Summer really is such a beautiful shift in season for the homeschooling family.
The books close, the rhythms loosen, the activities wrap up, and suddenly there's more space in the schedule!
And while it’s easy to fill that space right back up (camps, activities, plans, expectations…), I want to offer an additional invitation especially for mothers:
Summer is a time to refill your cup. It's an opportunity for renewal and refreshment.
Summer Bucket List for Homeschool Moms
Here’s a simple, life-giving summer bucket list for the homeschool mom.
1. Rest (truly rest)
Not the kind where you sit down and immediately think of five things you should be doing (not that any of us do that… 🫠).
I’m talking about real, restorative rest.
Take naps. Go to bed earlier. Sit outside with your coffee and don’t multitask. Let your body and mind exhale.
2. Go on dates
The school year has a way of pushing intentional date nights to the back burner.
Summer is a beautiful time to refocus on delight in the marriage.
Plan regular date nights with your husband, whether that’s out at your favorite restaurant, a walk at sunset, or something simple at home after the kids are in bed. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, just intentional and fun.
3. Read voraciously
Let yourself get swept into good books again!
Pick up novels, spiritual reading, or motherhood books that nourish you. You might even include a few homeschooling titles for inspiration; but hold them loosely. The goal isn’t immediate implementation. The goal is delight!
4. Enjoy just being Mom
Step out of “teacher mode” for a bit.
You don’t always have to be moving the ship forward. In the summer, simply stand on the deck and take in the view.
Let there be slow mornings. Popsicles on the porch. Lingering conversations. This is the stuff of life.
5. Explore a hobby
Is there something you’ve tucked away during the school year? Or something you’ve been quietly wanting to try?
Painting. Gardening. Pickleball. Baking bread. Embroidery.
Summer is the perfect time to try something new for the sheer enjoyment of it!
6. Establish a new personal habit
Is there a habit you’ve been longing to build?
Maybe it involves your prayer life, your health, your marriage, or your personal growth.
Summer gives you a little more margin to begin.
Choose one or two small, meaningful habits and tend to them. By the time the school year begins again, those rhythms will feel far more natural and will be met with less resistance!
7. Spend extra time in prayer
Lean into the slower rhythm of summer to deepen your relationship with the Lord.
Maybe it’s a decade of the Rosary while the kids play. A new journal for your Bible reading. Spiritual reading before bed. A quiet morning prayer before the house wakes.
There’s something especially beautiful about unhurried summer mornings with the Lord!
8. Be outside as much as possible
Sunlight. Fresh air. Dirt under your feet. It’s good for your children and good for us!
Let meals spill outdoors. Let the kids run barefoot after fireflies. Sit and watch the light change in the evening. These are the things that help restore our humanity!
9. Simplify your days
You don’t need a packed calendar to have a meaningful summer.
In fact, less often leads to more.
Choose a few rhythms that matter most and let the rest go.
10. Say yes to delight
What would it look like for this to be a summer of yes?
Yes to watermelon in the grass.
Yes to spontaneous ice cream trips.
Yes to a silly or fun family read-aloud.
Let joy abound!
Let the Father delight your family; allow yourself to receive that delight, too!
A Summer for Your Soul
You have poured out so much this school year.
Summer offers you the opportunity to receive.
I'd love to hear how you refresh during the summer, or what is on your summer bucket list this year! Let me know in the comments?
Ready to dive deeper?
Here are 4 ways to fill your nets...
1. Memorize Bible verses with your children easily with our FREE guide: Stocking the Storehouses
2. Make your dreams of family prayer a reality with The Daily Feast framework, making it possible in just a few minutes a day. This free guide shows you how.
3. Want to steward your own prayer life? Check out this Scripture prayer journal we made just for you.
4. Looking to level-up in your family faith formation? Join over 10,000 families that use our resources. We make open-and-go, family-style resources to make your role as primary catechist easy AND delightful. Click here to browse!
