Let’s be honest—summer doesn’t always look like it did in the movies. For many of us, the season doesn’t come with a three-month vacation or a slow fade into carefree days at the pool. The meetings continue, the inbox fills up, and the demands of work rarely take a break. But somewhere in the midst of it all, we still want to give our kids a summer worth remembering.

And deep down, we know the truth: we only get a handful of summers before they’re grown.

So how do we find the balance between the work that supports our family and the time that builds it?

• Here’s the good news—it doesn’t require perfection. It requires presence.

At Phil Hyman Portraits, we’ve spent decades capturing the simple, meaningful moments that define a family’s story. We’ve seen firsthand that what kids remember isn’t how extravagant the summer was—it’s how seen they felt in it.

Here are a few practical ways to make this summer meaningful and enjoyable for your kids—while still showing up for work:

1. Create a Simple Summer Rhythm

 Kids thrive on rhythm, not rigidity. Set one or two daily or weekly traditions they can count on—even if your schedule is full.

 Ideas: Morning walks before work, weekly Friday night pizza and movie night, “Yes Days” once a month where they pick what the family does.

 The goal isn’t more activities. It’s more connection.

2. Be Fully Present in Small Windows

 You may not have entire days free, but even 15 focused minutes can fill your child’s emotional tank.

• Put the phone away.
• Make eye contact.
• Ask thoughtful questions (and actually listen to the answers).
• Be silly.

 Those in-between moments—breakfast, car rides, bedtime—are the threads that sew a memorable summer together.

 3. Let Your Kids Into Your World

 If you’re working from home or juggling a business, invite your kids to see what you do.

• Let them “help” with a task.
• Explain your work in a way they can understand.
• Share your dreams, not just your deadlines.

It teaches them responsibility, and more importantly, it shows them that you love being their parent even while working hard for them.

4. Schedule One Big Memory

 Not every summer needs to be packed with trips and camps. But one big memory can anchor the season.

Maybe it’s a:

• Day trip to a state park
• Family game marathon
• Portrait session that captures who they are right now
• Backyard campout with s’mores and stars

 Let it be something that screams: “This summer mattered.”

 5. Don’t Let Guilt Steal the Joy

 Guilt is sneaky. It whispers, “You’re not doing enough.”

But here’s the truth: Your kids don’t need a perfect parent. They need a present one. Even if you can’t give them all your time, the time you do give can be rich, intentional, and deeply impactful.

This Summer Is Part of Your Family’s Legacy

 As you look ahead to the rest of summer, remember that it’s not about quantity—it’s about quality. The popsicles, the scraped knees, the laughter echoing from the backyard, and the way they lean into your side at sunset—those are the moments that stick.

And if you want to freeze those moments forever, we’d be honored to help. At Phil Hyman Portraits, we believe every season of your family deserves to be remembered. Let’s create artwork that tells the story of this fleeting, beautiful summer.

You’re doing better than you think. And this summer still holds magic.

Now go make a memory.

 Looking for a way to slow down and celebrate your children this summer? We need a 5 children to participate in our Faces Tall A Story project. 

Click here to receive a $700 certificate toward a Faces Tell A Story portrait project.

Let’s tell your family’s story—one summer memory at a time.