Summer is Long…What Do I Do With My Kids?

Summer is Long…What Do I Do With My Kids?

From Pardon the Mess with Scarlet Hiltibidal - Christian Motherhood, Biblical Parenting, Raising Christian Kids by Scarlet Hiltibidal and Christian Parenting

July 16, 2026 · 30 min

About this episode

This episode discusses how to embrace the ordinary moments of summer with kids while letting go of the pressure to create a perfect experience.

Summer always seems to come with big expectations. We imagine memory-making adventures, endless family fun, and kids who magically never complain. But somewhere between snack requests, screen-time negotiations, and trying to keep everyone occupied, many of us end up wondering if we're doing enough. In this episode, Scarlet Hiltibidal shares why the best summer isn't necessarily the busiest one. Instead, she explores how the gospel frees us from the pressure to create a "perfect" summer and invites us to faithfully enjoy the ordinary moments God has already given us. You'll also hear from special guest Anna Van Dyke, who shares simple, practical rhythms that have helped her family cultivate faith, connection, and joy throughout the summer. Whether you're staying home, traveling, or just trying to survive another hot afternoon with your kids, this episode will encourage you to embrace intentionality over perfection and remember that God is already at work in the everyday moments. In This Episode Why summer can leave moms feeling overwhelmed How the gospel frees us from the pressure to create a "perfect" childhood Simple spiritual rhythms your family can build into everyday life…

People in this episode

Host: Courtney DeFeo

Guests: Scarlet Hiltibidal, Anna Van Dyke

Topics covered

  • summer activities
  • parenting challenges
  • Christian faith
  • family connection
  • intentional living

Keywords

  • summer
  • parenting
  • Christianity
  • family fun
  • ordinary moments
  • faith
  • intentionality

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Colossians 3:17, Luke 10:38-42

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