Balancing Work, Family, & Faith During the Summer Months

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It’s a tough time

Summer can be an extra tough time for balancing work, family, and faith. Between the kids being off from school, nice weather, possible vacations, and new schedules summer is it’s own unique challenge.

While some employers are more understanding during the summer months, that’s not true for all of them. Many employers have the same expectations during the summer that they do all year long, regardless of your challenges at home.

And faith? When we add faith routines to the mix, things get even more complicated. Beyond VBS, faith in the summertime often takes a backseat to simply surviving.

I’m here to tell you that doesn’t have to be the case! Despite the busyness of this season, you can still make a strong connection with your family and faith.

Set Priorities

The first step to finding this balance is to identify your priorities. I know they include work, family, and faith, but what about those items?

Do you want time to work at home with a flexible schedule? Do you want vacation with the entire family? Perhaps you want to grow your faith or just hold steady? Are these three mutually exclusive or can you manage to meet all your needs? I would argue you can probably meet all your needs, you just may need to get creative.

I offer a work-life balance webinar that is helpful in figuring out these priorities. Check it out! If you’re married, take time to talk with your spouse about goals and priorities.

Once you figure out what is important to you, it’s time to communicate that to others.

Communicate Those Ideas

• Let your boss know that you’d like flexible work hours. Go in with suggestions! Here’s a in-depth article about how to ask for flexible work time.
• Have a family meeting to discuss the summer expectations –
  • Want the kids to do chores? Make a chore list with clear instructions for how to get the jobs done
  • Want the kids to read every day? Let them know how long and what types of reading
  • Want to have dinner together every night? That’s a great idea! Let everyone know that’s the expectation
• Talk with your family about summer faith activities. Going to attend VBS? Get the kids involved with deciding which ones sound good, if that’s an option for your family. Consider a new study or have a Bible time weekly. Not sure how to keep Christ in your summer vacation? Check out this article.

Create a Schedule

When we talk about balancing work, family, and faith during the summer, a schedule is key. I like to print out a blank calendar to cover the summer months.

By starting with a calendar you are creating structure for your family. When you do this, everyone knows what will happen and when. Once you get it all sorted, you can add the events to your regular calendars – whatever system you use.

Be sure you schedule time to relax, in addition to activities. If kids need to go to camps or VBS because of your work schedule, add them to the calendar. Is there time left for relaxation or a vacation? Get it scheduled. Even if your vacation is more like a staycation, you can still enjoy a respite from the normal routine.

As you plan, consider family time, time for the kids to see friends, work responsibilities, church, Bible study/reading, chores, and free time for more spontaneous activities.

Family Activities

Quality time with family is crucial for building fond memories. Even if those times aren’t what we would call perfect, our kids will remember them. Today’s activities are tomorrow’s stories.

Not sure what to do?

• Find a hobby
• Play with water – have an impromptu pool party, get water balloons, spray the hose and play chase!
• Play catch, frisbee, or tag in the back yard
• Play a board game
• Start a new tv series together (my sons and I love watching the MCU in timeline order and Shield)
• Bake something
• Read a book together

Managing work

Much as we hate to admit it, work is still a factor during the summer months. I’d much rather play with my kids, but my boss expects my work to be done, even if the kids are home. Managing work is one part of balancing work, family, and faith during the summer.

Having trouble balancing it all? Try this webinar.

Talk with your boss about a flexible work schedule.

If that is not an option, set boundaries around work time. When you’re done, go home and enjoy family time – leave work at work. If you work from home, do the same thing. Just close the office door when you’re done and let the rest of your work keep until tomorrow.

Schedule your time at work so you are able to get the most done that you possibly can during work time. Use your time wisely!

Nurturing Your Faith

There are lots of ways you can build your faith during the summer months.

Here are a few ideas to navigate the faith part of balancing work, family, and faith during the summer:

• volunteer
• try a new church on vacation
• help a neighbor
• act out Bible stories
• start a new study as a family
• help out at church

The important part is to include the entire family. Get everyone involved and you may find new activities you didn’t even know you’d enjoy! Along the way you will be building your faith as a family.

Conclusion

So there you have it. You can TOTALLY find be successful balancing work, family, and faith this summer.

Between flexible work schedules with boundaries, dedicated family time, and opportunities to grow your faith, this summer can be the best ever.

I have every confidence that you can find your own unique balance and enjoy a harmonious summer.

What about you?

What great tips do you have for balancing work, family, and faith over the summer? Share your ideas with us in the comments!

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With love,

🌸 Andrea

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