How many summers do you have left with your kids? Time is ticking. The countdown continues. I’m not trying to stress you out or make you sad. But I do want this article to be another reminder for you with the purpose of helping you maximize time with your kids.
I haven’t found any research to verify this stat, but I’ve seen this around in a few places, and I appreciate its goal of motivating parents to prioritize family time:
75% of the time we spend with our children happens before they turn 12,
and by the time they reach 18, nearly 90% of our shared journey is already behind us.
While this stat seems accurate, I know with 100% certainty this Scripture in James 4:14 is true, “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” Life is short and fleeting. We should not take our time with our children for granted. This should change how we spend our summer days.
Here are a few tips to help you cherish time with your kids this summer:
- Slow Down & Be Present
It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, but summer is a time to relax and enjoy the moment. Take some time each day to simply sit back and watch your kids play. Jump in from time-to-time. Listen to their laughter and soak up their joy.
- Do Things Together That You Both Enjoy
Whether it’s going to the beach, the park, hiking, or just playing in the backyard, find activities that you can enjoy together as a family. These shared experiences will create memories that will last a lifetime.
- Be Spontaneous
One of the best things about summer is that there’s no set agenda. So don’t be afraid to be impulsive and go with the flow. If you see something that looks interesting, stop and explore. You never know what you might discover.
- Be Determined
A different strategy than the tip above, make a list of all the things you want to do together. This will help you stay organized and make sure you don’t miss out on anything.
- Be Flexible
Life is filled with surprises, and plans often change due to various factors beyond our control. Things don’t always go according to plan, so be prepared to adjust your schedule as needed. And don’t get angry or frustrated.
The most important thing this summer is to spend time with your kids and make memories that will last a lifetime. These are the moments that you’ll cherish for years to come. They’re growing up fast, and you’ll never get this time back.
