COLUMN: June means busy schedules, late nights, and finding time to reconnect

If there’s one thing June tends to bring, it’s busy.

School is out, vacations begin, sports schedules pick up, county fairs start creeping onto the calendar and suddenly the slower pace we dreamed about all winter somehow turns into running from one thing to the next. Before we know it, we’re eating supper in the car, everyone’s on different schedules, and meaningful family time gets pushed aside.

At Purdue Extension, we talk often about how strong family connections don’t usually come from big expensive vacations or perfectly planned activities. More often, they come from small moments that happen consistently.

And summertime gives us the perfect opportunity to create more of those moments.

Research continues to show that spending intentional time together as a family can improve communication, reduce stress, strengthen emotional well-being and even help children perform better socially and academically. The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated.

In fact, some of the most meaningful memories are often the simplest ones.

Maybe it’s sitting outside after supper catching lightning bugs. Maybe it’s a backyard cookout, game night at the kitchen table or a quick ice cream stop after ball practice. Maybe it’s just finally slowing down long enough to ask, “How are you really doing?”

Connection doesn’t require perfection.

One thing I encourage families to think about during June is creating “micro moments.” These are small, intentional moments of connection that don’t take a lot of planning but can have a lasting impact.

A few examples:

• Eating one meal together without phones.
• Taking a short evening walk.
• Letting everyone share their “high and low” of the day.
• Playing cards on the porch.
• Watching a movie together instead of everyone in separate rooms.
• Letting kids help plan or cook a meal.

These moments may seem small, but they build trust, communication and belonging over time.

And honestly? Adults need this connection too.

Summer can feel isolating for many people. While social media makes it seem like everyone is constantly surrounded by friends and activities, many individuals still struggle with loneliness and stress. Taking time to connect with neighbors, friends, grandparents or community members matters just as much for adults as it does for children.

That’s one of the reasons I love community programs and events so much. Whether it’s a senior pitch-in dinner, story time at the fairgrounds, a health class or simply gathering around a table, these experiences remind people they are not alone.

There’s something powerful about people slowing down long enough to truly see each other again.

June is also a great reminder that family doesn’t always mean the people living under your roof. Sometimes family is neighbors, friends, grandparents, church members or the people who consistently show up for us in everyday life. Building those relationships and maintaining them is one of the most important things we can do for our overall well-being.

So as summer gets busy—and it will—I challenge you to protect at least a few moments of connection each week. Not the picture-perfect kind. Just the real-life kind.

Sit on the porch a little longer.

Play the game.

Eat the ice cream.

Ask the question.

Laugh a little louder.

Those are often the moments people remember most.

If we haven’t met yet, I’m Jamie Jo Lowder with Purdue Extension here in Owen County. I spend my days working with individuals and families in our community, sharing practical, everyday ways to make life a little healthier, a little easier, and a little more connected. Whether it’s through programs on nutrition, mental health, family relationships or financial wellness, my goal is always the same—to help provide realistic tools that fit real life.

To learn more about upcoming Purdue Extension-Owen County programs and events, be sure to follow us on Facebook and check out the community calendar section of this paper. If you ever have questions or would like to get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to connect with you; 812-829-5020 or lowder0@purdue.edu.