Making the Most of Summer - Connection, Curiosity & Calm
- Deborah Hughes
- Jun 11, 2025
- 4 min read
Summer often comes with a long to-do list: sign up for camps, plan holidays, keep the kids entertained, stay cool, stay sane… It can feel like a lot!
And while summer is full of opportunity, it can also bring pressure - to make the most of it. But what if the best summer memories don’t come from doing more, but from being more present?
It’s easy to think summer needs to be packed with big outings and special plans, but often, it’s the smaller moments that stay with us - having an ice cream in the sun, a walk outside, or meeting friends at the park.
These moments can feel small and ordinary - especially if you’re working, juggling childcare, or in the thick of early parenthood - but they matter. They build connection in a way that doesn’t require extra time or effort.
Connection: The Little Things
Whilst trying to keep cool in the July & August sun, remember it is those all important quiet, ordinary day to day moments - the car rides, the bedtime stories, the lazy mornings in pyjamas, that truly build and nourish strong bonds.
Other small simple activities that can create the same connection and build wonderful memories for our children are . . . .
Have one-on-one “mini dates” with each child - even a trip to the bakery or a game before bedtime. Kids notice that little bit of focused attention from a parent.
Make a simple summery picnic, get a blanket and have an outdoor or even indoor lunch together
Snuggle up together and read a favourite book, maybe outside under a tree in the shade, or in bed at the end of a warm, sunny day
Create one simple ritual that works for your family: “Sunday pancakes,” “TV and toast Tuesdays” - something small and consistent.
Don’t feel you have to be constantly switched on. It’s okay to just be alongside your child, even in silence. Long hugs cannot be beaten! Especially lying on a picnic blanket in the sunshine!
Curiosity: Let Them Lead (sometimes!)
Kids, especially school-aged ones, don’t always need structured plans. Often they just want space to explore, make things up, and follow their own ideas. Whether it’s a toddler playing with stones or a 6-year-old building dens, their imaginations do a lot of the work.
Let them choose the activity now and then, even if it’s not what you would have picked.
Leave time for play that’s a bit messy or chaotic - water play, cardboard boxes, outdoor “potions.”
Ask simple, open-ended questions - “What do you think we need to build that?” - and see where it goes.
It’s not about being endlessly fun or creative.
The magic of summer is often in the things we don’t plan.
Calm: Everyone Needs a Breather
It’s tempting to fill the calendar with camps, outings, and playdates - especially if you’re working full time and want to make the most of days off. But too much scheduling can leave everyone tired, especially younger kids (and parents).
And some days, especially in households with a baby or toddler, even a trip to the playground can feel like a lot.
Busy schedules CAN be fun . . . but too much hustle and bustle (especially in the summer heat in Geneva!) can wear everyone down. It’s okay and completely necessary to press pause whenever you feel the need.
Build in “slow days” or restful mornings, especially after big outings.
Don’t worry if boredom strikes - it’s often a gateway to creativity.
Give yourself permission to say no sometimes. If you’re stretched thin, simplify. One plan a day is enough. Two is pushing it. None is okay too.
Don’t compare yourselves to other families, who may appear to doing more/be having more fun/nailing everything . . . . you’re never seeing the whole picture.
You’re not failing if the day doesn’t look superfun! - For your children, being with you is all they want
You’re Doing Enough
Whether this summer is filled with beach days, family trips, or just quiet afternoons at home, remember - it doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Some days will feel chaotic, others slow, and that’s ok. You’re together, and that’s what your children will remember.
Your child doesn’t need perfection. They just need connection. And it’s summer!!!
Have a look at our Simple Summer Bucket List - full of fun, low-pressure ideas to enjoy the summer together. Plus there's a template you can print out and fill in with your own family plans
This article was written for the Summer edition of Kids-zone magazine. This edition is full of ideas for fun activities, camps and much more for the summer period.
Check it out here. https://kids-zone.ch
If you feel like you need more resources or support in dealing with any aspects of your parenting journey, get in touch for a free exploration call and more information on 1-2-1 consultations.
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