Even an old school game like jacks can be fun!
Let’s face it, life is hectic and with tough times all around us it’s time we start asking ourselves what is important in our life? When life is busy and stressful our children know it and can feel it. We all know that working and supporting our family is precedent however, family time is just as significant.
It’s important to make family time. This is a time to reconnect with your children and talk to them. Communication is the key with any relationship and especially with our children. The more time you spend with them the more they know that you are there for them.
Spending time together doesn’t have to be a night out at the movies or out on the town. While it’s nice to get out of the house once and awhile and do activities in your community, take the time to have fun at home. Game nights are especially fun no matter what age your children are. You can play many games with young toddlers or just play! For younger children playing is a learning experience. They are learning language and social skills with each interaction you have with them. As they get a little older there are the classic games like: candy land, go fish, and chutes and ladder.
Another money saver is having movie night with popcorn and goodies in your own home. There are many ways to rent movies these days with convenience. Comcast, a local cable company has “on demand” where you can rent movies right at home on your tv. There is Netflix that is online and they have movies that you can rent and get delivered to your home. Netflix also has free trial months. There is also the “red box” located at local grocery stores like Hannaford or Walmart. This is simple as putting your credit card in and renting movies for $1.00.
If your not interested in watching movies and your the type of family that enjoys being active have a dance party in your own living room. Put on some music, crank it up, and move some furniture and get shaking! This is a great way to get some exercise in and get connected with the family.
Having a night where you do arts and crafts can be fun for everyone. All you need is construction paper, scissors, markers, and some stencils and let your imagination soar. You can even make your own play dough that is simple. It can be fun to sit down and experiment and there are a variety of ways to make your own play dough. If you don’t have time to make your own, there are many options to buy play dough and just add cookie cutters to this activity and you can have hours of fun.
Reading to your children is not only essential for their language development it’s enjoyable for everyone. The great thing about reading is that it opens the door to their imagination and creativity. What a better way to spend time with your child than to hold them close and share a story with them.
So let's all slow down from the hectic days of what we call life and remember your child will only be 1,2,3,4, or whatever age your child may be....they will only be that age once. So make it count, because they are counting on you.
For information on play dough recipes http://www.teachnet.com
For more information on where to find a red box in your location http://www.redbox.com
For more information on family fun ideas http://www.familieswithapurpose.com
For more information on netflix www.netflix.com
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