Summer Soundtrack
- Elizabeth Couture
- May 30
- 2 min read
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
-James 1:17
Summertime snuck upon us, bringing more freetime with our children. Time not dictacted by rigorous school calendars which provide such stability. Nay, this time rides with the flow, flexible and unsteady yielding both chaos and excitement. So, as parents we set the tone of this playful season by intentionally choosing the melody. Rather than playing "I got that summertime, Summertime sadness" "Summertime Sadness" by Lana del Rey on repeat, we may intentional choose lyrics to narrate the tone of this season.
Suggested Summer Soundtracks:
vibe: Slow-down and Savor
"Summertime and the living is easy"
1.schedule less: allow for open time with a more lingering breakfast, free play for kids to create, choosing no pressure for punctuality with activities with a set beginning and end time.
2.stay simple: easy activities such as park time and back yard water time provides easy ways to entertain.
3.stillness: whether at home or outside, choosing to see and savor the beauty of the cloud patterns or the sound of children's bubbling up laughter creates an inner stillness saturated in the sacred second.
VIBE: Wander and Wonder
"Sunroof"
flexible adventures: Based on the weather and energy levels of you and your children choose activities that match the mood such as a nature walk with shade during hot days or a splash pad for the hottest days.
Follow the whims of your littles: once an adventure location is choosen let the children lead you towards a forest walk behind the playground or towards a rock pile laden with "treasure." Allow their curiosity and creativity invoke your own wonder as you wander a little.
Find Novelty: dare to try out local parks not normally on your path, or explore museums not previously explored. Moreover trying new activities such as learning to ride bikes or roller blading allows for wonder-filled moments during the summertime.
VIBE : Avid Aventurer
"Watermelon Sugar"
Plan: for those who thrive in structure time and like to fill their calendars to the brim, summertime provides plenty of space for extravagant trips to theme parks, beaches and to take long road trips.
Prepare: To keep on swimming into a sea of endless fun, preparing through seeking- library passes to museums, or local zoos or shopping deals for theme parks and/or tickets to shows in town for the season.
3. Pursue: look out for local events for summer camps such as sports, dance and/or overnight camps, vacation bible schools and and local events such a festivals and concerts, typically the season allows for a lot of fun events ready to fill any eager participant with the time and means to attend. This allocates for a fast paced and thrilling time!
So seek your summertime soundtrack with a slow-down and savor vibe, a wonder and wander vibe, or even an avid adventure vibe to play in this season an intentional tune.
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