Summer Thoughts for Thriving
John Rosemond says the word “no” is a daily dose of the N vitamin. While that is applicable to rearing youngsters, I offer another idea for the N vitamin – nature! Are you planning outside play for your children this summer? I hope so! Granted, summers are hot, but mornings after breakfast are cooler times for outside play, and shaded parks are ideal. Organize weekly playdates and take a picnic lunch to enjoy! Stock up on ant spray and a good sunscreen!
Visiting the library in the heat of the day is another idea for staying cool. Most libraries offer some type of reading or craft time weekly. Check your library’s schedule now and plan your visits.
Rainy mornings or afternoon showers? Get the rain boots and raincoats on when the weather is permissible and trek through puddles. If it storms and you can’t go outside, read Patricia Polacco’s book entitled “Thunder Cake.” It is a delightful story about a little girl who drove away her fear of thunderstorms by making a cake with her grandma. The chocolate cake recipe is in the back of the book. I made it with my own children when they were little; it was delicious, but you could use any cake recipe and call it a thunder cake. Little hands get busy measuring and forget the storm!
To not become dependent on iPads and screens, you will need to plan and be intentional with each day’s routine. Out of sight, out of mind. Put those devices out of reach and sight. Modeling wise use of your cell phone is not only good for your children, but it is healthy for your brain. Challenge yourself to two weeks of no social media. Your brain will thank you! Tell your friends if you plan to limit your responses or posts and silence notifications. Partner with a friend and challenge each other. Send me a text and tell me how your brain feels afterwards! I’m serious; 678-313-9810.
Do you know a high schooler who enjoys children and needs summer employment? If your resources allow this, hire him or her to spend a couple of hours a week coming to your home and engaging in craft projects, drawing lessons, reading books, or playing board games. Even a mature middle schooler could be hired to do this if you remain at home. Above all, be wise and discerning.
Mamas, get your phraseology on! “I like how you helped your brother or sister by _______________.” “You showed kindness by sharing without being asked.” “You were truthful when I asked if you did that.” “You showed first time obedience with a good attitude.” “You made your bed or tidied up your room without being asked; I see you are being responsible.” “I know you were disappointed when our plans got changed today, but you showed flexibility and self-control in your response; thank you.” “I love you too much to let you speak to me like that so try saying that again; I need you to use words and a tone that show me respect.” Teach your children that their tone matters. Disrespectful words and tone must be addressed immediately. If you have allowed this, take the time to apologize for allowing this and tell your child the plan for change. It will be difficult, but you can do the hard things. Do not move forward in your day until this is addressed either with a do-over, an apology, or time-out, or all three, depending on the situation. Children would never talk this way to their RDS teachers, and neither should they be allowed to talk disrespectfully to you. Remember “Miss Jill’s” testimony and how her daddy apologized for his leniency in not requiring obedience? Then, things changed. As a child “Miss Jill” didn’t like it, but looking back, she says it was the best thing!
Give your children solo time each day for developing the skill of self-entertainment or book browsing in their bedroom or another quiet room in your home if children share a bedroom. Place a timer outside the room to signal when time’s up. You may need to purchase a couple of timers. This might take training so do not grow weary; it is important for your child and for you!
Vacation travel? Make a count-down paper chain marking time until the day you depart. Locate the destination on a map or globe. Check out library books to learn about the destination. Depending on ages, allow your children to help pack clothing and books for the trip. Review good manners and behavior expectations. If traveling by car, be mindful of safety at restroom stops. Monitor with adult presence even if your child is a little older than what might be necessary.
Summer is a wonderful time to visit farmer’s markets. Have you ever visited a berry patch to pick your own strawberries? Nothing like a berry ripe off the vine! Children’s appetites seem revved up in the summer. Prepare baggies filled with veggies: carrots, celery, cucumber, peppers, or broccoli, and when littles are starved, you’re ready with a healthy choice that only needs grabbing. When you are preparing dinner, a predinner snack of raw veggies is fitting. Why not? That’s even better than cooked veggies. They have a choice – either raw veggies or nothing. If you eat a little later during summer months, perhaps giving baths prior to mealtime works best. Wearing an oversized t-shirt is a good idea in case of spills on pajamas of littles. Dads, you’re up to bat on pre-dinner baths! Or you fix dinner while your wife gives baths. Speaking of up-to-bat – how about our Bravos?!
Remember dear parent, God has given you the authority to teach, train, guide, direct, disciple, nurture, love, cuddle, discipline, fix, and kiss boo-boos, and wipe away tears. It is a high and holy calling. You have the gift of an eternal soul in your hands. That is a sobering thought, isn’t it?
Dear Redeemer Mama, “May the Lord bless you and keep you and your family safe; may the Lord shine His face on you and be gracious to you each day. May the Lord show you favor and give you peace as you find rest for your soul and fullness of joy in His presence.” (Paraphrased from Numbers 6:24-26).
