How to Keep Faith as a Family Rhythm This Summer
Backpacks are full of end-of-year awards, unused school supplies, a half-broken pencil, and a lunchbox with a questionable smell because it was finally found. That can only mean one thing: school is out for the summer!
Summer brings a change of pace—later bedtimes, for some of our kids anyway, more opportunities to say “yes,” family vacations, visits with relatives, ice cream runs, and days spent at the beach or lake. These are the moments that create memories our families will look back on for years to come.
But with every new season comes a change in rhythm. For a lot of families, summer break can make it harder to keep kids grounded in faith because the structure that helped hold your week together is suddenly gone. Sometimes when our schedules shift, important routines and habits unintentionally get left behind. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a parent—it simply means you have an opportunity to be intentional before the season gets away from you.
Keeping faith as a family rhythm this summer doesn’t have to be complicated. It can start with small, simple habits that help your family make space for God in the middle of real life.
Here are a few simple ways to keep your family growing in faith together this summer:
1. Read God’s Word Together
Find a time that works naturally for your family. Maybe it’s around the dinner table, during breakfast, or before bedtime. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Read a short passage of Scripture and talk about it together.
Ask simple questions like:
What does this teach us about God?How can we be more like Jesus this week?Is there something we can put into practice today?
As you fill bellies, you can fill hearts too. This keeps Bible reading from becoming one more thing to check off and helps your kids see that following Jesus is part of everyday life.
2. Memorize Scripture as a Family
Kids are never too young to start memorizing God’s Word. Even your littlest ones can learn key words and phrases.
Choose one or two verses for the summer and make it fun! Create hand motions, sing it together, or write it on a whiteboard or sticky note where everyone will see it regularly.
Deuteronomy 6:6–9 reminds us to keep God’s Word before us in the ordinary parts of life. For many of us, that means putting it on the fridge, pantry door, or bathroom mirror!
3. Pray Before the Big Moments
Before a vacation, a day trip, a summer camp, or even a fun family outing, take a moment to pray together.
Prayer doesn’t have to be intimidating. It’s simply talking with God and inviting Him into what your family is experiencing. Thank Him for the opportunity, ask for safety, and pray that your family would grow closer to Him and to one another.
This is one of the easiest ways to help your kids learn that prayer belongs in everyday family life, not only at church or before meals.
4. Create a Family Prayer Journal
A wise mom once shared that she keeps a journal on her kitchen counter where family members can write down prayer requests.
Not only does this encourage communication, but it also helps everyone know how to pray for one another. Over time, it becomes a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness as you look back and see how He answered those prayers.
5. Stay Connected to Church
Summer often means travel, vacations, and weekends away. When you’re on the road, don’t forget to stay connected.
Watch [NewHope online] as a family and check out our [NH Family App] to stay up to date on what’s happening in NewHope Kids. To stay informed in NewHope Students, [follow them on Instagram]. It’s a great way to keep conversations about faith going, even when you’re away from home.
Looking for More Encouragement as a Parent This Summer?
If this summer has you thinking about how to parent with more wisdom, peace, and spiritual intention, we’d love to invite you to Parent Summit at NewHope Church.
This year, we’ll hear from David Thomas, a trusted counselor, author, and co-host of the Raising Boys & Girls podcast. He’ll help parents better understand and care for the kids they love with practical help, biblical encouragement, and real-life tools.
Whether you’re raising preschoolers, elementary kids, middle schoolers, or teenagers, Parent Summit is a chance to step out of the normal pace, be encouraged, and leave with something you can use at home.
Learn More About Parent Summit
Summer is meant to be enjoyed. Make the memories, take the trips, and eat the ice cream. But as you do, remember that some of the most meaningful moments may come from the small, intentional ways you invite Jesus into your family’s everyday life.
You don’t need a perfect summer plan. Choose one simple rhythm, start where you are, and let faith stay woven into the memories you’re already making. And when you need encouragement along the way, NewHope is here to help your family keep growing together.