Summer Starts Here: How We’re Resetting for a Season of Slow Days, Sunshine, and Unscheduled Magic
There’s something special about the start of summer. The pace slows, the calendar clears, and the days stretch out in front of us—inviting a break from routine. No early alarms. No school lunches. No running from one thing to the next. Just a little more space to breathe.
For our family, summer has shifted over the years. We used to sign up for every camp, every activity. But a few years ago, we stopped doing that—and honestly, I haven’t looked back. Now, we might join a camp here or there, but the idea of an entire summer without something to rush off to every morning? That sounds like perfection right now.
But let’s be real: even the dreamiest summer slows down at some point. The pool gets old. The heat gets intense. Everyone starts hovering near the pantry. And without a little structure, devices start creeping in more than we’d like.
That’s why the start of summer is the perfect time to reset your kid spaces—so when boredom strikes (and it will), you’re ready with creative, meaningful ways to fill the time.
Our Summer Framework: Simple, Flexible, Intentional
This year, I’m inviting my girls to set a few summer goals—not to keep them busy for busy’s sake, but to help them lean into curiosity, creativity, and just a bit of discipline in the most relaxed way possible.
Here’s our framework:
Learn Something New
Anything they’ve always wanted to explore—cooking, a new language, creative writing, you name it.Book Time
We aim for 2–4 hours of reading each week, and yes, we’re doing it the old-school way with real books and regular trips to the library.A Little Math Practice
Just 20 minutes a day of light online math to keep the skills sharp without feeling like school.
Snack Stations: Because Kids Are Always Hungry
We start summer by setting up two snack stations—one in the pantry and one in the fridge. Here’s how we do it:
The pantry snacks are easy-to-grab favorites, placed right at their eye level. Here’s a product that helps with that.
The fridge snacks are the healthy balance: fruit, yogurt, cheese, cut-up veggies, etc. Here’s a product that helps with that.
And for the first few weeks? I let the kids buy whatever snacks they want—yes, even the “fun” stuff. They get it out of their system, and then we find a balance.
Bonus? They become a little more independent and confident in making their own snack choices.
The Game Room Reset: Creativity Lives Here
The beginning of summer is also the perfect time to go through the game room and play spaces. We:
Purge what’s no longer used (goodbye, random broken toys).
Restock craft supplies—paints, glue, paper, beads, markers—whatever inspires them.
Check our bookshelves and board games to make sure they still bring joy.
Set up creativity zones for open-ended play and spur-of-the-moment projects.
This isn’t just organizing—it’s preparing for endless creative afternoons when the outside world feels too hot to touch.
Teenagers Are Tougher—But Not Impossible
If you have teens like I do, you know this summer magic looks a little different. They’re more independent, more social, and a whole lot more into their screens.
That’s where our “learn something new” goal really shines. It gives them a purpose, a personal challenge, and a chance to surprise themselves. Whether it’s mastering a new recipe, taking up photography, or building something with their hands—the goal isn’t to fill every hour, but to make a few hours count.
Final Thought: Summer Doesn’t Have to Be Packed to Be Full
Unscheduled days don’t mean unstructured lives. With a little intention—clearing out the clutter, stocking up on the right things, and setting gentle goals—summer can be both relaxing and enriching.
This is the season to go slower. To get bored on purpose. To spend time together. And to remember that the best memories are usually made when no one’s in a rush.