And Jesus increased…

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:52

Imagine young Jesus, barefoot in the dust, learning, and growing into the Savior He was born to be. God gave Him time to wonder, to explore, and to discover His divine role little by little.

Childhood is that same gift for our own little ones — a wide-open, golden season of becoming. And what better time than summertime, when the world feels endless and adventures call from every corner, to help our children explore their heavenly identity? With a sprinkle of goal-setting and a dash of wonder, we can turn these sunny days into stepping stones toward their brightest, Christ-centered selves.

Our own kiddos can increase in wisdom (intellectual) and stature (physical), and in favour with God (spiritual) and man (social).

Spiritual Goals

• Start a Gratitude Journal
• Practice Daily Quiet Time – Spend 5–10 minutes in silence to be able to hear the Holy Ghost.
• Memorize a Favorite Verse, General Conference Quote, or Poem – Pick something meaningful and reflect on its message.
• Perform One Kind Act a Day – Help a sibling, write a thank-you note, or surprise a neighbor with cookies.
• Browse JustServe.org and Volunteer Weekly – Choose something age-appropriate like helping at a food pantry or cleaning up a park.
• Create “Blessing Bags” for People in Need – Fill bags with snacks, water, and hygiene items to give away.
• Make a “What I Believe” Collage or Artwork
• Write a Spiritual Story or Poem – About kindness, faith, or a lesson you’ve learned.
• Build a Mini Sacred Grove – A small area in their room with meaningful objects, candles, or art.
• Initiate a New Family Tradition – Share highs and lows, thoughts, prayers, or what you learned that day.
• Ask a Grandparent or Elder About Their Testimony – Ask about their beliefs, values, and life lessons.
• Write down your Testimony – mail it to a cousin, far off friend, or a penpal. 
• Find your New Scripture Hero in the Scriptures – Tell a family member why you like them. 

Social Goals

• Start a Conversation with Someone New – Practice friendly introductions and asking questions.
• Practice Active Listening – Focus on listening without interrupting and showing interest.
• Learn to Give Compliments – Try giving a sincere compliment each day.
• Write Letters or Notes to Friends & Family
• Make a New Friend at Camp, Church, or the Park 
• Include Someone Who Feels Left Out – On the playground, at events, or during group games.
• Plan a Playdate or Backyard Gathering – Learn to host and create space for others.
• Make a “Kindness Chain” with Friends – Each person does a kind act and adds a paper link.
• Say “Thank You” to Someone Different Each Day – Gratitude is a powerful social glue!
• Lead a Small Project or Team Task – Even just leading clean-up after a craft session!
• Attend a Local Event or Kids Club – Practice being part of your community.
• Make a “Get Well” or “Just Because” Card for Someone – Spread cheer in small, sweet ways.
• Join a New Team, Club, or Class – Build social confidence in a new environment.
• Create a “How to Be a Good Friend” Poster – Display it as a fun reminder.

Physical Goals

• Learn a New Trick on a Trampoline.
• Learn to Ride a Bike (without training wheels) – Big milestone for younger kids.
• Swim Across the Pool – Gain swimming strength and confidence.
• Learn to Dribble a Soccer Ball for 5 Minutes Without Stopping – Coordination and endurance.
• Swish a Basketball Free Throw 5 Times in a Row– Set a goal for number made in a row.
• Master a Simple Gymnastic Move – Like a cartwheel, somersault, or handstand.
• Perfect a New Dance Routine – Create or learn a fun dance.
• Learn to Jump Rope (or do Double Dutch) – Great for agility and stamina.
• Go on 10 Nature Walks or Hikes – Track the number of trails explored.
• Complete a Local “Kids Fun Run” or Obstacle Course – Many communities offer summer races.
• Climb a Tree (Safely!) – Old-fashioned fun and a physical challenge.
• Master Skateboarding, Rollerblading, or Scootering – Start slow and build balance skills.
• Create and Complete a Backyard Obstacle Course – Timed runs are even more exciting!
• Stretch Every Morning for a Week – Build a healthy habit early!
• Balance on One Foot for 30 Seconds – Then try the other side!
• Try a New Sport or Physical Activity – Like tennis, archery, martial arts, or pickleball.

Intellectual Goals

• Read 5 (or more) New Books This Summer – Choose from different genres like fantasy, mystery, biography, or science!
• Start a Summer Journal – Write a few sentences or draw pictures about each day or special adventures.
• Write and Illustrate Your Own Storybook – Be the author and illustrator!
• Read Aloud to Someone Younger (or a Pet!) – Practice reading skills and sharing.
• Join a Library Summer Reading Challenge – Earn prizes or certificates for completed reading goals and milestones.
• Learn 10 Fun Facts About a Favorite Topic – Like sharks, space, ancient Egypt, or volcanoes!
• Solve a Puzzle a Day – Crossword puzzles, riddles, Sudoku, or brain teasers.
• Invent a New Game or Board Game – Create rules, a board, and even game pieces.
• Complete a Science Experiment at Home – Like making a volcano, growing crystals, or building a simple circuit.
• Write a Letter to a Famous Person (Living or Historical) – Practice communication and research skills.
• Learn a New Math Trick or Shortcut – Mental math strategies or multiplication hacks.
• Run a Lemonade Stand and Track Profits – Practice basic money math and entrepreneurship.
• Cook or Bake Using Fractions – Help in the kitchen and understand measuring ingredients.
• Create Your Own “Summer Math Challenge” – Set a goal to complete a certain number of math facts each week.
• Learn to Read a Map and Plan a Simple Trip – Geography + problem solving!
• Learn Basic Words in a New Language – Like greetings, colors, and numbers.
• Visit a Museum, Aquarium, or Science Center – Explore something new in person.
• Start a Collection and Research It – (Rocks, coins, insects, stamps, etc.)
• Interview a Grandparent or Family Member About Their Life and Write Their Biography – Practice active listening and learn history firsthand.
• Keep a “Wonder List” – Write down every question that pops into your head and research the answers later.

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