Simple Ways to Slow Down This Summer: Finding Little Joys as a Family This June

Simple ways to slow down and find joy together this summer

In the hustle of work, errands, and busy schedules, it’s easy to look up and realize summer is flying by. But you don’t have to go on a big vacation to savor this season — some of the best moments are small, quiet, and close to home.

Here are a few simple ways to slow down and find joy together this summer:

Have a “backyard picnic”

You don’t need to go anywhere fancy. Lay out a blanket in your yard, balcony, or local park. Pack sandwiches, fruit, and maybe a special treat. Put your phones away for an hour. Watch the clouds drift by and just be together.

Visit your local library

Check out books that have nothing to do with school — silly joke books, animal stories, even books on how things work. Libraries often have free story hours or craft tables set up, too.

Try a family art night

Grab some watercolors, chalk, or big sheets of butcher paper and create a mural together. No rules, no right or wrong — just the fun of making something side by side.

Go on an evening “moon walk”

When it’s cooler, take a slow stroll around the block or to a nearby playground. Look for fireflies or point out the first stars. These moments often turn into the best conversations.

Start a “joy list”

Sit down with your kids and make a list of little things that make you all happy — from bubble baths to dancing in the kitchen. Hang it on the fridge. When the day feels hectic, pick something from the list to reset.

Remember: small is big

Kids often remember tiny moments — a silly joke, catching a ladybug, staying up a little late to look at the moon. You don’t have to plan a perfect summer. Just be present. That’s more than enough.

  July Reflections: Teaching Our Children About Patriotism, Kindness, and Caring for Our Country  

July is a month when American flags wave proudly on front porches, families gather for fireworks, and communities come together to celebrate. It’s a natural time to think about what it means to love our country — and how we can help our children understand that patriotism is about more than parades or songs. It’s about caring for each other, and for the place we all call home.

Patriotism starts small

When we teach children to pick up litter at the park, to be kind to neighbors, or to say thank you to the mail carrier, we’re showing them that love of country begins with respect for the people and places around us.

This month, look for little ways to practice this together:

• Write chalk messages on the sidewalk that say “Have a wonderful day!”

• Help water a neighbor’s flowers while they’re out of town.

• Collect a few cans of food and bring them to a local pantry.

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Share simple stories

You don’t need a history book to talk about America. Share stories of people who help make your community a better place — from firefighters to local volunteers. Talk about how people of different backgrounds, talents, and ideas all make up the beautiful patchwork of our country.

Try a caring craft

Make “thank you” cards for local helpers — police, nurses, or even the employees at your favorite grocery store. Decorate them with stars and hearts and drop them off together. It teaches children that being proud of where we live means contributing our care and kindness.

Celebrate the heart of it all

Yes, enjoy the fireworks and the fun. But also spend a few quiet minutes asking your child what they love most about living here — it might be playgrounds, summer popsicles, or friends who live nearby. These are sweet reminders of the small joys that come from being part of a larger community.

A little love goes a long way

Teaching children about patriotism isn’t just about waving a flag. It’s about growing hearts that are proud, kind, and thoughtful. When we help them look around with appreciation — and act with compassion — we build a future full of people who care deeply for their neighbors and their nation.