5 Conversations Every Parent Should Have This Summer

8/4/2026

One of my favorite things about summer isn't the
vacations or the cookouts—it's the slower pace.

The school schedule eases up. Evenings stretch a little longer. Family road trips create hours together in the car. Backyard campfires replace homework. Walks around the neighborhood replace rushing from one activity to the next.

Those slower moments create something parents desperately need: space for conversation.
Some of the most meaningful conversations Amy and I have had with our kids didn't happen because we planned a family meeting. They happened while driving home from camp, sitting around the fire pit, fishing, eating ice cream, or simply folding laundry together.

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Summer gives us those moments if we're willing to notice them. As summer winds down and we begin thinking about going back to school, here are five conversations every parent should make time for before the season comes to an end.

1. Let's Talk About Friendships

Friendships shape our kids more than we often realize. As parents, we hope our children are surrounding themselves with friends who encourage them and help them grow in the best ways.

Talk to your kids about their friendships. Get to know who they spend their time with. Ask questions that go beyond, "Who are your friends?"

Try asking:

Who makes you feel encouraged?
Who brings out the best in you?
Is there anyone who's been difficult to be around lately?
How can you be a better friend to someone else?

These questions help children think beyond popularity and begin recognizing the qualities of healthy relationships.

As followers of Jesus, we want our kids to become friends who show kindness, grace, forgiveness, and encouragement—not simply find friends who do those things for them. Spending time talking about friendships helps our kids learn not only how to make good friends, but how to be one.

2. Let's Talk About Faith

Summer camps, mission trips, VBS, and even family vacations often spark spiritual conversations. As your kids share stories from their summer experiences, they also open the door to share what they're learning about God.

Don't settle for responses like, "Camp was fun," or, "The mission trip was great." Dive a little deeper. And don't assume you already know where your child is spiritually.

Instead, ask:

What have you been learning about God lately?
Do you have any questions about the Bible?
Is there anything that confuses you about faith?
How can I pray for you this week?

Parents sometimes feel pressure to have every answer.
\You don't.

Sometimes the most powerful response is simply:
"That's a great question. Let's discover the answer together."

Your children don't need perfect parents. They need parents who are willing to keep pursuing Jesus alongside them.

3. Let's Talk About Technology

Technology is a significant part of our lives, and as it continues to advance, it will only become more integrated into our everyday routines. We often hear conversations about limiting screen time, protecting our kids from online dangers, and establishing healthy boundaries.

Those conversations are important.

However, our job isn't simply to limit screens—it's to teach wisdom. We want to help our children see technology as a tool that, when used wisely, can accomplish a great deal of good.

Ask questions like:

What do you enjoy most online?
Is there anything you've seen recently that made you uncomfortable?
Do you ever feel pressure from social media?
How do you know when it's time to put your phone away?

These conversations build trust long before a problem appears.

Rather than making technology the enemy, help your children learn to use it in ways that honor Christ and protect their hearts.

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Join us at the table as we discuss what it looks like to focus on faith in the home. It's episode 4 of, Gathered in the Higham House.

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4. Let's Talk About Character and Integrity

Achievements come and go. Character and Integrity lasts.

As our kids grew up, Amy and I continually reinforced the idea that character and integrity matter. These virtues speak to the condition of a person's heart. They reveal who someone truly is.

We taught our kids that who they are around other people should be the same as who they are when no one is watching. That their "yes" should be yes, and their "no" should be no. That promises should be kept and commitments honored.

Summer provides plenty of opportunities to notice character in everyday life. Watch how your children interact with siblings, friends, neighbors, and with you. When you see them demonstrating honesty, kindness, humility, or perseverance, point it out. Celebrate it. Use examples from the life of

Jesus to encourage those qualities to continue growing.

Talk about:

Honesty
Responsibility
Kindness
Humility
Perseverance
Gratitude

Celebrate moments when you see these qualities growing.

Correct gently when they're missing.

Remember, our goal isn't raising successful kids. Our goal is raising adults who love Jesus and reflect His character wherever they go.

5. Let's Talk About the Future

Kids dream big.

Sometimes those dreams change every week. Sometimes those dreams become reality. Dreams often become plans, goals, and eventually a roadmap for what's next.

Take time this summer to talk with your kids about the future. Encourage them to think about how God might use them during the coming school year—with classmates, teammates, teachers, and friends.

Ask questions like:

What are you excited about this year?
What do you think God has gifted you to do?
What would you love to learn?
Who do you want to become?

Notice that last question.

It's far more important than asking what they want to do. Our identity is found in Christ before it's ever found in a career. Help your children imagine a future where they use their gifts to serve God and love others wherever He leads them.

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You Don't Need Perfect Questions

Sometimes parents worry they'll say the wrong thing. The truth is, your kids probably won't remember every question you asked.

They'll remember that you cared enough to ask.

They'll remember that Mom and Dad listened.

They'll remember feeling safe enough to share what was on their hearts.

The goal isn't a perfect conversation. The goal is an ongoing relationship where talking about life—and talking about Jesus—is simply part of what your family does together.

This summer, don't miss the opportunities hidden in the ordinary moments:

The drive home.
The walk around the block.
The porch swing.
The campfire.
The ice cream run.

Those moments may become the conversations your children remember for the rest of their lives.

A Simple Family Challenge

Before summer ends, schedule five intentional conversations with your child—one around each of these topics.

They don't have to be long.

Ten meaningful minutes can make a lasting impact.

Put the phones away.

Ask a question.

Listen more than you speak.

Then pray together before the conversation ends.

You might be surprised what God does through one simple conversation.

We'd Love to Continue the Conversation

Every family has a story, and we'd love to hear yours. Which of these five conversations comes most naturally in your home? Which one is the hardest? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below—we read every one, and your story may encourage another family.

If this post encouraged you, we'd love for you to stick around. Here at Life in the Higham House, we share practical encouragement for families, parents, marriages, and faith through our weekly blog, our family vlog, and the Gathered in the Higham House podcast. Our hope is simple: to help families pursue Jesus, love one another well, and find joy in the everyday moments of life.

Be sure to subscribe, follow along, and share this post with another parent who could use a little encouragement today. We'd love to have you around the table with us.

Grace and peace,

Jay & Amy Higham