So how can you integrate intentionality into your family’s summer routine? Here are easy ideas to choose from. Some may be things you’re already doing, but with an added twist, can be a great time of growing closer together and closer to God.Start a family book club.
Take turns selecting a book; then meet weekly to discuss it. While you do so, weave in questions and discussion about faith and how it shows up in the book. Perhaps a character exhibited Christian behavior, or someone’s selfish motivations led to a downfall.

This idea is a good excuse to wade into the books your kids are reading and interested in. You can grapple with principles in the book or explore challenging concepts together through thoughtful conversation.

A family book club has the added benefit of keeping your kids reading over the summer, helping to stave off the summer slump. In addition, many libraries offer free summer reading programs.

Teach your kids life skills.
One of our main jobs as parents is to raise kids who can function once they leave the nest. So use the summer months to teach kids skills they’ll need in life. Here are possibilities: cooking, laundry, cleaning a bathroom, sewing, creating a grocery list, simple budgeting, basic repairs, yard maintenance, maybe even ironing. Teaching kids these skills will take effort, but once they’ve learned, you can integrate them into their normal chores. You’ll save yourself time in the long run and teach your kids self-sufficiency.

 Adopt a neighbor.
If you have a neighbor who’s elderly or a single parent, that person might be struggling to keep up with yard work. Consider tasking your kids with helping out by going over once a week to pull weeds, water, or plant flowers. (After you ask the neighbor for permission, of course.) You can talk in the evening and discuss what they experienced that day and why lending a hand to others is something Jesus wants us to do.

Quick Ideas
• Sign up your kids for a Christian summer camp. Many camps have scholarship programs available, so don’t hesitate to ask if money is an issue.

• Take your kids to vacation Bible school. Each day, ask your kids what they learned and talk through practical ways to live that out.

• Go for a hike. Look for and talk about God’s creation.

• Have a movie night. Look for
biblical truths you see—and don’t see—in the film.

• Invite your kids’ friends over for dinner and games. Your family might be one of the only stable influences in a kid’s life, and your home could be an oasis.