Summer is when our rhythm shifts the most. Long, hot days mean we spend more time outdoors, so there are fewer defined moments in the day to anchor our rhythm to. Our beloved morning time gets shorter as we head out before the day gets too hot, we are often out for lunch, and depending on what we get up to that day then afternoon tea time might be later or simply traded in for a book or poem read outside somewhere calm.
These strong dependable anchors which keep our days predictable the rest of the year become more fluid; still recognisably there, but more flexible, able to accommodate last-minute adventures, impromptu trips to a lido or a balmy evening stroll. Bedtimes are naturally later too, following Frida’s body clock, which means that our evening rhythm has had to change, along with our expectations as adults about what our evenings are going to look like.
The school summer holidays (in the UK typically late July to early September) also means there is a shift in the sorts of places we go to and the activities we do, as our regular haunts either close for the summer or are packed full of families enjoying their break. As a home educating family, we have the luxury of usually having access to relatively quiet places, even in central London, but in the summer we have to think more carefully about where we go. There are benefits too of course, such as more flexibility to meet friends whose children are in term-time only childcare or school, and some great child-friendly activities being run across the city.
Our summer rhythm
Our weekly rhythm is intentionally simple, just as the one that came before it. There is a lot of freedom for our plans to change, and copious space for playdates, trips, and days spent relaxing at home. Our weekly rhythm will change again at the end of the school holidays when we will pick up forest school again and likely change our swimming day.
Our daily rhythm is also simple, with a lot of time for free play at home. The constants are our meals and the activities anchored to these; morning time, lunch, tea time and supper. In summer the rest of the day is far more flexible, so that we can make the most of a fair day or hide indoors if a summer storm hits. This works well for our family and ensures everyones needs get met – including mine, something which is vital in preventing me from burning out either in my parenting or in my work.
If you want to learn how to craft your own strong family rhythms which meet your needs and allow you to really live the values you want your children to grow up with, read on…
Rhythm in the Home course
I know that creating strong rhythms for your family can be life-changing.
Crafting a strong, dependable family rhythm can:
- Reduce feelings of overwhelm – for you just as much as your children;
- Increase your child’s feelings of control, reducing their stress levels and related behaviours – young children thrive on dependability;
- Allow you to parent with more ease and joy, removing some of the friction in daily life;
- Provide regular moments of calm and togetherness, even during busy days;
- Let you focus on what is important to you, including ensuring time for self-care; and
- Simplify your life, allowing you to let go of things which aren’t helping you reach your goals.
Rhythm is emphatically not about establishing strict routines or schedules; it is there to serve you rather than turn you into its slave. A strong rhythm creates freedom through establishing a flow which feels natural, where everyone knows what comes next.
If you’d like to find clarity around what you truly need from a family rhythm, and confidence in crafting it, bookings open this Friday 3rd August at 08:30am (UK time) for my next Rhythm in the Home course.
This popular course is designed to create a warm, safe, and supportive space for you to dig deep into what makes you and your family happy, and how to shape your days to bring more ease and joy into your life with young children. It’s a very special course and I’m so proud of it and the changes that previous participants have made following it (You can read what previous participants have said about the course here).
If you feel like your family could benefit from more rhythm come and join us!
