It’s here! June. The breath of fresh air many of us parents have been waiting for since February. No homework to nag our kids over, alarm clocks are set a little later, and there seem to be less pressured minutes between camp pick up and bedtime stories and more time to exhale.
And suddenly, the pressure is back on. You’ve maybe seen the stories paired with sentimental songs on social media about how we only have 18 summers with our kids so we better make them memorable and meaningful. We better create the kind of summers our children will remember forever.
Before we even have time to center ourselves, we are packing suitcases, racing to the airport, and packing our kids’ schedules with soccer camp, art camp, and gymnastics camp so that they have a “breadth of experiences” over the summer.
And while special trips and exciting adventures certainly have their place, when most of us think back on our childhood summers, the memories that stay with us are often surprisingly ordinary.
I remember riding my bike with my friends, making up songs, and choreographing fake dances. I remember going to the neighborhood clubhouse and pool every day, making lanyard bracelets and keychains, and learning how to french-braid.
There were sticky popsicle fingers, hula-hoops, and nowhere to be.
I experimented with Sun-In until my hair was orange.
I remember back-to-back sleepovers, cereal for breakfast every day, and wrinkly pool fingers.
These memories aren’t extraordinary or unique to me.
Nothing extraordinary, but memorable nonetheless.
We often focus on the big skills children need to learn. But sometimes we overlook the power of the everyday experiences that help those skills grow naturally.
Children build confidence when they try something new, whether that's attending sleepaway camp or simply ordering their own smoothie. They develop resilience when they experience small disappointments and learn they can handle them. Children strengthen relationships through shared experiences, inside jokes, traditions, and time spent together.
In a culture that often encourages us to optimize everything, summer can start to feel like another thing to get right.
But a memorable childhood isn't built
from perfectly curated experiences.
Positive meaningful childhood memories are built from thousands of small moments that communicate:
"You're loved."
"I enjoy being with you."
“You don’t have to be accomplishing something grand to matter.”
"We don't have to be doing something extraordinary to have a good time."
Of course, many families are balancing work schedules, childcare needs, financial realities, and the logistical puzzle that summer often becomes. Not every day will be relaxing. Not every day will be memorable. That's okay.
Children don't need
18 perfect summers.
They need opportunities to play, explore, rest, connect, and occasionally be bored enough to create their own fun.
This summer, I hope we can all give ourselves a little permission to let go of the pressure to make every moment magical. The moments our children will remember most are often the ones that don't look particularly important right this minute.
What Might Help Right Now
Before you move on to planning the rest of your summer, think back to your own childhood summers. What do you remember most?
As parents, educators, and helping professionals, we often feel pressure to create meaningful experiences. But meaningful doesn't have to mean extraordinary.
One of the most powerful ways children build confidence and resilience is through everyday experiences that communicate, "You can handle this."
Summer naturally provides opportunities for children to practice independence, flexibility, problem-solving, and coping with disappointment. Whether it's introducing themselves to a new friend at camp, ordering their own meal at a restaurant, resolving a conflict with a sibling, or figuring out what to do when they're bored, these small moments help children develop skills that last far beyond the summer months.
As you move through the next few months, consider this question:
What is one simple ritual or tradition our family could create this summer?
Maybe it's Friday night ice cream, evening walks around the neighborhood, pancakes for dinner, or a weekly trip to the library. The goal isn't to add more to your to-do list. It's to create space for connection in ways that feel meaningful.
Instead of asking, "How can I make this summer special?"
What if we spent time focusing on the meaningful moments that are already present within our ordinary lives?
May you find plenty of magic in the ordinary this summer,
News & Practice Updates
Upcoming Events
JOIN VIRTUALLY!
Free Virtual Lunch & Learns
The questions keeping you up at night deserve real answers. This summer, Alyssa Hertz, PsyD, is hosting three free virtual sessions on the topics that affect a lot of families — but don't always get talked about with the clarity and compassion they deserve. Each session is free, stands on its own, and is open to anyone, anywhere.
JULY 17
Beyond the Stereotype
Understanding OCD, Its Real Signs, and How It's Treated
12:00pm Central
For anyone who suspects they might have OCD, loves someone who does, or is tired of the stereotypes getting in the way of real answers.
Join us in sending well-wishes to Catherine Urso & Matthew Hyland, our 2025-26 Doctoral Clinicians! They have completed their yearlong rotation with us, and are off to their next adventure as they take the next steps in their training.
PRACTICE UPDATE
We're Moving This Summer
But don't worry, it's just around the corner to suite 535. We will continue to update you once the move is final, but we're anticipating that the move will be complete by the end of the summer.
Summer Fun
LET'S MAKE MEMORIES!
Fun and (Practically) Free Houston Things to Do for a Memorable Summer
GOAAALLL! Check out free, family friendly soccer watch parties at Levy Park and Sugar Land Town Square, or join the fun at Hermann Park's Kicking It series throughout the tournament. It's a great opportunity to get outside, connect with your community, and create some simple summer memories together. Kids Eat Free!
