The Soul of Summer: Slow Days, Bare Feet, and Homegrown Joy

There’s a special kind of magic that settles in during the summer months — not loud or extravagant,
but quiet and golden. It lives in the in-between moments: the gentle clink of spoons in mixing bowls
under the shade of a tree, the giggles of children as they snack on strawberries they helped to grow,
the excited squeals of the garden as everyone watches a ladybird crawl across a tiny hand.

Summer in our setting isn’t about rigid plans or fixed outcomes. It’s about feeling the season — living
it, slowly and with intention.

We spend much of our time outdoors. Alfresco dining becomes second nature, and meals are often
picnicked on a blanket in the garden, with the scent of herbs and freshly watered soil in the air.
There’s something beautifully grounding about sharing food under open skies. Somehow, even the
simplest snack feels like a feast when the sun is shining and everyone’s feet are bare.

Our days follow a gentler rhythm in the warmer months. Mornings begin with open doors and
curious feet padding outside. Story time adventures often moves to the shade of trees, with children
stretched out or lying in the grass, watching clouds drift by as they listen. Water play becomes a
daily ritual — not always needing to be flashy or overcomplicated, but full of laughter and sensory
joy. A full tub, different containers, maybe some bubbles and food colouring, and nature’s
soundtrack of birdsong is more than enough.

We don’t have many formal “summer traditions,” but there are familiar rhythms that re-emerge
each year. We continue to grow fruit and vegetables in the garden, and the children are actively
involved in every stage — from planting, watering and harvesting to preparing and tasting. There’s
something incredibly satisfying in seeing a child pick a ripe tomato they’ve nurtured for weeks, then
proudly help chop it for snack time. These moments, simple as they are, hold so much meaning.
They speak of patience, responsibility, connection — and joy.

Beyond the garden gate, we often head out on gentle summer adventures — following the same
winding path each day past the old church wall that becomes home to a cluster of ladybirds. We
pause there, counting spots and tracing the magical journey from larva, to pupa, to beetle,
fascinated by the life cycle unfolding before our eyes. We marvel at the different types, noticing the
little details that make each one unique. Sometimes, our walks take us to the woodlands, the fields
or the duck pond, where the children wonder aloud whether the ducks have had any babies yet.
These unhurried moments — full of questions, curiosity, and quiet discoveries — are some of our
most treasured.

Summer is full of sensory treasures. The feeling of warm earth beneath your toes. The sweet scent
of sun cream and crushed mint leaves in the mud kitchen. The taste of homemade lollies, flavoured
with fruit the children helped to prepare. The sound of garden laughter, punctuated by the
occasional exclaim of delight as someone discovers a bug or a butterfly. These are the textures of
childhood. The things I hope linger in the children’s memories long after they’ve grown.

One recent moment stands out — not because it was grand or planned, but because it felt so right.
We were gathered in the garden, shaded by our gazebo, eating ice cold melon, sipping cool water
and sharing stories from our play. A breeze stirred the leaves overhead. One child spotted a bee
resting on one of our beautifully grown flowers and quietly whispered, “the bee looks tired *pause*
but he’s safe here.” That was it. That was the moment. A hush fell over the group, not forced, just
felt, as we watched the bee resting and enjoying the nectar from the flowers. We were present,
together, connected to the earth and to each other.

That, to me, is summer hygge.
It’s not about perfection. It’s not about doing more. It’s about slowing down, tuning in, and letting
the season unfold around us — barefoot and beautifully unhurried.

- Georgina Young – The Young Ones Childminding
Early Years Specialist; Founder of Guiding The Young Ones

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Bio - Georgina Young is an experienced early years specialist and registered childminder at The Young Ones Childminding. She is passionate about child-led learning, emotional wellbeing, nature and creating calm, nurturing environments that honour childhood. Georgina is also the founder of ‘Guiding The Young Ones’, a growing, free access platform offering support and inspiration for early years professionals.