FAMILY CENTERED

Summer is here! It's the perfect time to reconnect, restructure and capitalize on quality time. After all, home life and and those you share it with IS the real life.

One thing I've learned about family life and the growth thereof is, you truly receive harvest from only what you plant. Is it easy? Often no. Does it require a selfless approach at times? Yes. Truth is, intentionality is the name of game.

You are creating memories, teaching (and learning) lessons, finding your groove and giving what you have to the process daily. The goal is to expound on your offerings, create beauty in simple things and work hard to live a life that you or your family don't have to recover from. Perfection is never required, progress is a forever necessity.

Ways to Connect

There's always something to do. Being persistent in efforts to connect is a must to ensure everyone feels seen, heard and on the same page. Great ways to accomplish this continual goal:

family meetings
scheduled individual and collective dates
morning devotional/ group prayer

round table check-ins
finding "together" hobbies
Ice cream socials

I've found what's needed to get to the bottom of things is time. Creating experiences that facilitate time needed to open up take the pressure away while keeping things light; even in the heaviest of situations.

Take a moment to strategically connect the dots!

Summer Family Dates

VINEYARDS

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

MOVIES ON THE GREEN

MUSEUMS

FOOD FESTIVALS

CREATING BELIEVERS

So often, as parents, we had an idea of how we desire to raise our children. While there is no manual, there CAN be a blueprint! Being the first example of what we desire to see is the first step of encouragement for them. Your actions will speak louder than any speech you could EVER give. Talk about accountability, right?! If you start BEING, they'll start DOING without resentment and with proof it can be done!

Summer Meals

No one wants to slave over a hot stove during the Summer months! It's simply too hot! For my household, 97% of Summer meals consist of proteins, fruits and vegetables... and that's it! Why?! It's speedy preparation (that everyone can get involved in) and can be prepared various ways outside of the stove. Ways to minimize stovetop cooking:

Grill outdoors
Choose fresh no-cook options
Utilize slow cooker (that's right! It's not just for the cooler months!)

ACTIVITY HOP LIKE A PRO!

Research

Get information about the attraction, park or venue. This should also determine the time of day you visit

Create a plan!

Map out all activities for the day and the schedule in which you plan to accomplish them.

Relief and Replenishment

ALWAYS create a food plan and know where all restrooms are wherever you go!

SUMMER FUN "ON THE GO" LIST

FOOD STORAGE & INSULATION

ACTIVITY BAG & BLANKET

FIRST AID KIT & WEATHER PROTECTION

WATER AND CLEANSING SYSTEM

Keep a schedule, Stay on track!

Wash Day

Choose a set day to wash hair.

Laundry Schedule

Wash, dry, fold AND put away clothing.

Organization

Create a place for all apparel and accessories to create ease in selections.

Nails and Toes

Create a biweekly day to clip, trim and refresh nails.

Apparel Planning

Plan outfits for the week to avoid rummaging and ensure proper presentation.

Daily Grooming Checklist

Don't skip a step!

Plugged In

Home life is your REAL life. It is the breeding ground for all you desire to see manifest beyond your four walls. When you are in a family unit, understanding and communication can become so complex, it can often be quickly overlooked and replaced with routine dialogue. It is so vital to create a safe space for vulnerability, accountability and availability. Your best efforts in accomplishing this amazing dynamic in your home life is family meetings. Family meetings are perfect for all levels of "busy" and can be penciled in and prepared for. Once a week, biweekly and even monthly are all great ways to get the ball rolling. Consistency is key!

Family meetings are also a great time to discuss schedule changes, goals, create new home systems and more. So, head to the couch or the breakfast table and start the chat! Your family will flourish from this continuous effort.