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The Thoughtful Parent

The Thoughtful Parent

A blog that makes child development approachable.

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The Reverse Summer Bucket List: Helping Kids Grow in Gratitude {with FREE Printable}

February 22, 2024 by Amy Webb, Ph.D.
boy swinging

Sneak peek: Most summer bucket lists for kids focus on packing in as many exciting activities as possible. This reverse bucket list version helps kids focus on gratitude

You’ve seen all the posts on social media about having “only 18 summers” with your kids. While it does put things in perspective, I think it also adds unnecessarily to the pressures many parents feel. I do not want to feel pressured to create 18 magical summers filled with awe and wonder. I just want us to enjoy the time we have together. In some ways, summer gives us (at least to some degree) the luxury of having the one thing that can never be replaced–TIME. 

So how do you balance the desire to make summers fun, but not overscheduled, overpressured and over-stimulating? The reverse bucket list can help!

reverse bucket list template

The Reverse Bucket List and the Role of Boredom

I have written before about the value I see in kids experiencing boredom. Summer is prime time for boredom. We have loads of free time, few scheduled activities and the weather is nice outside. I want to allow my sons’ time to just BE. Just to hang around the house, tinker in the yard, dig in the garden or build something out of a cardboard box.

Related reading: Gift Guide for Raising Kind Kids

Getting them past the uncomfortable feeling of boredom is often a struggle. There is usually whining; perhaps some begging for a new book or toy. I have to remember to push through that feeling and let them work it out on their own.

summer bucket list

However, this feeling bears down on me too. I sometimes feel bored and want to take them to do every activity or camp that’s available. “Slow down, mama”, I have to tell myself.

We often feel the need to entertain, direct, organize and otherwise “enrich” our kids’ lives.

This year I want to focus on nurturing a sense of contentment…in my sons and myself. Compared to much of the world, we live in such luxury. 

Related reading: Surprisingly Helpful Calming Activities for Super-Active Kids

Contentment Over Consumption

In such a culture, consumption has become a lifestyle. I feel this type of lifestyle breeds ungratefulness and that is one thing I do not want my kids to absorb from culture. As this author points out, “If your brain is focused on what you don’t have, then you’ll be unhappy.” At some basic level, we all want our kids to be happy. I’m hoping that focusing on gratitude instead of consumption will help them develop a sense of deeper happiness that is long-lasting and meaningful.

I want my boys and myself to feel like it’s just ENOUGH. It’s enough to just enjoy nature or a good book. It’s enough to just go for a morning walk and find a new bug that we haven’t seen before.

Many summertime posts are filled with ideas for new and exciting places to see or things to do. All these things that we “must” do before summer is over. This year, instead of the summer “bucket list” I’ve decided to put together something different.

reverse bucket list


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Reverse Bucket List Examples

Based on an article I read that involved a reverse bucket list, this year I’m going to help my boys create a reverse summer bucket list. The idea is to list activities that we did in the past that brought us joy and contentment. I’m hoping just the conversation itself will inspire a sense of gratitude. Then, of course, if we feel like doing these things again, that’s great.

Here are a few things we came up with on our summer reverse bucket list:

1. played in the sprinklers until we got too cold and had to come inside

2. had a lemonade stand

3. went for a ride on paddle boats

summer bucket list

4. went to a national park (or 2)

5. went to family camp

6. went camping

nature kit

7. went to visit a farm and feed the animals

reverse bucket list examples

8. played board games or card games (we LOVE this one)

9. learned chess

no stress chess

10. swimming with friends

11. found a new park and climbed a cool tree

12. went to grandma/grandpa camp

13. had an ant farm, tadpoles, or roly-poly farm

ant farm

14. plenty of water gun fights

15. wandered around a library or bookstore

16. went roller skating

17. roasted marshmallows by the campfire

18. went to see a kids movie on a hot afternoon

19. went to the farmer’s market

20. listened to music at an outdoor concert

21. went for a cool hike with a great view

how to create a reverse bucket list

22. found an awesome playground

reverse bucket list template
 
23. went for a bike ride around the neighborhood (costumes make it awesome!)
 
how to create a reverse bucket list

How to Create a Reverse Bucket List

Want to create your own Reverse Bucket List with your kids? Foster a sense of contentment and gratitude to start the summer off right. Sign up and receive this reverse bucket list template to get started!

Reverse Bucket List

Sign up and receive the template to create your own Reverse Bucket List Summer



 

PLUS you’ll receive ongoing strategies for confidently nurturing your child’s emotional development

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Related Resources:

last child in the woods

nature journal

Perfect for Pinning:

summer bucket list template
 

 

Category: Social-Emotional DevelopmentTag: activities, gratitude, mindset, summer

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Amy Webb
As a mom of two young boys, I've seen first-hand how research-based child development information, combined with intuition, can guide you through your parenting journey. Although I have a Ph.D.in Human Development and Family Sciences, many of my real parenting discoveries have come through my experience. I believe parenting with confidence comes from knowledge; parenting with grace comes from insight. Join me on this parenting journey of learning and discovery

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