Summer break is about to be here, and for many parents, that means juggling work, summer camp logistics (and COSTS!) and the nagging worry that kids will spend 97% of their time in front of a screen anyway.
But what if this summer could be something more?
Here’s a news flash: you’re already homeschooling—whether you realize it or not. Even if your child attends public or private school during the year, the truth is: you are their most important teacher.
From the dinner table to the grocery store, your values, stories, and conversations are shaping them far more than any textbook or tablet ever could. The summer is your best opportunity to take advantage of that! So instead of dreading another summer season of screen-time tug-of-war, let’s flip the script.
Book Series Created To Make Learning Life Lessons Engaging
If you haven’t met The Tuttle Twins yet, they might just become your new summer sidekick. This bestselling book series is gaining serious attention from parents who want to keep the learning going over the summer—but in a way that feels fun, not forced. Designed for kids and teens, the books explore big ideas like free markets, personal responsibility, entrepreneurship, and even topics like inflation and limited government, all through colorful storytelling that actually holds your child’s attention. No eye rolls. No zoning out. Just engaging stories that plant the seeds of curiosity and critical thinking.
What’s especially great is that you don’t need to commit to a whole curriculum. The Tuttle Twins series is low-lift but high-impact—ideal for working parents trying to make the most of evenings or lazy weekend mornings. Some families turn it into “Tuttle Tuesday,” reading a chapter or working through an activity sheet together. Others use the activity guides to kick off family dinner conversations or opt for the animated show when they want screen time with substance.
The series also offers printable journals, summer kits, and a monthly magazine (yes, actual mail!) filled with fresh stories and ideas to keep young minds inspired. And because the books focus on timeless, practical lessons—like why we trade or how to stand up for what you believe in—your kids aren’t just learning; they’re building life skills that will stick with them long after summer ends.
Because the stories cover timeless principles (like why we trade, how inflation works, or how to stand up for your beliefs), your kids aren’t just entertained—they’re being equipped for life.
Learning Doesn’t Have to Look Like School
Forget rigid schedules or color-coded lesson plans. Here’s the secret: kids love to learn when it feels like an adventure. And you can give them the freedom of summer plus the structure of light educational challenges. Not only will they avoid summer brain-drain, they’ll gain confidence, creativity, and real-world wisdom. YOU might have a little fun along the way, too!
Summer Missions to Spark Learning (and Cut Screen Time)
Try framing summer learning as missions instead of assignments. Here are some easy ideas that feel more like play than school:
- Money Mission: Give your child $25 and let them plan, budget, and shop for a simple meal. They’ll learn about math, money, and decision-making.
- History Detective: Pick a historical figure or event and go on a “deep dive” week—read a book, watch a documentary, create a comic strip or short video.
- Civics Quest: Attend a city/county meeting, learn about how laws are made, who represents them, or explore the Constitution with kid-friendly resources. You might even try to get a meeting with a local politician! Work on some questions they might ask…
- Entrepreneurship Challenge: Encourage them to start a micro-business—a lemonade stand, handmade crafts, or even pet-sitting for neighbors. Give them $25 as a seed capital investment for supplies. Or more if they need, say, a lawnmower…