Keeping Your Christian Marriage Strong During Summer Break
Last Updated on June 3, 2025 by Andrea
Keeping your Christian marriage strong during summer break doesn’t have to be difficult. I remember when our kids were younger, I loved having them home at long last. But our schedules changed, we had camps to consider, travel to see family to factor in, and new routines all around. Where was our marriage supposed to fit into the new schedule? After over 30 years of marriage, I found that being intentional was the key to a thriving relationship during this busy season.
Finding Joy, Unity, and Strength in the Season
The Joy (and Chaos) of Summer Break
Summer break is a season filled with laughter, adventure, and cherished family memories. It’s a time when daily life slows down just enough for backyard barbecues, family vacations, and long, sunlit evenings. However, with the joys of summer also come the challenges—the unexpected chaos of disrupted routines, never-ending schedules, and the balancing act of family demands. For many Christian couples, this season can test their commitment to quality time and spiritual growth. But with intention and faith, summer break can also become an opportunity to deepen connection and partnership.
The Pressure on Marriage When Routines Shift
The shift from the structured rhythm of the school year to the freewheeling pace of summer often brings unexpected stress to marriages. The lack of routine can lead to miscommunication, unmet expectations, and increased feelings of frustration. Parenting responsibilities may take center stage, leaving couples feeling more like co-managers than romantic partners. Add to that the exhaustion of juggling activities and the challenge of carving out alone time, and it’s clear why summer can feel overwhelming. Yet, it’s also an opportunity to refocus on what truly matters: your covenant with God and each other. Summertime doesn’t have to bring difficult times to your marriage. With these five practical ways to navigate summer, your healthy marriage can grow and thrive during this season.
Strategies for Keeping Your Christian Marriage Strong During Summer Break
As Christians, we are called to steward our relationships with love, patience, and grace. Here are five practical strategies to help you keep your marriage strong this summer:
1. Schedule Couple Time
Amid summer’s whirlwind of activities, don’t let your marriage take a backseat. Finding time to connect with your spouse might require creativity, but it is essential for maintaining intimacy and understanding. A little time alone goes a long way to strengthening your bond. Little things matter here! Consider scheduling a weekly date night where you can enjoy uninterrupted time together. This could be something simple, like trying out a new coffee shop or stargazing in the backyard. Alternatively, take advantage of early mornings or late evenings for quiet walks or meaningful conversations while the kids are asleep. I’m a fan of lunch dates for logistical connection (like planning) and evening dates for more romantic and emotional connection. Don’t forget physical intimacy during the summer. Take advantage of extended family help for childcare. You can also develop a system to swap childcare with friends so both families can benefit from the alone time with no childcare costs. Use these dedicated times to communicate openly, share your dreams or worries, and strengthen your spiritual bond by praying together or discussing scripture that resonates with both of you.
2. Embrace Flexible Routines
Flexibility is key during summer break. I admit I don’t always have the most flexible nature, so I’ve had to work at this one. The relaxed pace of summer often disrupts the structure of daily life, but this can also be an opportunity to create new rhythms that suit the season. Sit down with your spouse and talk about how to adapt your routines to accommodate vacations, family outings, and downtime. For example, if you usually have structured meals, embrace the spontaneity of picnics at the park or quick bites during road trips. Meal prep might be a good option to try over the summer. Be open to changes like adjusting your work schedules or swapping household responsibilities temporarily to make the summer flow smoother. Look for easy ways to embrace new systems over the summer while being open to creativity. Remember, flexibility isn’t just about logistics—it’s a mindset that allows you to approach challenges with patience and grace.
3. Share Responsibilities
Balancing the demands of parenting, chores, and work can be overwhelming during summer, but teamwork can turn stress into shared success. Approach responsibilities as a united front by dividing tasks based on strengths, preferences, or availability. For instance, one partner might manage meal planning while the other handles organizing activities for the kids. Beyond practical duties, make time to acknowledge and appreciate each other’s efforts. Saying thank you for even small contributions fosters mutual respect and deepens your partnership. Also, consider involving your children in age-appropriate chores to lighten the load and teach them valuable life skills. My mom had my sisters and I washing clothes as soon as we could reach the washing machine controls. I did the same with our boys and it’s worked well. Kids can do more chores than we can imagine! No, it may not be quite the way we would do them, but sometimes done is good. Open communication is key to revising responsibilities during this time. The best way to secure your spouse’s help is to ask! Don’t be shy about initiating a conversation about changing up summer home work routines.
4. Prioritize Spiritual Connection
Keeping God at the center of your marriage is one of the most powerful ways to nurture your relationship. Use the summer season to explore new ways to grow spiritually together. Start a shared devotional or Bible study that aligns with your journey as a couple, reflecting on biblical principles like love, unity, or perseverance. Attend church services together or participate in community events that inspire your faith. Try joining a small group through your church or attend one of many marriage conferences offered around the country. If you’re traveling, research local churches or sacred sites to visit, turning vacations into spiritual enrichments. In quieter moments, take time to pray together, thanking God for His blessings, or marvel at His creation during a hike or a sunset. Let your mutual spiritual connection guide and sustain your bond.
5. Celebrate the Small Moments
Summer is full of fleeting yet beautiful moments that can enrich your relationship if you take time to cherish them. Celebrate the small victories and joys in everyday life—whether it’s laughing over a silly family game night, savoring fresh fruit from a local farmer’s market, or simply enjoying the stillness of a quiet evening together. Create traditions, like making the first Saturday of each month a “gratitude day” where you both share things you’re thankful for. Capture memories in photos or journals to revisit later. By embracing these simple moments, you cultivate a spirit of gratitude that keeps your marriage rooted in joy and appreciation.
Through intentionality, flexibility, teamwork, spiritual growth, and gratitude, summer can transform into a season of profound connection and renewal for your marriage.
Bible Verse Inspiration: Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.” This scripture serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and partnership that marriage brings. Summer may bring challenges, but as a couple, you are called to lift each other up, to stand united, and to rely on God’s wisdom and grace.
Choosing Unity Over Exhaustion
Summer break doesn’t have to be a season of stress for your marriage. By choosing intentionality, flexibility, and faith, you can keep your Christian marriage strong during summer break with love and grace. Remember that your marriage is a reflection of God’s covenant with us—built on unity, sacrifice, and unwavering love. As you step into this season, may you and your spouse choose connection over distraction, unity over exhaustion, and joy over busyness. Together, with God at the center, your marriage can thrive, even in the joyful chaos of summer.
If you have any questions, email me at Andrea@DrAndreaTowersScott.com
Happy Summer!
🌸 Andrea
I am an author, speaker, and communication professor. My specialty is teaching people how to have successful, faith-based relationships. My passion is to teach people how to live out Scripture in healthy relationships, especially at home. I've been married for 29 years and have two boys - ages 19 and 15. I love to bake to show my love, so you'll sometimes see favorite recipes!
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