Familia Americana: Summertime with the Family

Happy summer! What comes to mind when you think of “summertime”? The smell of the ocean and suntan lotion, relaxing with a book, driving with the windows down, cookouts and free time; hanging out with friends, the summer heat, shorts, and flip flops; fresh fruit, ice cream, and a cold drink when you’re hot. Texas heat and all, there’s nothing like summer fun!

Summertime is also a great time to make important memories with our children and loved ones. For most families, God gives us 18 summers with our children before they leave for college. Whether ready for that reality or not, summer time is a precious time that cannot be wasted.

Family is also the most important part of our identity. It composes our beliefs, dreams and motivations; it gives us a reason for seeking the greater good and a better world in which to live and leave for our children. We are blessed to be children of God and be graced with the opportunity to provide a sanctuary of faith, hope, love, and peace in all things for our family.

And where would our families be without their most important role models, the parents? Parents are responsible for the overall growth and development of their children and it is a job we are lucky to have!

A few good tips to remember this summer when the days are long and dragging on: remain positive and be emotionally present for your family, maintain routines so as to reinforce good habits, talk to your children even when you’re tired, build trust and love in relationships…you’ll be thankful for these later.

Likewise, safeguarding the domestic virtues of morality, holiness, and the message of faith is part of the school of wisdom we transfer to our children. The family is a haven of rest against life’s burdens. Building a close bond with your loved ones is a great way to bolster the stability of the family unit. Something that is much needed in today’s polarizing environment.

Whatever your family composition, this summer, make every effort to keep faith in your life, celebrate the blessings and time you’re given, and live in holiness and wholesomeness for the glory and honor of God above. A happy and blessed summer to you and yours!

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6