As summer holidays approach Tabitha Heathcote has ideas for Christian parents to help families keep God in the picture
The rhythms and routines of mealtimes, school runs, work, clubs, and activities – though sometimes monotonous – are the familiar patterns that give our lives structure, help things stay on track and often provide small pockets of peace and predictability in busy family life. It’s within these routines that we can make space for God and discipling our children.
But how often, when our routines are disrupted, does God get left out?
During term time, our family has good (what I’ll call) holy habits that fit into our daily routine. We start the day with Bible reading at breakfast, end it with prayer and Scripture before bed, attend church club midweek, and worship together on Sundays. These practices aren’t about checking off spiritual tasks—they’re anchors. They open the door to everyday conversations with God and keep our hearts tuned to His presence.
The disruptive nature of school holidays
I find it so hard on the days when the alarm doesn’t go off and our structure and routines are out of sync. I’ve come to realise how much I need that structure—and how much my children do too. We all thrive when there’s a rhythm to our day, especially one that includes intentional time with God. When that rhythm disappears, I notice the difference. There’s more chaos, more conflict, less peace, less patience - the fruit of the Spirit feels a little harder to find.
This summer let’s not let God slip out of our routines
We often talk about the importance of routines for children: how they provide stability, predictability, and security. But spiritual routines matter just as much for kids and adults alike. Our holy habits keep us grounded. They help us centre our lives around God, not just fit him in when it’s convenient. And they remind us that faith is not just for Sundays or “quiet times” - it’s for the everyday, the ordinary and even the unpredictable.
During the school holidays, we have to be much more intentional about seeking God: in the same way that daily routines help everyone know what’s going on, reduce stress, and improve focus, so too do holy habits, for it is God who:
- brings order out of chaos (Genesis 1:2)
- gives peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7)
- gives us patience and endurance (Hebrews 10:36)
- helps us find joy in the small things (Zechariah 4:10)
- grows in us the fruits of the Spirit (which always seem to be tested more during the holidays!) (Galatians 5:22–23).
When I’ve been faithful to my holy habits, the day tends to run more smoothly. When we’ve ended the day with Bible stories and prayer, the boys sleep more soundly. When we’ve remembered to turn to prayer and use the Bible in times of arguments, sadness, or joy, relationships heal more readily, understanding comes more quickly, and life is sweeter.
During our last half-term, I was challenged by how quickly and easily God got left out of our holiday. At the end of the week, I decided to take the boys for a walk up the buttercup field by our campsite. At the top of the field, I told them I was going to stop and pray, praising God for the wonderful (if wet and windy!) week we’d had. The boys jumped on the idea and decided they wanted to run back down the field shouting, “Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!” And so that’s what we did.
Read more:
The summer holidays can be great times to bond with your children and develop their faith. Here’s how…
On holiday as a solo parent with three small children and God showed up!
As the weeks have passed, and they’ve talked about our holiday and all the things they did, it’s their run and praise through the “Hallelujah Field” (as they’ve now renamed it) that they talk about most.
“Can we go back to our Hallelujah Field?”
That precious moment continues to remind me that connecting with God in the holidays doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be intentional. I want their summer holiday to be full of Hallelujah Fields. This time, I don’t want to wait until the end of the holidays to remember to praise the Lord. I want to create holy habits that travel with us into the slower days and spontaneous moments. So, I’ve come up with a few Holy Holiday Habits that we’re going to try this summer—to help us draw close to God in all things and have a summer where his love and joy are central.
Ideas for Holy Holiday Habits:
🌞 Start the Day with God
Have breakfast together, and with God. We’re going to use “Jesus dunkers,” a.k.a.: devotional dippers https://uk.10ofthose.com/series/devotional-dippers?srsltid=AfmBOoqTSEltWpJQ2dFjJ_yhvRFibk24hpe2_n_5zkn8O_PDlSDERPgL
But even if it’s just a few minutes to pray together and invite God into our day—on the beach, in the car, or at the breakfast table - that’s good too.
🎶 Worship Song of the Week / Summer Playlist
We’re making a family worship playlist. Whenever someone discovers a new song they love, we’ll add it and sing along together in the car or at home.
📖 End the Day in the Word
We’ll continue our bedtime Bible reading and prayer—maybe letting the kids lead. They can choose the story, say the prayer, or guide the discussion.
📸 Hallelujah Moments Scrapbook
Each day, we’ll look for one thing to thank God for—a laugh, a view, a hug, a blessing. We’ll write it down, draw it, or take a photo. A visual reminder of God’s goodness all summer long.
“Come close to God and he will come close to you”. Jame 4.8a NLT
This summer let’s not let God slip out of our routines. Holy habits don’t have to be big or perfect, they just need to keep us close to him. Whether it’s through a song, a prayer, or a moment of thankfulness, may we choose to draw near to God each day. Because when we do, he promises to draw near to us. This summer let’s choose holy habits not out of obligation, but out of desire. Let’s draw near—not because we have to, but because we get to. Because even in the most ordinary days, God wants to walk with us.
