Family Activities for Family Fun

Families need to bond. That's where the memories are made that last a lifetime. However, today we are all busier than ever before. Everyone seems to be rushing to the next thing on the "to-do list". I know of teenagers with day-planners! To say nothing of parents who have to work late.

It's difficult to find a "family night" that will work for everyone in the home. Ideally, families try for one night a week. If that is impossible, at least try for once every two weeks when the phones are disbanded, the tv is turned off and the computer games are silenced.

Yes, you may very well meet with a disagreeable crowd. Even anger. Hold firm. What you need is to look for ways to divert your kids' attention away from all the distractions. Like text-messaging, internet chat, computer games, tv shows and whatever it is they think they have to do. Promise them that their world will not come crashing down around them if they tune out for a couple of hours a night!

Now's the time to get creative: You may all decide on a different activity every night. Whatever it is, as long as all family members are together.

*One night you may decide on the latest movie playing at your local theater.
*Another night you may dust off a beloved board game.
*Take in a local sports game
*Take a hobby or passion of each family member and all participate in it. Have the family member give a talk on it. Teach you about it.
*Dress up and go somewhere nice for dinner.
*Attend a gallery or a museum.
*Start your own in-house Book Club. Each member gets to pick their favorite genre.
*Have a teacher's night. Each member teaches a skill only they know. No matter how silly.
*Go to the gym together. Start your own Fit Club. Motivate each other.
*Movie night at home with popcorn is always a safe bet!

The point is to find something everyone can look forward to doing together. With no outside distractions. Some may balk at first but years down the road, these are the times that will mean something. Memories to last a lifetime. As corny as it sounds, it's true. Friends will come and go but for better or worse, you only have one family. To cherish. To love. To behold in all its warts and wonders.

(c) Karen Cook

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