Don't waste your summer.

It's summer time!! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the days are longer and the kiddos are on summer break. You might be wondering what to do with all the time. Well let me encourage you to not waste it! You have this chance to build and grow with your children.

How do I not waste my summer? Here are some thoughts, are there any area's that you have been wanting to work on with your children but with the business of the school year, you haven't had the chance? Are there some things you wanted to start building in your children? Maybe you wanted to work on some character issues or want to read the Bible together? Here's your chance. Maybe you want to work on some chore training.Maybe you want to do some light schooling with the children.  You will not be given this time again. Your chidkren won't be this age again. Take hold of it!

How? You might ask. Maybe your thinking, " Oh, Janice, there's so much I want to do with them. Where do I begin?". The best place to start is at the beginning. 

Let me encourage you to make a summer schedule. It's a great way to get things done that you want to and it keeps the day moving. Here's some thoughts of how to schedule so you don't waste you summer...

First, Make a list of all the things you think you would like to do/ work on. Some things that are on my list are; start a Bible reading plan, work on some much slacking table manners ( and manners in general), build a summer reading list ( ours includes one chapter book and one christian biography a week) and work on our summer chore list. What ever you can think of, just write it down. Ask your husband if he has any thoughts on the subject too. ou might be surprised at what he suggests. 

Second, plan some activities. ( Don't forget to have fun!). Maybe it's a once a week trip to the park, library or zoo.  We are planning a once a week trip to the library. They have many wonderful activities during the summer ( and they're free!). The older four will be taking swimming lessons for a few weeks.Take a nature walk, go to the public pool or have a playdate. 

Third, Don't overwhelm yourself or them with a FULL schedule. Summer is for enjoying the warm weather and having fun. Schedule only a few things at a time , giving yourself lots of breathing room. I know many people who jam pack their days with activities and outings, but by the end of the day they ( and the kiddos) are worn out, and that leads to a cranky evening.

Finally, remember to build the Word into your day. This is a great time to have a Bible time with the children. We will be doing a Psalm a day, talking about it, then I'm having each child use something they learned from the Psalm to pray. This is a great time to teach the children about the Lord. You are investing in them the MOST important thing of all. The Lord! Teach them to pray. And Mama's, don't forget your time in the Word and prayer DAILY.

Enjoy this summer my friends. Enjoy your children. Don't waste your summer. You won't regret it. :)