By: Heather Gniffke
Cover Photo: Taken by Seize the Day Photography
This feature was printed in the March 2025 Issue of ‘hood. Check out the full digital issue at the link!
Summer is a season of sunshine, adventure, and, let’s be honest—organized chaos! As a mom of ten, I know firsthand how quickly those precious months fly by. Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to a meaningful summer isn’t packing the calendar with activities but being intentional about what truly matters: family, fun, and flexibility.
For our family, summer is about making memories, slowing down (when we can!), and keeping things simple yet purposeful. Here’s a peek into how we plan our summers, prioritize family time, and balance all the moving parts to create a season filled with joy!
1. How We Plan Our Summers
The key to a smooth summer? A little planning—with plenty of room for spontaneity! At the start of the season, we sit down as a family and brainstorm what we’d love to do. From big adventures to small, simple joys (think backyard picnics or a family movie night), we make a list of must-dos and nice-to-dos.
I also love to find events that are going on in our community. I always leave extra room in our schedule to jump on last-minute community happenings.
When it comes to meals, I plan every week rather than day by day. I list out the meals we have available, including super-easy options for our nights at the ballpark or when we’re off cheering at sports events. This helps us avoid the last-minute scramble!
2. Prioritizing Family Time
It’s so easy to fill the summer with activities—but we’ve found that when we say “yes” to everything, we miss out on the simple joy of being together. Plus, it’s stressful when the schedule is too full. That’s why we intentionally block off time for family connection.
Whether it’s a weekly family adventure, a nightly walk, or slow mornings with pancakes and board games, we make sure that summer isn’t just about doing but about being together. Even when our kids have different schedules, carving out dedicated family time keeps us connected and anchored.
3. Balancing All the Moving Parts
With a big family, managing our day is a bit like conducting a fun orchestra! I rely on time blocking to keep everything on track. My phone’s calendar is my secret weapon! I set alarms with clear labels so I know exactly why they’re going off. This technique has been incredibly helpful in juggling our various activities.
Our mornings often kick off with time outside. In the afternoons, we love heading to the pool and carving out some quiet time to recharge. Then, our evenings are typically filled with a sporting event—cheering, laughing, and creating unforgettable family memories. Time blocking ensures that every part of our day gets special attention!
Summer isn’t about having the busiest schedule—it’s about creating a season of connection, rest, and joy. By planning intentionally, protecting family time, and embracing a structured yet flexible schedule, we make the most of these fleeting months while keeping our hearts (and sanity!) in check.
So, here’s to a summer filled with sunshine, laughter, and moments that matter most!
