It's summertime and school is out....what are YOU teaching your children?

Everyone knows that during that last week of school, all parties in the house are eagerly awaiting the school bell to ring for the final time.  The kids can hardly sleep at night, in anticipation of the last day and parents are equally excited that the routine gets to switch up just a little.  For one or maybe even two weeks, the entire home moves around in this state of euphoria.  But right about the end of week 4, the eye twinkles begin to fade, it becomes more difficult to wake everyone up and the parents are saying under their breath,  "I can't wait until school starts".

Now for those of you who had planned ahead and had each week filled with day camps, overnight camps, family visits or summer jobs then you already have this thing figured it.  Woohoo! Good for you!  However there are so many of us who had activities planned, but left a few weeks up to chance.  If that's you, just nod your head!  So what have you down with the 'down time'?

During the school year, admittedly so, many parents have it easy.  While we are working, the kids are at school.  Many of them have after-school activities that keep them preoccupied, until we can get home to make dinner.  Then the rest of the night is usually spent doing homework and preparing for the next day.  This cycle continues until Friday night, when everyone in the house is thankful for the weekend and the routine changes slightly. We have grown so accustomed to someone else teaching our children, that all we really do during the school year is monitor behavior and check grades.  Rather than be proactive in our homes, we are reacting to the system.   Just think about it... during the peak hours of the day, someone else is speaking into your child's life.

.............Wait for it................Wait for it..............OUCH ..............That hurt didn't it?!..............

So the summer time exposes the fact that as parents we have to constantly be engaged with what our children are doing.  We have the opportunity to really pour into them by taking them to the library or bookstore in the evening. (Unless you're an educator, you still have to work.  You don't get summers off... I totally get that.)  Do you require that your children read books and then do age appropriate activities like: draw a picture, talk about the book or write a short report?  Do you try to find educational activities throughout the city?  Even if you're on a family vacation, do you still go to  a monument or museum in the visiting city to expose your children to culture?  If you have not done any of this, I encourage you to get started.  THE SUMMER IS NOT YET OVER!

There is still time to really engage with your children!!!  I totally understand that you need a break periodically, so why not barter  daycare services with a friend?  Say something like,  "I'll take your kids for 2 days, while you have mine for the following 2 days".  (That's only one overnight stay.) It's during those times that you and your children have the best of both worlds.  When your children are away, you have a moment to refresh and breathe.  Upon their return, you are fully engaged and ready to teach, love, and spend quality time with them.  The children win on all days.  Remember that they still need a schedule. Be careful not to have too many days when they stay up past their normal bedtime.  Allow them to play video games, but you better make sure that they have equal time going outside, reading, playing an educational computer game or just playing with toys. (Side note: do you remember the days that kids just loved to play with actual toys? Geesh!)  

The point of this message is that we, as parents,  must remember to PARENT.  Parenting is not about spanking or spoiling, but rather about engaging and equipping.  You are your child's first teacher.  They are watching you!

• When you're kind to someone else....your children learn compassion.
• When the cashier gives you too much change and you return it,  your children learn lessons of honesty and character.
• When you apologize, your children learn humility.
• When you make a mistake, your children realize that life is not over even after they mess up.
• When you insure that your kids are still learning throughout the summer, your children recognize that you're invested in them and have expectations.
• When you turn your laptop and cell phone off and talk to them, your children sense that they are a priority.

Notice that none of what I mentioned cost any money, but it does take precious time and intention.  Summertime is not just time off, but rather "all hands on deck", always in a state of preparation. 
Let me encourage each of you to look at your child, grandchild, nieces and nephews, cousins or neighbors as worthy subjects to invest in.  They will become what we show them and expect of them.  If we expect nothing, that's exactly what we will get.

I like the Message Bible version of Proverbs 22:6.--> Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost.

Now spend quality time with your little people and walk it out........

If you are interested in weekly engagement and parenting conversations, I am personally inviting you to join my Facebook group, "Parenting on Purpose University".  

Why?  Because there is still so much more that we can learn.   Parenting is not a job, it's a journey!

 

Just a few of our little girls reading at church. 

#girlpower (although I have 2 boys)