I would like to ask a question about the “summer” issue. There will come a day when our sons and daughters will have entered into adulthood. As a matter of fact if we want to do things right they will be “plants grown up in their youth.” You have taught before that we want to see maturity, we want to see our children be responsible (age-appropriate of course), we want a robust Christian work ethic and so on and so forth.

So in light of how the bible instructs us to raise our children, in ways you and Pastor Wilson have so wonderfully discussed in many of your family books: How should we then treat summer? Summer is a season just like other seasons in life and it should be joyful and productive like all other seasons.

As a wife, I don’t get a “summer time” where I get to sleep in, indulge in arts, crafts, sports (all good things mind you), I don’t get time off from making dinner, laundry, caring for my family and others, being a keeper of my home, being a wife, being a mother and a whole host of things that God gives to us in different seasons of life. So in light of that, I think I would like to train my children up towards that kind of year-round life. I’m really trying to say this in the most graceful way I know how. I suppose my question is where do you see the line (and it may be a fine one) of work and play. I am NOT talking about over-burdening the children with chores, putting on a serious attitude with lack of joy, harshness etc. etc.

Maybe I’m asking a deeper question. How should we think of the many seasons of life and the four seasons of the year? How should we live robustly as Christians building Jesus’ Kingdom in those seasons? The modern “summer time” notion is a product of the government school year. So if we don’t live our life according to their dictates, then what? (I do realize that the modern school year took its seasons from a time when we were a rural nation running our time around the agricultural seasons).

I guess I’m bringing this up because I’m trying to find a nice balance for my children between age appropriate work, service, personal growth, spiritual growth, hobbies and interests and play. I LOVE seeing the kids grow and have fun. I am NOT an “all work no play” kind of gal.

I don’t know how clear I was, I sure hope you understand what I’m trying to get at.

Thanks for your questions. Femina really isn’t a journal (from my perspective) but more of a bulletin board. I write it knowing that it is out on the worldwide web, and anyone (friend or foe) can read it. You are free to pass it on to others or print out posts on it.
I think the only thing in this regard (that I can think of) that would be obviously unethical would be printing a bunch of the posts and selling them. Hardly something you are going to do!
But anytime you think something on the blog would be helpful to someone else, feel free to use it with my blessing.

I think I have read every published word you have written, and almost everything your husband has written. And I listen to Doug Wilson (and others) preach over the computer at night while I do my husband’s medical billing. (Sometimes that’s five sermons a week.)

Reading your blog sometimes seems almost like voyeurism, but I am so grateful that your wisdom is available to me.
Thanks so much!

Thank you for the encouraging ideas. While our family studies January through September (who wants to play outside in AZ in the summer?) your timeless thoughts are just as applicable.

Thank you for your humor and good attitude in crazy weather situations. I’m trying to work on this myself and your example is encouraging!

One thing I have found helpful is to make a checklist for each week. Somehow, chores (especially the ones that aren’t relished–not all jobs can be fun!) are easier to swallow when the kids see them on the list and know what’s coming up for the week, than if you suddenly announce “Hey, the front beds need to be weeded.”

Creating lists is also a good way to make sure you’re hitting all the categories–chores, money-making, fun, and service. The kids could be involved in helping plan which activities they need to do and get to do for the upcoming week.

Enjoy your interesting variety of summer weather.