3 Ways to Preserve Family Connections Over The Summer

Summer is finally here! School’s out, and it’s time for barbecues, baseball games and family vacations. We’re guessing your schedule is looking pretty packed, but trust us, there will be plenty of down time for your kids – especially if you’re a working parent. Unplanned time can be enriching for kids in that it gives them an opportunity to develop their own hobbies, independence and friendships, but it’s important that parents preserve family connection even while they’re away at work.

Use the tips below to maintain that connection throughout the summer and prepare to start the school year off on a positive note.

Be in the know. It sounds like it should go without saying, but it’s true; to stay connected during the summer, while you’re at work and your kids are out of school, it’s critical to be aware of what’s going on with them. Be involved with what they’re doing, know who they’re with and require phone call check-ins. Depending on your kids’ ages, they may be given different levels of freedom – but even your teens who are home from college should let you know what they’re doing. Even if you can’t be with them 24/7, knowing and talking through their plans will help maintain that connection throughout the summer.

2. Give them a challenge. Kids have structured routines and are continuously working toward goals during the school year, so during the summer, that lack of routine can quickly lead to boredom – and boredom has potential to lead to bad decision-making. To combat it, work with your kids and help them set a goal that they’d like to achieve during the summer. This may be a physical challenge, a scholastic achievement or something fun – encourage your kids to use their imagination. Once a goal is in mind, come up with weekly tasks that will help them reach it, and keep them accountable. The benefits of achieving a summer-long goal are threefold: kids learn to work through something to completion, they are kept busy doing something constructive and, perhaps most importantly, it helps them build confidence for the upcoming school year and starts them off on the right foot.

3. Act as a model. You have more influence over your kids than you (or they) could even imagine; without realizing it, your children will emulate your behavior so be the type of person you’d like to see reflected in your child! Hold yourself accountable to your goals, not just theirs. Make a conscious effort to take time to improve yourself and to help someone in need. Your kids are watching, and having a positive role model to follow can go a long way in helping them grow into responsible, confident, caring young adults.

For more tips on making and keeping a meaningful connection with your kids over the summer, visit our website.