Summer Forecast – Abide in the Vine

Alas, former procrastinators, I tend to have ideas after the window of opportunity has passed.  Or, I fail to realize more prep work is involved than I counted on, so I miss the window that way.  Sometimes it’s necessary to say, “I’ll think about that later.”  But make it soon.  Putting off thinking about something often results in zero happening. I was so busy “keeping up” that I didn’t daydream much or listening to children’s daydreams. I wish we’d had more “Let’s think … How can we do that?”

School ends at different times, so this year I’m greasing the gears for summertime a bit earlier. Let this list spark ideas as your family brainstorms.  Somebody probably has a secret desire to give something a try.  Maybe this summer is the time.  Maybe it’s the time for the whole clan to try something.  Even if everybody isn’t gung-ho initially, everybody usually has fun in spite of themselves.

Try asking the kids and yourself what you’d like to do if there were no obstacles.  Then see if you actually can do those things – or how close you can come to doing them. Grant the wish that you can.  Riding lessons might not be doable all year, but three weeks in the summer?  Or, if Sarah works at the stables, she might get lessons and also learn if she’s really interested.

Try a character focus. Maybe there’s one character trait you or even the children realize needs attention – patience, gentleness, promptness?  Make that a summer focus, one trait for everybody or “to each his own.”  Parents too – children will have suggestions! 

Find dress up dresses at thrift shops. Young seamstresses – or you – might enjoy redesigning thrift purchases to make their own creations. My favorite for trains and bridal veils used to be Mother’s old sheer curtains.

Encourage kids to turn books into plays or write their own plays. In our neighborhood, we spent days occupied with our preparations. Parents gathered to watch and applaud our performances.  I don’t remember any scripts, but I remember fun, effort, and supportive parents.

Choose a Topical Favorites night.  One week it’s games, then movies, books, music, ice cream.

Divide summertime weeks among family members.  Each gets to choose a focus for the family  for the week or one day that week.  Food, activity, dress, etc.

If leaving for vacation, read up on the area you’ll visit.  Assign different aspects to different kids.  Weather, geography, food, tourist attractions, government, history.  Maybe there’s a place to explore in Grandpa’s town.

What project, skill, or know-how could you learn from YouTube?

Explore hiking trails in your area – even if you don’t consider yourself a hiker.  Try roller skating, ice skating, bike outings.  Sample the offerings whether you do more or not.

Reading, of course, is a first thought.  We’ll give that lots of attention this month.  Stay tuned.

What will you add to our list for next week?