In an effort to spend more time together, Moms, Dads and children are coming up with creative ways to enjoy activities and events as a family. Demanding work schedules and obligations often keep parents away from home more than they would like, but designating some evenings of the week as 'family time' may help keep the family unit in tact and close. Whether in the home or out in the community, a family can enjoy time together creating meaningful lifestyles and fond memories.
Movie Nights
Movie days or nights are a great way for a family to spend some downtime together. The type of movies chosen can be determined by parents or children, ensuring the films will entertain all members of the group. Allowing one person to choose a movie each week makes sure that everyone gets involved and helps not only broaden horizons, but teaches tolerance as well.
Games
A family may also benefit from playing games together. Group games like Twister will keep everyone laughing while classic board games like Bingo, Blurt! and Monopoly and Yahtzee are also popular (help the younger ones with play money or counting). Charades, pretending games and card games, such as Go Fish or War, also ensure a good time. Of course, video games for all ages, and games included in Wii will also provide family entertainment for all.
Family Imagination Night
Encouraging children (and adults) to maintain an active imagination may very well be the basis for a one-night-a-week event, where one person tells or reads a story to other family members. Stories can be chosen at random or coincide with holiday or family events. Telling stories about distant or past relatives teaches other family members their heritage and history, and telling ghost stories can provide some entertainment as well as funny stories or those with some mystery. Hold 'Mystery Night' story-telling events once in a while, where objects or clues may be hidden around the house that can be used to 'solve' a mystery.
Get Creative
Arts and crafts are always a fun way to pass the time together, and can be geared for each age family member, from finger painting to clay sculpture or beading to paint-by-numbers. Make holiday decorations or design gifts for birthdays or other celebrations or make decorations for the children's rooms with tissue paper crafts, crafty foam or other craft ideas from your local arts and craft supply store. The imagination is the only limitation to craft ideas for all age groups (even Mom and Dad).
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