Building Lasting Summer Memories with Thoughtful Planning

Introduction

Summer is a magical time for families, a season filled with sunshine, laughter, and endless opportunities to create lasting memories with our kids. However, in our digital age, the constant buzz of notifications and the lure of screens can distract us from truly engaging with our children. This summer, let’s make a conscious effort to tune out the digital noise and tune in to our families. By putting down our phones, planning fun activities, and being purposeful in our interactions, we can create unforgettable summer moments that our kids will cherish forever.

Put It Down

I see lots of posts on social media about wanting to learn how to have our kids put their phones down. Can I be honest? I see this as an adult problem, too. Whether we are on Pinterest, Facebook, or YouTube, parents are staring at their screens just as much or more than our kids.

The first way we can have a great intentional summer is to put our own phones down…then ask the same of our kids. When I ask my kids to put them down and do something specific with me, they always do. Sure, in the beginning I had to TAKE the phone while we did fun things, but now they do it when I ask.

But I need to model it first.

Planning for Summer Memories

The best way to make summer memories is to make a plan. Not sure what to do? Here’s a great list of summer fun activities.

Ask your kids what they want to do. Try to fit their desires into the plan.

Don’t normally plan? Here’s an article about planning for a great summer and keeping our promises about those plans.

Need to work this summer? That’s okay. You can still plan fun activities with your kids. Plan evening activities or something for the weekend. The important point is to make the time to spend with your kids.

Memories don’t just happen, we plan for them.

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Purposeful Summer Memories

We need to be purposeful with our summer memoires. Not only do we need to put our phones does to be sure we are paying attention, and have a plan in place, we need to actually take note and decide how we’ll document these memories for years to come.

Take pictures

Yes, you may need your phone for this if you don’t have a physical camera you like to use. But take lots of pics – and not just posed ones, get lots of candid shots! Feel like you don’t take great pics? Here’s a great article about how to grab great photos during your summer fun.

Post them to Instagram and tag me – @WriteSpeakRelate.

Journal/Scrapbook

Try keeping a journal or scrapbook about your summer activities. Journals and scrapbooks are great for keeping the memories alive. Get the kids involved! Here’s an article with 60 summer journal prompts for kids. Need help getting started with a journal? Here’s a free summer journal you can download.  

Don’t know how to scrapbook? Here’s a guide to scrapbooking to get you started. You can also scrapbook using lots of paid programs – just Google ‘scrapbooking summer memories’ to find one you like.

Conclusion

As the summer days pass by, let’s remember that the best memories are made when we are fully present. By putting down our phones, thoughtfully planning our time together, and being intentional with our actions, we can foster deeper connections and create a treasure trove of summer memories. Our kids will not only enjoy the activities we do together but will also appreciate the undivided attention and love we give them. So, let’s embrace this summer with open hearts and make every moment count.

With love,

🌸 Andrea

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