As summer arrives, plans, holidays, and well-earned rest begin to take center stage. Yet summer also has another side—one that often goes unnoticed but is just as real: the loneliness experienced by many older people during this time of year, and the growing dependence of children on technology for entertainment.

In this article, we share practical ways to help the youngest members of your family spend less time in front of screens, as well as simple ideas for supporting and accompanying an older person without necessarily having to go outdoors during the hottest days of the summer.

Accompanying those who experience loneliness lies at the heart of our charism. That is why, throughout the summer, life in our residences and community soup kitchens is enriched by community life, prayer, compassionate accompaniment, and loving care.

Less Screen Time, More Presence

Once the school year ends, screens often become the quickest way to keep children and teenagers occupied. However, excessive screen time can lead to greater dependence on technology. That is why we would like to share a few simple recommendations that you can start putting into practice today.

• Moderation Is Key Children often turn to screens when they have no other alternatives available. Instead of simply saying “no,” try offering them something engaging to do. Each morning, prepare a simple plan for the day and share it with them, giving them something to look forward to from the very start.
• Rediscover Classic Games o Bring Back Traditional PlayEncourage board games, outdoor activities, and other screen-free ways to have fun. Summer is the perfect opportunity to enjoy with your children all those things that are often difficult to fit into the school year. They’ll have a wonderful time—and chances are, you will too.
• Create a Cool Reading Corner During the hottest hours of the day, encourage them to discover the joy of a good book. After all, reading is the best way to travel the world without ever leaving home!
• Let Them Be Bored (Yes, You Read That Right). Creativity is often born from boredom. There’s no need to fill every minute of the day with activities. Some of the best ideas and adventures begin when children have the freedom to be bored, so make sure to leave a little unstructured time in their day.
• Help Them Stay Close to Jesus With so many plans and activities during the summer, it’s easy for all of us—even adults—to lose sight of what matters most: Christ. Set aside small moments each day to keep Him at the center of family life. Say grace before meals, pray together before bedtime, or share Bible stories in a way that is engaging and age-appropriate. When approached with warmth and creativity, these simple moments can become treasured memories for the whole family.

What About Our Elderly?

With temperatures soaring, going outdoors is often the last thing anyone feels like doing. Yet our elderly still need our care, our time, and our presence. Here are a few simple ways you can start making a difference today:

• • A Daily Phone Call It doesn’t matter if the call is brief—the important thing is to make it a regular habit. For someone who spends their days alone, knowing that a familiar voice will call each day can bring comfort, hope, and encouragement.
  • A Video Call with Grandchildren or Loved Ones If you have the opportunity, a video call can have an even greater impact. But what if your loved one is too elderly to manage video calls? Then go back to the first suggestion: give them a phone call or, if possible, pay them a visit. A simple gesture like this can completely brighten their day—and even their entire week.

• Keep an Eye on Their Hydration and Heat Exposure Take the time to check in and ask whether they are drinking enough water, keeping their home cool and well-ventilated, and eating regular meals. During periods of extreme heat, paying attention to these three simple things can make a real difference to their health and well-being.

• Pray Together or Arrange for Holy Communion at Home. A short prayer together—or simply arranging for them to receive Holy Communion at home—can make all the difference. Don’t forget to keep Jesus at the center.

What If My Loved One Lives in a Care Home?

The same principles still apply. Call them, visit whenever you can, and take a genuine interest in how they are doing and how they are feeling.

In our care homes, every resident enjoys fully air-conditioned spaces, as well as proper nutrition and hydration to help them stay safe and comfortable throughout the summer. Prayer and Holy Communion are also an essential part of daily life. Residents are always welcome to take part in Mass and moments of prayer whenever they wish—because Jesus never takes a vacation!