Summer has a way of sneaking up on us. One minute you’re packing lunch boxes, and the next you’re staring at a calendar filled with blank squares and big possibilities. If you're on a traditional school schedule, you've got roughly 75 days—seventy-five!—to make memories, slow down, and root into the things that really matter.

So the question is: What are you going to do with it?

Start with Intention

Back in April, we talked about sitting down as a family and having an intentional conversation about time spent together. If you haven’t done that yet, now’s your chance. Follow those steps and actually talk about what this summer could look like.

As your kids grow, you’ve probably noticed your summers shifting. What once revolved around sprinklers and sidewalk chalk might now be soccer camps or part-time jobs, or even helping them get ready for the big move to trade school or college. But what doesn’t change is the value of togetherness—which requires a little planning.

Build Your Family’s Summer Bucket List

Yes, we’re calling it a bucket list. Not because everything needs to be Instagram-worthy or wildly expensive, but because naming your hopes out loud matters. It gives your summer purpose. It gives your family something to rally around.

Ask yourselves:

• What do we want to experience together?
  
  

• What new thing could we try for the first time?
  
  

• What memories do we want to create this year?
  
  

For my family, sometimes this looks like picking a spot on a map that’s a four hour drive (or less) away, and making a day of it. Maybe for yours, it’s camping, even if it’s renting an RV instead of pitching a tent! Maybe it’s beach days, late-night card games, or Wednesday night block parties. 

Whatever it is, map it out. Be intentional.

Include Everyone—Even your Littles

Don't roll over your family in the name of efficiency. Moms especially tend to take the reins (“I’ll just do it myself”), but that can leave everyone else feeling like passengers on your summer train. 

Ask. 

Listen. 

Even if their answer is “I don’t know” try to respond with grace, not guilt.

Your five-year-old might not understand the family budget or work schedules, but they can tell you what feels fun to them. Maybe they want to make s’mores every Friday night, or ride their bike to the park with Mom. Give them a voice, and gently guide them toward being considerate of what would be fun for everyone. This is a great teaching moment!

And if your partner isn’t exactly bursting with ideas? That’s okay, too. Don’t belittle or bash, just take it as trust in your ability to plan something great. Then move forward with love and collaboration.

Traditions Over Perfection

The best summer memories often aren’t the ones that take weeks of planning. They’re the simple traditions that kids look forward to again and again:

• Every Thursday night = backyard movie night
  
  

• Saturdays = red Jell-O and sparklers
  
  

• Wednesdays = neighborhood potluck (whoever shows up, shows up)
  
  

Kids, especially the younger ones, thrive on these rhythms. And honestly? Adults do too. Predictability in a chaotic world is a gift. It’s grounding. It’s connective. And it makes memories stick.

Be the Neighbor You Wish You Had

Speaking of potlucks, summer is a great time to invest in community. Set the fire pit out, send the text, make the invitation. Not everyone will come the first time, and that’s okay. Keep showing up. Keep offering connection without strings attached. Even if your neighbors are 50% stinkers—we all know a “Joanne” or two (she’s my ‘avatar’ of a Negative Nelly)—but consistency and kindness go a long way.

And when the garage door is left open or the dog escapes the yard? You’ll be glad you took the time to build those relationships.

It’s Not Just About You, Boo

This summer is about more than your own comfort or checklist. It’s about your whole family. What do they need? What would bring them joy, stretch them, challenge them, ground them?

Let your plans reflect more than just your own preferences. Teach your kids to think of others. Model what it looks like to build a life that includes consideration, compromise, and joy that’s shared. Because time flies, but memories last.

75 days. Remember that number. What memories are you hoping to make with your unit this summer? I'm just a DM away, or you can leave a comment over on IG @quinn.vise — I love building community with you!

Cheering you on,

🤍Quinn