Summer is fast approaching. Only three-ish more weeks of school. And summer is a great time to try something new! Our schedules change as kids are out of school and we can be intentional with what we add and what we subtract. We often have more flexibility with our wake up and bed times, so we can try some new routines or add in something we’ve been wanting to try.

Justin Whitmel Early’s book Habits of the Household has some great ideas for little things to add or subtract to bedtime routines, wake up routines, meal times, and more. Here are a few ideas.

• • • Try a short kneeling prayer at your bedside upon waking.
    • Make a habit of looking to the Scriptures before looking at your smartphone.
    • If you’ve got swim practice each morning, like we do, practice a short moment of gathering and sending the family with a short prayer for the day.
    • Light a candle at mealtime to remind us that Christ is the light.
    • Invite another family to dinner once a month (or more often).
    • Start a weekly family Movie Night.
    • Try a short family devotion. Start with once a week, if daily seems daunting.
    •  Write your own bedtime blessing. It can be as short as “Dear Lord, ma this child find much joy and laughter, all of his/her days,” concluded with a tickle.

I hope you’ll give some of these a try. And check out Justin’s Instagram for more ideas.