As a mother, summer is one of my favorite seasons of the year. I love the change of pace and all the fun it brings—backyard BBQs, late night Mario Kart tournaments, and endless popsicles by the pool.

For most families, summer hits the reset button. School is out, schedules relax, and the longer days invite us to savor the moments a little more. It’s tempting to just coast through these simpler months, and rest is so important! But what if summer was actually one of the best times of the year to go deeper in discipling your children?

Without the pressure of homework, early alarms, and packed calendars, we’re given a unique window to connect with our kids in a more intentional way. It doesn’t have to be complicated; with just a little purpose and planning, we can go deeper in discipling our children. Here are five simple rhythms to help you do just that:

1. Start Your Day with God’s Word

Mornings tend to be a little slower in the summer; take advantage of that when you can. Whether it’s reading a short verse over breakfast, sharing a devotional in pajamas, or listening to Scripture on the way to camp, look for small ways to begin the day rooted in God’s Word. Not sure where to start reading? CF Kids has a Bible summer reading plan as a resource for you!

2. Pray Together as a Family

Prayer doesn’t have to be a formal event, reserved only for meals or bedtime. Some of the sweetest prayer moments happen while you’re applying sunscreen or waiting in the drive-thru line. Invite your kids into conversations with God. Pray over your day. Use moments of fear or excitement, like the first day of camp or VBS, to talk to God together. By doing this, you are helping your child build a foundation for an ongoing, personal connection with their Heavenly Father.

3. Make Church a Priority (Even on Vacation)

In the summer, we may be out of our routine, but that doesn’t mean we skip worship. If you are in town, prioritize attending service as a family. If you are traveling, make a plan to stay connected to church. Stream the service online, have your kids watch CF Kids Online, or visit a church in a new city. Show your kids that gathering with other believers and worshipping God is a priority in your home year-round.

4. Create Space for Spiritual Conversations

Long car rides, late night swims, and spontaneous ice cream runs are all perfect moments for meaningful and spiritual conversations. Ask your kids how they saw God move today, or share what He’s teaching you.

You don’t need a seminary degree or all the answers. Just opening the door to these conversations redirects your child’s heart and focus towards the Lord.

5. Serve Together

Use summer as an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Help a neighbor with yard work, get involved with volunteering at Caring for Miami, or start serving in a ministry at church together. When your kids see you serve and join in themselves, they’ll be able to experience firsthand the joy that comes from serving the Lord.

Summer is a gift, and so is the extra time we get together this season. It won’t always be perfectly planned or peaceful, but it can be purposeful. So let’s embrace the slow days, the teachable moments, the rough patches, and the silly ones too. Because the best thing we can give our children this summer isn’t just epic memories; it’s a deeper walk with their Savior.