Heart and Home: Building a Summer of Connection and Calm
- Tamera Foley
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
Introduction:
Summer is a season of sunshine, freedom, and opportunity—but for many families, it can also come with added stress, overstimulation, and disrupted routines. That’s why we’re launching our Heart and Home blog series: a warm, encouraging space designed to help parents and caregivers create simple, meaningful wellness moments with their children all summer long.
Whether your family is busy juggling work, playdates, or just soaking in unstructured days at home, this series will offer practical tools that help nurture connection, calm, and creativity. From mindfulness tips to tech-free activities and journaling fun, Heart and Home is here to support a season of bonding, joy, and emotional well-being.
This Week’s Focus: Creating Calm in Your Summer Routine
In the first installment of the series, we’re diving into easy ways to set the tone for calm at home. While summer often feels carefree, a sudden lack of structure can overwhelm kids and leave parents feeling frayed. But don’t worry—simple shifts can help.
5 Ways to Add Calm to Your Family’s Summer Days
1. Create a Morning Calm Corner
Designate a quiet, cozy space in your home where family members can sit, breathe, and ease into the day. Add pillows, calming books, and perhaps a few scented items like lavender sachets or a soft blanket.
2. Schedule Tech-Free Playtime
Choose a block of time each day (or week) to be completely device-free. Let your kids' imaginations roam with art, outdoor play, board games, or simple chores like gardening or cooking together.
3. Use Nature as a Mood Booster
A walk around the neighborhood, cloud-watching in the backyard, or gathering rocks and leaves to paint can ground your child in the present and reduce restlessness.
4. Start a Family Gratitude Journal
Spend 5 minutes at dinner or bedtime listing one thing each person is grateful for. This simple practice teaches kids to find joy in the everyday.
5. Practice Mindful Breathing Before Bed
Try “belly breathing” together—breathe in slowly for 4 counts, hold for 4, breathe out for 4. This short bedtime ritual can help your child fall asleep feeling safe and settled.
How the Healing Hearts Journal Supports Your Summer Calm
The Healing Hearts Journal is a gentle guide designed to help children express their emotions through drawing, writing, and reflection. With prompts focused on gratitude, self-awareness, and calm, it’s a perfect companion to this summer series.
Using the journal even once or twice a week can:
Help your child name and manage big emotions
Encourage quiet time and self-regulation
Strengthen family connection through shared activities
🛒 Explore the Healing Hearts Journal here
Enhance your mental health journey with these thoughtful resources:
Resources to Support Your Journey:
Connect and Share
We would love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts, experiences, and questions about mindfulness in the comments below or connect with us on our social media channels.
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Stay mindful and take care,
Tamera Foley, Ph.D.
Mending Minds and Healing Hearts
Education 4 All Now LLC
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