Summer Bucket List

by: Lanette Judy

A tradition in our family is the creation of a summer bucket list. Each family member (mom and dad too!) fill in a list of 10 activities or goals they would like to accomplish over the summer. Everyone shares their list and we talk about our plans for the summer. 

The first summer I had my kids complete the list I was surprised at what they wrote on the list.

• Go to a playground

• Picnics outside

• Have a water balloon fight 

• Play with friends 

(Why do water balloons always make the list?!) Meanwhile, I was expecting (and already planning) the really, really big things to be on the list ….such as the perfect vacation and a trip to the closest big amusement park. 

I realized that day that it was the smaller fun moments at home that really made their summer special. Picnics on their beach towel, bike rides, trips to the park, staying up late in the dark and getting ice cream. I cancelled the amusement park trip that year and hung the bucket lists on the fridge. They served as a reminder of what to focus on. 

So, Moms, don't underestimate any of the “smaller”, maybe ordinary, parts of the summer, because they are probably your kids “bucket list.”