6 Easy Ways to Put Your Family First
By Sandy Schroeder
In the daily run of things, family time may frequently be shifted about or even postponed. We always intend to do more, but too many things interfere. Now might be the time to reverse the process to put the family first with events, such as these from StayAtHomeMoms.org.
Start a regular family night – Pick one night that’s all about your family and let everybody help to plan the events. Take in a game, go to a movie, go out to dinner or stay in and invite family friends over for pizza and games. Keep planning the next one so everybody gets a turn to do what they want to do.
Play outdoors – Get out to play with your kids, hitting your favorite park for sledding, skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or making snowmen. Whatever works for your family could be a way to stay active and just enjoy a day outdoors; finish up with hot chocolate and a time to hang out at home.
Do some reading – You may already have a story time before bedtime, but a special trip to the library or bookstore might lend itself to more reading time after dinner or on weekends. Let everybody pick their own and then spend a little time reading together. For kids just starting school this is a great way to make books a special focus.
Enjoy art together – You may already enjoy sculpture museums and other local art exhibits, but this may be the time to find crafts to make at home, or take an art class together. Find a place at home to exhibit everybody’s work.
Head out to help others – You may already have a favorite group that you help at an art center or youth garden, but this may be the time to look for more. Look for people out there who need your family’s help and then show up. Donating supplies for a pet shelter or canned goods for a food bank is a very real way to get kids involved with helping others.
Share the cooking or baking – Kids love to help in the kitchen, and they are very proud when they actually make the soup, meatloaf or zucchini bread that’s served at dinner. Start out small for younger ones doing muffins or fruit loaves, and let older ones plan a dinner, following through with salads, meats, side dishes and desserts.
These are just a few ways to put your family first. As you try them out you may come up with custom events that just fit your family. Ski trips, weekend festivals and local school events may all become family outings.
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