Do you remember why summer is fun when you are a kid?  Take a moment, seriously do you remember why summer is different than say spring?  First of all, of course, you think 'Because school is out.'  Yes, of course this is definitely a piece of it.  But if school is out and family life is exactly the same, mom's stressed, the calendar is packed, there is constantly 'stuff' going on; how is this any different than being in school?  It's Summer! 

This is the time of year when 'play is ok'.  It might be a phrase to ask yourself, when is the last time our family just played?  Notice, I'm not saying drop your scheduled events and let your teens remove all responsibilities from their schedule, although I am encouraging you to be a role model and take some down time.  It might just be a fun family dinner that everyone makes together; maybe dinner is eaten outside instead of in; maybe you -surprisingly- take everyone to a movie on a Tuesday.  Regardless of what it is, take time to play!  It is healthy for every family member and it builds the memories of childhood.