10 Ways to Grow Closer as a Family This Summer

​The Importance of Family Time

In today's fast-paced tech world, we forget to slow down as a family especially since summer is the perfect time to spend with our precious family members. Vacations, day trips, time at the pool, church events are some of the ways families can cherish special time.

Most of all, as Catholics, time as a family at Sunday Mass is of utmost importance. This is the greatest way to grow closer as a family.

​Here are 10 Simple Ways to Grow Closer as a Family This Summer

1. Plan a Vacation or Day Trip. Nothing is better than taking great advantage of warmer weather and time off from work than planning fun times as a family. If money is tight and time off from work is sparse, take a weekend day and do a picnic lunch or even plan some fun times in your own backyard!
2. Pray a Rosary in the Evening as a Family. Nothing helps a family to grow closer than to pray together. Plan a 7 p.m. "Evening Rosary" as a family or a "Chaplet of Divine Mercy". Families that pray together enjoy the blessings of God's presence in their lives.
3. Story Time. Make is a point to plan 15 minutes or so per night to tell a story to the family. Whether it's an old family tale, a book, or some other life event, sharing a story and sharing our lives makes a huge impact on faith.
4. Visit the Elderly. Our elderly friends and relatives love visits. Make it a point to visit one of your relatives, friends, or neighbors who may like to see your friendly faces! Enjoy the time together as a family.
5. Go Swimming. Swimming or pool visits are great times for most families. If you have a friend with a pool, a beach close by, or even a hose or sprinkler for the kids, add some water fun to your summer. The kids will love it!
6. Go to Adoration at Your Local Catholic Church or Daily Mass If there is a Catholic Church in your area that has Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, make it point to go and pray together as a family. Once fall comes, families get "busy", and the time will fly by. Be sure to make it a point to get to Adoration as often as possible as a family this summer. It will draw all of you closer together. If everyone can get up early enough or if there is an evening Daily Mass, make it a point to do this, too.
7. Do a Family Project Together. Whether it's giving household items or clothing to the poor, painting room, or doing major cleaning, summer is the time to do it! Take advantage of this time of year to get some work done in your home as a family.
8. Walk Together. Walking is just about the best exercise that's easy on the joints and very healthy for most people. Take an evening walk with your spouse or with the whole family. Even a 15 or 20 minute walk is beneficial and will draw you closer together!
9. Make a Fun Dessert. Kids love desserts and its fun to await a delicious dessert in preparation or in the oven. Plan to make and share a dessert together as a family. Weekends are great times to do this. If you don't feel like making a dessert, go out for ice cream! This is another wonderful family outing.
10. Nighttime Prayers. In addition to a Rosary, Daily Mass, and prayer a meals, be sure to pray together as a family before bed. Offer intentions for those in need. Make this a practice all year long!

Enjoy these 10 tips for making the most of the summer as a family! Most of all "keep praying together"!