Making the Most of the Summer with your Children

Making the Most of Summer with Your Children

The summer holidays can feel like both a gift and a challenge. On one hand, there’s a wonderful stretch of time ahead - weeks where children are free from the usual routine of school runs, homework, and after-school activities. On the other, the thought of filling those days while balancing work, household responsibilities, and our own need for rest can feel overwhelming.

But here’s the thing: summer offers a rare opportunity to slow down and really connect with our children. Life often moves at a frantic pace, and moments of genuine connection can be squeezed out by the daily rush. When we carve out time during the summer holidays, we create space for memories, conversations, and experiences that can last far beyond these few weeks.

Spending time together doesn’t have to mean elaborate outings or expensive activities. In fact, children often treasure the simplest moments the most - a picnic in the garden, baking biscuits together, walking the dog, or lounging on the sofa after tea talking about the day. These small, shared experiences can build a sense of belonging and security, letting children know that they are valued and that their presence matters.

The summer is also a wonderful time to model balance. While it’s important to make space for fun, it’s equally valuable to let children see us resting, reading, or enjoying our own hobbies. This shows them that self-care is part of a healthy life, and it invites them to do the same.

For many families, the holidays are also a time to navigate challenges - siblings arguing, boredom setting in, or the pressure to be constantly “doing.” It’s okay for children to feel bored sometimes; it can spark creativity and self-discovery. And it’s okay for us, as parents, not to be entertainers 24/7. What matters most is that, when we are together, we are present - phones down, attention up.

At the heart of it, spending time with our children during the summer isn’t just about keeping them busy; it’s about deepening the connection we share. These weeks are a chance to step into their world, to listen, to laugh, and to see the season through their eyes. Long after the summer fades, it’s these moments of connection that will remain -woven quietly into the story of their childhood.