Counseling Blog | The Dunham School | Private PreK-12 | Baton Rouge, LA

Counseling Blog

July 2026

making this summer count:

Choosing Presence Over Perfection

Summer has a way of filling our calendars. Vacations, camps, pool days, road trips, family visits, and endless errands can leave us feeling busy—even when school is out.

But sometimes the biggest distraction isn't our schedule. It's our mind.

We can be sitting beside our children at the beach while thinking about work. We can be watching them ride bikes while mentally running through our to-do list. We can finally have more time together, yet miss the moments right in front of us.

As a school counselor, one of the greatest gifts I believe we can give our children is our presence. You've probably heard the saying, "You only have 18 summers with your kids." 

Whether your child is entering kindergarten or preparing for their senior year, those words carry weight. For our families with graduating seniors, this summer feels especially precious. While we know the number isn't exact—our relationships continue long after they turn 18—it serves as a powerful reminder that childhood moves quickly.

The good news is that being intentional doesn't require expensive vacations or perfectly planned activities. Often, it's found in the ordinary.

• Put the phone down during dinner.
• Ask one meaningful question at bedtime.
• Play the cards or Mahjong (my new favorite game!), throw the baseball, take the walk, or stay a few extra minutes in the pool.
• Let the laundry wait while you watch the backyard performance for the hundredth time.
• Look your child in the eyes when they tell you about their day.

Those small moments become the memories our children carry with them.God reminds us in Psalm 90:12, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." 

When we recognize that our time is a gift, we begin to spend it differently. Ecclesiastes 3:1 also reminds us, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." 

Summer is a unique season—a season with a little more margin, a little more togetherness, and a beautiful opportunity to strengthen our families.

Will every day be peaceful? Of course not. More time together can also mean shorter tempers, sibling disagreements, and tired parents. Give yourself grace. Intentional parenting isn't about creating a perfect summer; it's about choosing connection, even in imperfect moments.

This summer, don't worry about making every moment Instagram-worthy. Instead, make them present-worthy.

The dishes will still be there. The emails can wait a little longer.

Your child is only this age once.