Episode 51: Making summer fun with a little bit o' structure and arms wide open to possibility

This episode is perfect for busy parents ready to reclaim the joy of summer—whether your kids are home for a few weeks or you’re navigating a summer full of varied schedules. With practical tips and inspiring ideas, you'll learn how to foster curious exploration, family togetherness, and self-growth all season long. Don't let summer pass by in chaos—embrace it as a deliberate, fun-filled season of possibility. Get in Touch: [email protected]; @lornaadamscoaching; @amypoppinscoaching Music by TimTaj (https://timtaj.com) **List of ideas from the episode** FAMILY RHYTHMS AND ROUTINES -Assigned cooking nights — each son has a night to make dinner; Amy cooks together with the 12-year-old -10 minutes of reading after dinner (silent, then share what you read) -Family read-aloud (paired with clean-up time, or separately) -10 minutes of music practice daily — or themed days like "Music Monday" PLANNING TOOLS -"Summer of Possibilities" spreadsheet — family members list and rank what they want to do (menu, not bucket list) -Hard-copy summer calendar showing all three months at once -Skills list for each kid (practical things to learn — sewing, Dutch oven cooking, car/tire maintenance, etc.) -Word or phrase for the summer (like a word of the year) -Chalkboard photo at the start and end of summer with goals/highlights -Four focus areas for kids: physical, social, spiritual, intellectual THEMES AND FRAMES -"Summer of [theme]" — e.g., one author, one topic, one activity (Gretchen Rubin-style) -26 things to do in summer 2026 -25 things to do together for the 25th wedding anniversary -Five senses of summer — what do you want it to smell, sound, taste, feel like? -Soundtrack for the summer (playlist) OUTINGS & ADVENTURES -Free concerts in the park (Spring City — once or twice a month) -Day trips around the state — free outdoor concerts, festivals, local events -Local festivals (Scandinavian Days, community events from the county magazine) -Time up the canyon — climbing and hiking -Weekly hike (same trail) with the 12-year-old to build hill fitness -Bear Lake trip (Lorna's family cabin tradition) BACKYARD AND LOW-KEY FUN -Campfire or fire pit night — s'mores, hot dogs, tinfoil dinners, Dutch oven -Roasting marshmallows over the gas stove (rainy day/easy version) -Eat outside / back patio picnics -Snow cone machine -Slip-and-slide / rainbow PVC sprinkler -Outdoor movie night with projector and screen SOCIAL & COMMUNITY -Weekly outdoor game nights with families — Scatterball, Nine Square -Wiffleball/softball evening with neighbors -Moms and middle schoolers game day -Consistent check-ins with college-age kids (calls, set rhythm) PERSONAL -Weight training — reviewing and refreshing the approach -Audiobooks (especially during cleanup) -Slow read of Life in Five Senses by Gretchen Rubin