Mission & Academics Blog
Family First: Enjoying a Summer Full of Meaning and Memories
Boy, that year flew by. Here we are at the end of another great school year. Summer stretches before us—full of potential and, hopefully, lots of sunshine. Summer offers precious weeks to strengthen family bonds and create wonderful memories. Here are eight simple suggestions to make this summer joyful and fruitful.
1. Prioritize Family Togetherness
Make a commitment to spend quality time together. Family dinners, picnics, hikes, community activities, and movie nights create opportunities for connection. Quality time together should also include working together and tackling projects around the house or yard. The family that works together stays together. And remember that being physically present isn't enough—being mentally present, listening, and engaged makes these times most meaningful.
2. Read Aloud to Children of All Ages
Don't stop reading to kids once they can read independently! Summer reading builds vocabulary, sparks imagination, and creates cozy family moments. Even teens enjoy being read to, especially when the content matches their interests. Take turns reading, create character voices, and discuss stories together. Have fun!
3. Make a Family Screen-Time Pact
Sit down as a family and discuss summer plans for limiting screens. Consider screen-free mornings, device-free dinners, or "tech Tuesdays," where screens are allowed at specific times. Remember: parents modeling healthy screen habits is more powerful than any rule.
4. Embrace the Outdoors
Nature provides endless opportunities for play, wonder, and reset. Make sure you all get outdoor time regularly—whether it's exploring local parks, backyard stargazing, morning walks, or weekend hikes. Being outside reduces stress and creates natural opportunities for conversation.
5. Try Something New Together
Learn a skill, visit somewhere new, or taste unfamiliar foods. Trying new experiences as a family builds resilience and creates memorable, and often hilarious, stories. The shared vulnerability of being beginners together strengthens family bonds. Moms and dads should be sure to join the fun!
6. Resist Over Scheduling
Protect blocks of unstructured time. Boredom sparks creativity and helps children develop self-direction. Not every moment needs planned activities—downtime is valuable too. Ahhh—just relax!
7. Serve Together
Find age-appropriate ways to help others as a family. Clean up a park, deliver meals to neighbors, or volunteer at a local organization. Service builds empathy and perspective while creating a family identity centered on giving…and this always brings joy—so much joy!
8. And finally, remember the BA FIVE STARS.
Wherever you are, wherever you travel, take the stars along. Truth, Character, Intellect, Individuality, and Heritage. Don’t leave home without them.
Hope this list is helpful. What simple step will you take first to make this summer memorable for your family?
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Don't stop reading to kids once they can read independently! Summer reading builds vocabulary, sparks imagination, and creates cozy family moments. Even teens enjoy being read to, especially when the content matches their interests. Take turns reading, create character voices, and discuss stories together. Have fun!
3. Make a Family Screen-Time Pact
Sit down as a family and discuss summer plans for limiting screens. Consider screen-free mornings, device-free dinners, or "tech Tuesdays," where screens are allowed at specific times. Remember: parents modeling healthy screen habits is more powerful than any rule.
4. Embrace the Outdoors
Nature provides endless opportunities for play, wonder, and reset. Make sure you all get outdoor time regularly—whether it's exploring local parks, backyard stargazing, morning walks, or weekend hikes. Being outside reduces stress and creates natural opportunities for conversation.
5. Try Something New Together
Learn a skill, visit somewhere new, or taste unfamiliar foods. Trying new experiences as a family builds resilience and creates memorable, and often hilarious, stories. The shared vulnerability of being beginners together strengthens family bonds. Moms and dads should be sure to join the fun!
6. Resist Over Scheduling
Protect blocks of unstructured time. Boredom sparks creativity and helps children develop self-direction. Not every moment needs planned activities—downtime is valuable too. Ahhh—just relax!
7. Serve Together
Find age-appropriate ways to help others as a family. Clean up a park, deliver meals to neighbors, or volunteer at a local organization. Service builds empathy and perspective while creating a family identity centered on giving…and this always brings joy—so much joy!
8. And finally, remember the BA FIVE STARS.
Wherever you are, wherever you travel, take the stars along. Truth, Character, Intellect, Individuality, and Heritage. Don’t leave home without them.
Hope this list is helpful. What simple step will you take first to make this summer memorable for your family?
