Have Fun!

 

Shared experiences provide great memories and draw people together. Even when the experience doesn’t turn out as planned great memories can be made… honestly don’t you remember your mini-disasters more than the days where everything turns out perfect? (Our family will always remember the time the five of us spent the night in one three-person tent, because the zipper on our second tent was broken and the mosquitoes were awful)

So go ahead and plan some fun-time shared experiences (if we don’t plan and schedule them they generally won’t happen) and start creating great memories. Here are some ideas that worded for my family:

·         Family Fun Night: In our home Friday night was “Family Fun Night.” This grew into an important family tradition which could include a wide variety of activities: hiking, picnics, fling kites, going to the park, bike riding, family Olympics, scavenger hunts, crafts, game night, movie night, “camping out” in the living room, bowling… whatever your family enjoys doing together! It gives the message that family is important and we enjoy spending time with our children.

·         Seasonal Traditions: Apple picking, strawberry picking, pumpkin picking, cutting down your own Christmas tree, coloring Easter eggs, carving pumpkins, baking Christmas treats, making valentines, sparklers on the 4^th of July, making snowmen or sledding on the “best” hill when it snows. Traditions are a great way to create family memories.

·         Family Vacations: Try to put in the schedule something that each person enjoys. Set realistic expectations based on the ages and interests of your children.

·         One-on-one time: I can’t overstate the importance of making special one on one time with each child doing something they enjoy. It’s a great way to get to know each child better and let them know they are valued and loved for who they are!

Sometimes life with children gets to be an endless series of things to do and so much time is spent giving children directions and requiring follow through. Yes, these are important but I suggest that having fun and developing positive shared memories with your child is at the top of the “important” list?

Go ahead, I dare you, have fun with your kids. Check that I double-dare you… J