Take Back Your Kids: Institute Your Own Family Night

Are you tired of feeling stressed all of the time? Do you wish your children were less cranky, better behaved, and happier? If you think the solution to your problems cost money, you are dead wrong! By becoming a fast-paced, fast-food nation, we have lost our identity as people, as parents to our children. Heck, we are losing the innocence that embodies childhood for our own kids. The question is, how do we fix it?

The answer may be right in front of you. By having a family night, you can begin a fun tradition that enriches your whole family. You are always scheduling work, babysitting, and extracurricular activities, so why not a night dedicated just to family?

Ask a member of the Mormon faith, and they will tell you every Monday was Family Home Evening, a time for families to get together, rejoice in their faith, and have some fun too! A lesson was taught by a designated family member that week, and then games and refreshments followed. This is just another way to promote the concept of family unity and happiness. In the same spirit, I suggest you institute your own night of family fun. Here are some great tips and ideas to make your family night exciting and accessible to kids and adults of all ages.

1. Cook together.

Just by preparing a simple meal together, whether frozen or homemade, you are spending time together, talking about your day, and learning about each other. You can just have a regular meal, or make an activity of it by allowing each person to pick a different cuisine to cook each week. Grab a cookbook to get some ideas, or designate your family night a taco dinner night, Italian night, or whatever you want. Your meal options are endless, and you just might find that you want to eat dinner together every night from now on!

2. Not all games are video.

In a world where every kid seems to own an X-Box, it might seem strange to your children that games used to be played in real life, as in board games. Depending on your child's age, you can pick some classic board games that are actually really fun. Smaller tykes like Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, and Cootie, while older kids and adults may like Monopoly, Clue, and Pictionary. Give them a shot and see what happens!

3. Learn to move it!

Everyone keeps hearing about the obesity epidemic in this country, yet we continue to lounge in the house all day, only walking from home to car. It is time to be a positive example to our kids and get moving! Moderate physical activity is great for kids of all ages, and it doesn't need to be considered exercise. Bowling, basketball, swimming, or just throwing a ball in the park or backyard doesn't require a special expertise. Your family will have fun, and by just enjoying the moment, and not focusing on whether you look like a pro, you will too! Consider buying a family membership to your local YMCA for some great fun year-round.

4. Pick a project.

Building a birdhouse, planting a garden, or repainting the deck chairs are projects that can be a family affair (don't push it and get the kids to clean the gutters!). A garden is a great way to get children involved, and they get to eat the fruits of their labor. For some great info on gardening, check out AC author Afton Nelson's gardening advice: www.associatedcontent.com/article/145818/the_amazing_health_benefits_of_gardening.html

As with any project, your attitude will make it or break it. Even surly teens will warm up if you keep positive. So learn to craft, grow a garden, or let your kids pick a project everyone will be sure to enjoy!

5. A family movie night is worth it.

While many movies are certainly not family friendly, you know there are some great ones out there that will please the youngest and oldest members. Make your movie night a democracy, and let each member pick a new one each week. You can make a pre-approved list to start with, and go from there. Buy a real popcorn popper, or better yet, show your kids how it used to actually be made on (gasp) an actual stove! Be sure to have plenty of snacks and drinks, and relax!

Some of these ideas might come across as corny to your older kids, but once you make this a tradition, you might find that your teens anticipate your family night more than anyone else. And whether you do this every month or every week, you are creating more than just great family memories. You are creating a ritual that unites a family, fostering a sense of trust and love that will endure in you and your kids' everyday lives. Who could ask for more?

For more ideas, please checkout my website resources at the end of this article.