by Rena Canady-Laster,
Actor, Life Coach, Speaker, Author
As I began to reflect and meditate on what to share this month, time and intentionality were at the top of my list. Why? Because, if you are like me, you are asking, “Where did the time go?” School is out. Summer will soon be here. And we are looking at your lives trying to figure out how we spent our time. The Bible tells us to “See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be unwise but understand what the will of the Lord is. Time in this verse is the Greek word Kairos which means to make the time count. Intentionality shows when we let the Lord order our steps and want His will for our lives. The next two months will offer an opportunity to redeem time, foster connections among family members, enhance learning, and create lasting memories. Let me challenge you each week to intentionally include a mix of family activities, couple time, one-on-one time with each child, and educational activities to keep children’s learning on track. These daily activities are suggestions that families can use during the summer break.
Day 1: Set up a canvas in the backyard and paint together as a family.
Day 2: Parents have a special dinner date at home. Cook together or order from a favorite restaurant.
Day 3: One-on-One with Child 1 – Go to a local bookstore and pick a book to read together.
Day 4: Choose a movie that everyone will enjoy and make popcorn.
Day 5: Use materials around the house to create something unique.
Day 6: Each member shares a story or memory.
Day 7: Explore a local park and collect items for a nature collage.
Day 8: Conduct simple experiments using household items.
Day 9: Couples Game Night – Play board games or card games together after the kids are in bed.
Day 10: One-on-One with Child 2 – Visit a museum or science center.
Day 11: Family Cooking Challenge – Cook a meal from a different culture together.
Day 12: Start a small garden or plant some flowers.
Day 13: Educational App Day – Spend time on educational apps or websites that align with the next grade level.
Day 14: Be a tourist in your own city; visit attractions.
Day 15: Play sports or games together at a local park.
Day 16: Couples Workout – Try a fun workout video together at home.
Day 17: One-on-One with Child 3 – Go for a bike ride or a hike together.
Day 18: Family Picnic – Pack a lunch and enjoy it at a local park.
Day 19: Family Dance Party – Create a playlist and dance together.
Day 20: Create a list of items to find in nature and explore.
Day 21: Spend time helping at a local charity or community event.
Day 22: Write notes to each other expressing gratitude.
Day 23: Couples Book Club – Read the same book and discuss it over coffee/tea.
Day 24: One-on-One with Child 4 – Have a fun day at the park.
Day 25: Family Talent Show – Each member showcases a talent.
Day 26: Use magazines to cut out pictures and make a family vision board.
Day 27: DIY Science Fair – Each child presents a science project.
Day 28: Family Board Game Tournament – Compete in different board games.
Day 29: Spa Day at Home – Create a spa experience with DIY facials and relaxation.
Day 30: Couples Movie Night – Watch a movie you both love and enjoy snacks.
The blending of education with enjoyment during the challenge redeems time and promotes learning in a way that feels natural and engaging, helping children to keep information and skills fresh while creating family memories. Send comments and questions to allthingscanady@gmail.com and be sure to follow me on all social media sites.
