Summer!
Let’s make the most of the time we have together with our children this summer. Start small by working with your children to develop routine and structure for the summer months. Take time each day to pick an activity for family fun. Finally, plan some small ways to express care to your children based on their unique love languages. Have a great summer and make the most of every moment.