Our Unfiltered Family Nights This Summer

Let’s be honest—family nights are a mixed bag, aren’t they?

Some nights are full of laughter, a dash of chaos, and memories that last a lifetime. Other nights? Well, there’s a bit more screen time than I’d like to admit, some grumbling over who’s doing the dishes, and maybe even a little mama time-out in the bathroom because... well, parenting.

But here’s the thing: even on those imperfect nights, there’s something beautifully real about them. We’ve got s’mores and sticky fingers, epic game nights (that always seem to end with a “timeout” for someone), and yes, a bit of too much screen time now and then.

But amidst the mess, the noise, and the late-night bedtime struggles, we have love. And sometimes, that’s all we really need to make it all worth it.

So, here’s a peek behind the curtain of our unfiltered family nights this summer—real, imperfect, and full of love.

S’mores: The Sweet Spot Between Chaos and Memory-Making

I don’t know about you, but no matter how many times we make s’mores, it never feels like summer without them. The kids run around the backyard, covered in chocolate, marshmallow goo, and enough excitement to keep them buzzing for hours. There’s laughter, there are minor burn incidents (mostly my fault), and there are a few too many “s’mores for dinner” nights that probably leave us all slightly sugar-shocked. But, honestly, those are the nights I’ll cherish forever.

You see, family nights in our house aren’t always Pinterest-perfect. They’re not always Instagrammable, and that’s okay. What matters is that we’re together—sharing something as simple as roasting marshmallows over an open flame. It’s those messy, sticky moments that make the best memories.

Screen Time Limits: A Work in Progress (Always)

Listen, I’m no saint when it comes to screen time. Sometimes, the TV or tablets are my best friend—especially when I need a little break or when my kids need to wind down. But, as much as possible, we’ve made an effort to create boundaries.

This summer, we’ve set some basic rules: no screens at the dinner table (please, for the love of sanity), a no-phone zone for family game night, and limited TV time before bed. But, let’s be real—sometimes the kids beg for an extra 10 minutes of their show, and sometimes I’m just too tired to fight it. The screen time limits are a work in progress, and some nights, I’m proud of how we stuck to our guns. Other nights, I’m just happy we managed to squeeze in a little quality time, even if it means the kids get to binge watch one extra episode.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about finding balance. And some days, balance means turning off the TV for a board game and other days, it’s about giving myself permission to say, “Go ahead, finish your show. Mama needs a moment.”

Family Game Night: Where Everyone Has an Opinion (and a Competitive Edge)

Game nights in our house are equal parts fun and frustrating. No one—and I mean no one—can agree on what to play. It’s usually a democratic process that involves a lot of sighing, some negotiation tactics (usually from my oldest), and a fair amount of “Do I really have to play this?” from my youngest. But once we get started, it’s always worth it.

There’s something about those nights where we’re all sitting around the table—cards in hand, snacks scattered, and competitive spirits fully activated. Sure, it ends with someone flipping the board or storming off in dramatic fashion, but those moments are priceless. We learn a lot about each other’s personalities, patience (or lack thereof), and, most importantly, teamwork. Even if the game ends with a bit of drama, the laughs and the bonding that happens in between? Completely worth it.

Movie Nights: Where Everyone Gets Cozy and No One Agrees on What to Watch

Ahh, movie night. The perfect family tradition—except when no one can agree on what to watch. One kid wants to see the latest superhero movie, the other insists on a cartoon, and I’m just over here wishing for a rom-com for the love of all things.

But somehow, we compromise. We end up watching a mix of animated movies and a few “borderline inappropriate” comedies that the kids don’t understand but make me giggle. There are spilled popcorn, half-eaten candy, and a few too many bathroom breaks (seriously, can we not sit still for more than 15 minutes?). But that cozy feeling, all of us huddled together under blankets? That’s what makes movie night a family favorite. Even if it’s chaos in the form of a two-hour film.

Late-Night Chats (For the Moms)

And let’s not forget the after-dark moments for the grown-ups—because mama needs a minute too.

Once the kids are tucked in (and the battles over “one more story” have subsided), my husband and I often sit outside, glass of wine in hand, talking about everything—life, dreams, and the chaos of the day. These late-night chats are a quiet, peaceful way for us to reconnect and recharge before the next day begins.

I won’t lie, these moments don’t happen every night. There are plenty of evenings when I’m too tired to do anything but crash into bed, but when we do get those moments together, they remind me of the importance of making time for each other in the midst of family life.

Imperfect, Real, and Full of Love

So, there you have it: a behind-the-scenes peek into our family nights this summer. Are they perfect? Not at all. Are they a bit chaotic? Absolutely. But what I love about our nights together is that, despite the mess, we’re present. We’re making memories. And more than anything, we’re sharing love in its most real, unfiltered form.

No matter what your family nights look like this summer—whether they’re packed with s’mores and laughter or extra screen time and a few more arguments than you’d like—remember this: the imperfect moments are what make this season so special. The mess, the chaos, the little moments of connection? Those are the ones that matter the most.

Here’s to messy, imperfect, but incredibly real family nights this summer.

XX, Kelleen