Summer.

Many parents view summer with a mixture of anticipation and dread; anticipation of the longer days, the looser schedule, and the opportunity to spend some quality time as a family, and dread of the boredom, the squabbling, and the search for ways to entertain kids.

Summer can be a wonderful opportunity for families to reconnect and build relationships.

Many families spend the school year running from one activity to the next, with the end of the year bringing a flurry of banquets, recitals, and performances that tax an already jam-packed schedule even more. Summer can be a welcome relief of the constant activity – giving you and your kids the opportunity to slow down a little and build in some down time. You don’t have to leave home in order to give your family a true vacation.

Start a new tradition this summer. Find something that your family loves to do, but doesn’t have time for during the school year. This may be a weekly picnic, a family kickball game, or monthly block parties in your neighborhood.

Find the free activities near you. Many communities host weekly movie nights in the park, festivals, and farmers’ markets. Leave the phones, tablets, and games at home, and spend an afternoon checking out some of these events as a family.

Have “date nights” where you get to spend quality one-on-one time with each member of your family. This individual time can be as simple as taking a walk around the neighborhood or playing a board game, but can pay off in big rewards in closeness and fun.

You may find that some of the things you start during the summer are so enjoyable you continue them into the school year!

Molly Halbrooks, LAMFT
mhalbrooks @ growcounseling.com