"Instead of letting the summer 'happen,' why not practice Summer With A Purpose (SWAP)?" Tim Elmore asks readers. He suggests approaching the summer months with intention, making a plan for growth, relaxation, learning and laughter.
Here are a few of the ideas Elmore offers parents with children between the ages of 12 and 21:
- Determine the quality time you want to have with family. Be intentional to establish how many meals each week you will have as a family, which extracurricular activities are a priority and what your child needs to learn most during the summer months that they might not learn at school.
- Help them choose a theme or path. Instead of allowing the summer months to be haphazard, why not plan the path? When you choose a summer theme, it is easier to coordinate goals and family activities.
- Depending on the ages and abilities of your children, you can choose a service project to do together or individually.
- Prepare for the next school year. As you near August, what if you asked your kids to plan some goals for the next school year? Pick up a sweet treat and discuss them in a park or on a walk.
- As you lead your children, help them find balance in their week and find time for sleep and unsupervised activity. Too many activities can intrude on a balanced family life.
While practicing SWAP takes effort and intentionality, planning ahead will help your family establish a routine and will help give your summer meaning! Read more of Elmore's SWAP ideas here.