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The Importance of Intentional Connection with Our Kids This Summer

By Sandy Richards, Sandy Richards Wellness July 16, 2024

Summer is the perfect time to slow down and focus on what truly matters—our family. Amidst the excitement of vacations, camps, and endless activities, it’s crucial to carve out intentional moments to connect with our kids. These moments are more than just spending time together; they are opportunities to bond, create memories, and build a foundation of trust and love that lasts a lifetime.


Why Intentional Connection Matters

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of daily routines and miss out on meaningful moments with our children. Being intentional about connecting means slowing down, being fully present, and engaging with our kids in ways that matter. 



Here’s why it’s so important:

Strengthen Family Bonds: Spending quality time with our kids reinforces the importance of family. It's about building trust, love, and creating those cherished memories that make us smile for years to come.

Foster Emotional Security:  Research shows that when children feel genuinely connected to their parents, they develop a sense of emotional security. This security helps them handle life's ups and downs with confidence and resilience. 

Encourage Open Communication: Intentional connection makes it easier to talk and listen to each other. It paves the way for open communication by creating a comfortable space where kids feel safe sharing their thoughts and feelings, knowing they have your full attention and support.

Build Self-Esteem and Confidence: Quality time and positive interactions are key to building our children's self-esteem and confidence. When we spend time with them and show genuine interest, they learn they are important and cherished, which boosts their overall well-being and helps them feel more secure and capable.

4 Simple Ways to Connect This Summer:

  1. Create a Summer Bucket List: Collaborate with your kids to come up with a list of exciting activities you want to do together. From local adventures to creative DIY projects, tick off each item and savor the shared experiences.
  2. Start a Family Garden: Whether it’s a few pots on the deck or a small plot in the yard, start a garden together. Choose easy-to-grow plants or vegetables and enjoy watching your garden flourish as you work on it together.
  3. Create a Family Time Capsule: Fill a box with mementos of your summer—photos, notes, and small items that represent your experiences. Decide on a future date to open it together and reminisce about your summer adventures.
  4. Family Journaling: Start a family journal where everyone can share their thoughts, drawings, and special memories. It’s a creative way to capture your summer experiences and explore what matters to each family member.



Upcoming Events to Make the Most of Summer Connections:

Friday 7/19 in Mt. Kisco - Sunset Party 2.0
Join us for an evening of mom-and-daughter fun with energizing fitness and guided canvas painting with Happy in Color. Our June event was such a hit, we just had to do it again!

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/2AMszDjRi3aBuMAN8

Sunday 7/21 in Peekskill - Crafting @ The Market
Join Kelly from MacaroniKid and me for a relaxing morning where kids can create keepsakes with DIY citrus stamps, while parents browse the amazing offerings at the newly expanded Hudson Milk & Market.

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/Dch9DdWoDywVUD6f9

Friday 8/16 in Elmsford - Vision Journal Workshop
This isn’t just another vision board event—it’s a whole new level! We’re combining the fun of a vision board with the personal touch of a mom-and-daughter journal. You’ll leave with an embellished journal and a vision board spread that helps you both express your thoughts and strengthen your bond. If you’ve joined us for past workshops with Kelly and me, this one will be even more special!

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/4HqZygYS8ACgto928

 8/12 - 8/16 and/or 8/19 - 8/23 Girls Empowerment Summer Program 

A program designed exclusively for girls! We're dedicated to nurturing girls' well-being and empowerment through engaging activities and meaningful connections. At Stronger TogetHER, we believe in fostering a community where girls can explore their inner + outer strengths, build resilience, and embrace their unique selves. Through a blend of fun fitness activities, interactive wellness workshops, and opportunities for friendship-building, we empower girls to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/8JAbJgAq1tjzTSze7


As summer unfolds, remember that the moments you carve out with your kids are the ones they’ll cherish and remember for years to come. Embrace these opportunities to connect, create, and build lasting memories.