Family Fun Time, Making it Happen

Our lives are busy with our everyday work, errands, and school schedules that by the end of the day, or the end of the week, most parents are tired and exhausted. Kids, as well as adults, like to look forward to fun things.

· Make a Family Fun Night/Day.
Make a date on your calendar and make it fit it into your schedule. It can be done once a week, twice a month, or once a month; whatever fits for your family. Having the day on a calendar will give you time to plan ahead and prepare for your event. Although having time with extended family is great, you intermediate family needs time to be together by yourselves,too. Don't invite friends to go with you on your night.

· Your plans don't have to be the same every time or expensive.
Yes, while you could go to Chuckee Cheese or go out to see a movie together on your family night, it can be something less expensive like renting a movie and making ice cream sundaes or banana splits at home. My family does an ice cream party also for rewarding the kids for their report cards instead of the normal money reward for good grades. Just make it something that you are all together and having a good time.

· No interruptions.
If you are spending your family time at home unplug the telephone. Having the phone ringing off the hook would certainly put a damper on or delay your family time. Don't stop and do a load of laundry or any other household chore. Get these things done ahead of time so that you can relax and be with everybody. If you are away from home, turn your cell phones on their vibrate setting.

- Ideas for Fun at Home.

*Go on a picnic. Pack some sandwiches, fruits, chips, and drinks for everyone. Bring a n old blanket or sheet, a camera, and a ball or outside game. You can have a picnic at the beach, a park, or even in your back yard.

*Make ice cream sundaes and a rental movie. Usually movie stores have many good $1.00 movie rentals. Get different toppings for the sundaes like bananas, chocolate, cherries, whip cream, sprinkles, or candy. Let everyone make their own ice cream and sit down together and enjoy your movie!