How to slow down your summer?

If for us, as adults, holidays are synonymous with respite, time for ourselves, moments that allow us to de-stress from work, why not offer that to our little ones? What if we gave our children some time to relax during the summer? Even better, how could you take the time to stop with them and be present here and now?

The "slow" movement suggests slowing down our pace of life, taking our time to allow us to appreciate the present moment more. However, it remains a concept that varies from one individual to another and that everyone can interpret in their own way. For me, "slow" is characterized by all those small daily moments where I truly take the time to be with my children. We forget about stress and tasks and truly savor the present moment together. It is this aspect of "slow" that I will discuss in this text.

Summer is the perfect time to stop and start building memories. It may seem complicated, but believe me, you can do it!

Here are some ideas that could awaken your creativity and imagination; the rest is up to you! I warn you from the outset, there is no competition or comparison. The important thing is to take a break (more or less long, it depends on each person) to truly enjoy the moment with your children; the method used is at your discretion. I told you, the interpretation of "slow" is variable!

Start from your child's interests

It may seem simplistic, but every child has their own unique interests. Starting from what they love, a world of possibilities opens up to you!

Do you have a little artist? Try setting aside a morning to play with playdough, discover different mediums (oil paint, acrylic paint, watercolor, pastels), or draw in the yard with chalk. You could also display their artwork by hanging it all over the walls. It goes without saying that you can also take the time to craft with your child just for fun!

Is your child a natural performer? You could make puppets or Chinese shadow puppets. Prepare a beautiful show to present to other family members.

Is your little one quite active? Set up an obstacle course with them using things you have at home. You'll have a lot of fun doing the different routes.

I repeat, the important thing is to spend pleasant moments and quality time all together!

Shake up the routine

The advantages of having an evening routine are obvious, but it's possible to combine usefulness with pleasure by using a little imagination.

First of all, for meal preparation, everyone could lend a hand. The kitchen is a gathering place, and personally, I believe that children have their place there. It is obvious that the tasks offered must be adapted to their age. As parents, we must also accept that it will take longer and there will probably be more mess if our child is at work. However, once this barrier is crossed, we keep smiling and enjoy the moment!

Why not eat outside? A little picnic is out of the ordinary and good for morale! Bring plates, utensils, and food outside and enjoy the beautiful evenings!

It's also possible to have little board game evenings. Get out the classic games (Monopoly, Scrabble, Candy Land, etc.)! This can also be done on a rainy afternoon. For younger children, there are also many very fun games.

Story time is important in many households. It's a small moment where everyone is cuddled up, and it allows for a nice return to calm before bedtime. At our house, we like to have a small campfire in the evening. We wrap ourselves in a blanket and watch the logs burn. This summer, I want to try reading a story outside by the fire. It will be our sweet little moment that will allow us to stay outside a little later!

And for bedtime, why not try camping in the yard or even in the living room?

Reconnect with nature

We take less and less time to discover the nature around us and to pass on this interest to our children. Yet, it's a free and incredibly enriching activity! You could be interested in observing stars, insects, plants, birds, etc. The internet is full of useful information. If you're more "old school," libraries are also at your disposal!

To facilitate bird watching, you can make a bird feeder with almost nothing (toilet paper roll, peanut butter, and birdseed). This will attract birds and allow your children to observe a beautiful variety of them directly from your home!

Creating a nature journal can also be a great way to preserve observations, drawings, photos, leaves, and flowers you collect during your time in nature.

For a quick outdoor activity, get our little tip Nature Scavenger Hunt!

Be truly present

Finally, to make the moment even more magical, put your phone aside. Turn off the wifi during this short time to fully enjoy the beauty of the memories you are creating.

The most important thing is to let your children have fun and allow yourself to have fun with them. Take the time to take the time, to be "here and now" with them. It's time to get your memory factory started and enjoy your summer a little more "slow"!

I'm curious and always open to new ideas, what methods do you use to slow down and take the time to be "here and now" with your little ones?