Summer Safety A-Z

Audio By Carbonatix

Don’t you just love summer? For most of us, this season means the textbooks get tucked away and our days fill up with beautiful park playdates, road trips, museum field trips, and library outings.

Now that my last two homeschoolers are nearly grown, they’re often out living their own lives, doing their own thing. But I remember so well how much I looked forward to the summer days when my kids were younger! I’d picture sweet family bonding and joyful memories. But let’s be entirely honest for a moment—have you ever taken your excited children out for a fun day, only for it to end in total frustration because of a public meltdown or a major lack of manners?

I will be the first to admit that one of the biggest mistakes I’ve made as a mom was expecting what I hadn’t actually taught.

I would take my kids out and expect them to automatically know not to ask the sweet lady sitting next to us at the park for a bite of her sandwich. I expected them to just know that they shouldn’t run and scream through a quiet store, or touch fragile exhibits at the art museum. But how would our children know these things if we don’t intentionally train them?

Preparation Brings Peace

Teaching and training are the heartbeat of parenting. One of the absolute biggest successes I’ve had is learning to prepare my children before we ever leave the driveway. Giving them “rules of conduct” isn’t about being a rigid dictator—it’s about wrapping them in safety and teaching them to honor others.

When we train our kids in safety and manners, we are actually giving them a hands-on lesson in living out the Gospel.

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” — Philippians 2:3-4

These aren’t rules to share just once and forget. We need to read through them often as gentle reminders. In the beginning, you might want to review them in the car every single time you go out! When children know exactly what is expected, they feel secure. They can truly enjoy the day, and so can you.

Tip: Print off a copy of the checklist at the bottom of this post to hang on the fridge!

To help your summer outings be a whole lot safer and less stressful, I’ve put together the ultimate ABCs of Summer Safety and Manners.

The ABCs of Summer Safety and Manners

• Ask permission from your parents before you leave the group for any reason.
• Be respectful and polite. “Please” and “Thank You” never go out of style.
• Consider others before yourself. Take turns and look for ways to share.
• Do put garbage in a trash can. Leave every place cleaner than you found it!
• Everyone will be fed. If you are hungry or thirsty, let us know. Don’t ask other people for their food, and don’t accept treats from others without asking Mom or Dad first.
• Fighting is for boxers in a ring. Treat your siblings and friends exactly how you want to be treated.
• Go slow. When inside buildings, use walking feet unless you have explicit permission to run.
• Hold open doors for those walking in behind you.
• If you can’t see me, I can’t see you! Keep your eyes on Mom or Dad.
• Joking and playing is wonderful, but it isn’t always appropriate. Consider the place and the situation.
• Keep your hands to yourself. In museums and stores, we often have to look only with our eyes.
• Look and wait if you get lost. If you are separated from the group, freeze, stay put, and look for a staff member wearing a nametag to help you.
• Make peace, not war. Respect your siblings’ private spaces on long car rides and don’t intentionally irritate them.
• Never be alone with a stranger, even if they seem incredibly friendly.
• Obey your parents the very first time. Say “Yes, Mom” or “Yes, Dad” so we know you heard us.
• Partner up! Always stick close to your designated buddy.
• Quietly listen. If a tour guide or another adult is speaking, wait patiently to ask your questions.
• Respond politely to adults when they ask you a question.
• STOP is the most important word, especially outside. When an adult says “Stop,” you freeze instantly and ask questions later.
• Try something new! Embrace new sights, foods, and experiences this summer.
• Use inside voices whenever you are indoors.
• Volunteer to help when you see a practical need, like carrying a bag or cleaning up a spill.
• Watch your gawking. Don’t stare at others, even if they started it.
• X-pect to carry your own things. If you chose to bring a toy or water bottle, you are responsible for carrying it.
• You should go to the bathroom before we leave the house. Don’t wait until the last minute to tell us you have to go!
• Zero complaining. Keep a smile on your face and choose to have fun!

A Summer Outing Prayer for Families

We thank You for the sunshine, the slower pace, and the beautiful opportunities to explore Your world together. As we head out on our trips and daily adventures, we ask for Your hand of safety over our children. Give us patience as parents to train them with kindness and consistency. Help our little ones to display manners that honor You, learning to put others before themselves. Keep our hearts completely free from complaining, and let our family be a bright light of Your love and grace wherever we go this summer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

How About You?

What is one safety or manners rule that has saved your sanity during summer trips? Drop a comment below and let me know!

Print your Summer Safety checklist here!

Additional Resources

If that last letter—Zero complaining—feels like a mountain you just can’t climb right now, oh friend, I understand. With a house full of kids, our home used to have plenty of chaos, mess, and noise. Between homeschooling, writing, and ministry, I used to get so frustrated by the constant chorus of whining and grumbling. It drove me crazy until I realized I could teach them something better.

We could choose to become a family focused on God’s goodness. If you want to dive deeper into conquering the summer whines, you can read all about our journey in my book, The Grumble Free Year, or share the lessons with your little ones through The Grumbles picture book!

Let’s use these summer months to cultivate hearts that are safe, well-mannered, and overflowing with thankfulness.