7 Summer Tips For Catholic Parents
1.) Pray – If you’ve read any of my other lists here at Catholic-Link, you’ve probably noticed that I always include prayer. It’s so basic, yet in the chaos of family life can easily be neglected. Schedule prayer time not only for yourself but also for your children. Check out this guide for praying with children HERE. We like to begin our summer days by gathering together to say a few simple prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and the St. Michael prayer), along with our intentions and what we’re grateful for. We then go over the day’s plan – including what’s for dinner – so that everyone is on the same page for the day. Sometimes we’ll also read a story or go over the Sunday readings at this time, but it really depends on what else we have going on for the day. It’s a very laid-back time of prayer, but it does put a focus on putting Jesus first and helps our days go more smoothly.
TIP: A great time for parents to pray? Swim lessons and baseball games! Get a rosary app and AirPods to make the best use of your time.
2.) Make a Summer Bucket List. – This has been key to our summers for the past five years. During the first week of summer vacation, we sit down as a family and make a list of the things that we all hope to do. Our list has included everything from having a lemonade stand to a fun vacation destination. We always include simple service projects like making cookies for the neighbors or writing letters to our sponsored child. We include something for everyone to enjoy while keeping it realistic but fun.
TIP: Choose one day of the week as your field trip day. This will keep the kids from constantly asking when they get to do the really special activities.
3.) Read a lot…especially about the saints and the faith! Make time to read every day, and be intentional about a good book to read together as a family. Library programs help to keep kids focused and motivated. There are countless benefits to reading aloud to your children, even children who can read on their own.
TIP: We love Saints Around the World for our family because it teaches about so many saints and is a fun way to learn about different locations around the world. There’s truly something for everyone. We’ve also used a lot of the Catholic Sprouts resources for summer reading. Don’t miss our recommended book list here!
4.) Play outside. – Everyone feels better with fresh air and exercise. The old-fashioned parenting technique of sending kids outside and not allowing them to come back in until dusk has some merit. It’s good for kids to get “bored”… this is typically when they have the most fun.
Tip: Combine prayer and outside time with a rosary walk or a visit to outdoor stations of the cross.
5.) Time To Relax. – Rainy days spent in PJs watching movies, sleeping in, or playing (gasp!) video games can be a real treat. Of course, you don’t want too much screen time, but after a busy school year full of activities and homework, it’s important to let everyone (including you!) take a break.
Tip: Find apps and online games that help your kids learn. One app I love is Little Saint Adventures. My kids get excited to play it and don’t even realize they are learning about the faith.
6.) Vacation – Studies continually show that experiences bring more joy than things. Save your money for adventures. You don’t have to go far. Planning a staycation from your own home works, just be sure to step away from work and other activities to enjoy your family.
Tip: When you vacation, look for Catholic destinations, such as shrines or cathedrals, to include in your trip.
7.) Make it to Mass – It should go without saying, but summer vacation does not mean a vacation from Mass. Keep this your priority no matter the season!
Tip: Summer is a great time to give daily Mass a try. Try going to Mass one extra day a week and maybe add in time for Confession too.
Bonus Tip: Find a Vacation Bible School or Catholic Summer Camp (We love Damascus!) to help your children experience the joy of the Lord.
Take some time to ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you about what God wants for your family this summer. Set a few goals and have a vision in mind for how you want your days to go. With prayer, preparation, and an embrace of the Theology of Prayer, you will be sure to create a summer of intentional growth, fun, and lots of memories!
6 Catholic Books My Kids Are Reading This Summer
My Picture Book of the Catholic Faith
Who is Jesus? His Life, His Land, His Time
Molly McBride and the Purple Habit
The Mystery at Midnight (Chime Travelers)
Will Wilder #1: The Relic of Perilous Falls
