Summer is rapidly approaching, and while my children are dreaming of late bedtimes and ice cream, I’m here silently panicking about how to keep them off screens without losing my mind.
Don’t get me wrong, we have screens in our house. I am not anti-technology. This summer, however, I’m longing for my kids to have the 90s summers I did, a summer that’s not ruled by “one more episode.” I want them to chase fireflies, build forts, and come in smelling like grass and sunshine. I want a summer that feels like childhood.
The good news is that it’s possible! We’ve stumbled into a rhythm of screen-free days that actually work without expensive camps or Pinterest-level planning. Just simple summer, soul-filling fun! Here are a few ideas to get you started.
1. Start with a Boredom Basket
This year, I plan to keep a large basket near our kitchen table filled with rotating items that spark creativity, such as a deck of cards, Mad Libs, origami paper, and a string for the cat’s cradle. The rule is, if they say, “I’m bored,” they pick something from the basket before asking for screen time. You’d be amazed how a pack of pipe cleaners can turn into a whole afternoon.
2. Daily Themes for Structure
If your days have a rhythm, your kids will know what to expect, but it doesn’t have to be a rigid schedule!
- Make It Monday: Crafts, baking, building, painting, etc.
- Trip Tuesday: Go to the park, the beach, a hike, or even a museum.
- Water Wednesday: Sprinklers, splash pads, or even wash the car with a bucket.
- Thoughtful Thursday: Write letters, visit a neighbor, look for random acts of kindness, or even volunteer.
- Free-For-All Friday: Kids pick the plan.
It really is that simple; no fancy supplies are required.
3. Turn the Backyard into a Summer World
It’s truly amazing what kids can come up with, given a patch of grass and some imagination. Bring out a tent for reading, create a mud kitchen with old pots and pans, and set up an obstacle course. If you give them space, they will fill it with wonder.
4. Let Boredom Be the Teacher
This one may very well be the hardest, at least it was for me! Boredom isn’t the enemy; it’s the beginning of creativity. When I stopped jumping to fill every quiet moment, the kids started playing “The Floor Is Lava,” inventing spy games and creating whole underwater dioramas.
5. Summer Nights are Sacred
Some of our best memories are made after grilling outside: catching fireflies, making s’mores, or just having popsicles on the porch while we talk about our day. Kids don’t require as much as we think they do. Sometimes, all they really need is your presence. The rhythm of slowing down makes it all the more special.
Let this be the summer of less: less pressure, less noise, less trying to keep up with everyone’s curated version of summer. Bring back more of the good stuff: belly laughs, bare feet, berry picking, board games that are too long, and moments that feel like magic.
We don’t need to entertain them every second; we need to create the kind of space where wonder can grow and imagination thrives. Here’s to a simple summer, Mama. It’ll be one they remember, not because it was flashy, but because it was full of YOU.
