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18 Hudson Valley Parent n August 2019 2. Make traditions like grabbing ice cream at the same spot every summer, swimming in the same creek, or attending your hometown July 4th celebrations. Lori Travers of High Falls enjoys savoring summer traditions with her two teenage sons. "It's like Christmas. You don't remember most gifts you get, but you remember the feelings of Christmas. That's what I hope their childhood memories are to them," she says. 3. Encourage spontaneity and declare dessert for dinner, play a game of flashlight tag or let the kids stay up late with a camp out in the living room. This teaches your kids to let go of stress and find their inner joy. 4. Book a family photo session to document how much your family changes year to year. Whether you choose a casual photoshoot in the back yard, or a favorite Hudson Valley beach spot, these photos will preserve a tiny piece of every summer. By ROXANNE FERBER T here is a theory that we have only 18 summers to enjoy with our children before they head off to college or leave home on their own. Today's modern families are already overbooked, and on the go, and parents can feel the pressure to make every vacation count. Thankfully, the dog days of summer give us a slower pace and a chance to squeeze in extra time with our kids. Anchoring childhood memories to simple rituals creates an overall feeling of joy. Here are 18 ways to make the most of the summers you have together: 1. Accept invitations. The hectic pace of toddlerhood can feel exhausting to keep up with but accepting invitations to play that very first summer builds crucial family bonds and lasting memories. Soon enough kids grow up and want to be with their own friends. 5. Build something together like a garden or a tree house to encourage teamwork and share the value of working with your hands. It also builds self-confidence. 6. Get through challenges together as a team. This makes for great stories later. Take a scramble through the Lemon Squeeze in New Paltz, go ziplining or take a risky ride down the Esopus creek. 7. Spend a lazy day on the couch in your pajamas for a movie marathon. Slowing down a rigorous schedule for some time together will make it feel like you are pressing the pause button. 8. Volunteer. Volunteering between school activities and sports practices can be a tight squeeze. Longer summer days create an opportunity to connect your child to the joy of giving back. Little ones can shop for pet food and supplies for local animal shelters, while teens may enjoy visiting a nursing home 18 things you have to do as a family before your child turns 18 You only have 18 summers… how will you spend them? Kimberlee Tompkins says camping is an adventure and a challenge that provides unforgettable memories for her three children every summer.