These simple ideas, will help you in creating a ‘family time’ that focuses on building stronger relationships with those you care about most.
#1. “Three Things I love About You.” : “5 Things to Do with Your Family NOW”
Indeed, out of these 5 Things to do with Your Family NOW”, this is one of our favourites. Since everyone is unique, this is a fun and important relationship building activity. In our family, it is also often one of our special “birthday traditions”. But sometimes we will take a time spontaneously to share things we love specifically about each other. To get started, grab a favourite family snack and gather somewhere comfy. Let the sharing begin! Here are some tips to get started:
- Choose the person who will be “encouraged” first. Take turns so everyone has a chance to be “encouraged”.
- Have a few simple rules that do not allow “discouraging” comments, in teasing. “Build up” one another and not “tear down”.
- Be “specific” in your sharing. For example, instead of saying simply, ” I love you.” Say, “I love the way you cook pancakes, ” or “I love that your eyes smile when you are happy”.
- Idea Starters : Focus on a “talent”, a “quality”, or an “inner beauty” you see in them.
#2. Play Charades : “5 Things to Do with Your Family NOW”
There is little more hysterical than family charades. If you want a good laugh, create your own ideas from scratch, or purchase a ‘ready-made’ pack of suggestions to get started!
Tips for Making Family Charades Unforgettable!
- Team up! Be sure that young children work in a team or with an adult if they need help.
- Add props! Silly hats, funky aprons, and old clothes that are too big add comic relief to charades.
- Don’t be too serious. “Whoopie Cushions” help if some family members are grumpy.
- You can find an inexpensive card version of Family Charades HERE.
#3. Create a “Thankfulness Jar” : “5 Things to Do with Your Family NOW”
Amongst the 5 Things to do with your family now, this is perhaps my favourite. Years ago, we began this sweet tradition. I HIGHLY recommend it. It does not require more than a Jar with a lid, some pens and scratch paper. Certainly, keep your “Thankfulness Jar” in a location that is in plain site. That way, you do not forget to keep adding to it!
Instructions:
- Choose one day a week to “Add Thankfulness” to your jar at a meal where you regularly gather as a family.
- Cut up strips of paper, no more than a 1/2 inch wide and 5 inches long.
- Each family can write down one thing they are truly thankful for from that week, or day. It can be anonymous or known.
- Stuff the jar full of “thankfulness” until it is overflowing!
- Have a time to “unwrap” each thankful note at the table, once the jar is full.
- Be sure to keep it in a visible location, so you do not forget to keep adding to it!
#4. Workshops: “5 Things to Do with Your Family NOW”
If you want to have some fun, let your kids be the teacher, and you be the student! Workshops are a way that your children can teach YOU something, and you have to follow their instructions, even if they do not make sense! It is a fun way to connect, and they might surprise you with the knowledge they bear! make sure it is a ‘family affair’ and that everyone participates. No grumpy attitudes! Encourage each other that it will be funny, meaningful and character building to be “instructed” by a sibling.
Here are some suggestions for “Workshops”, if your kids need ideas:
- Do they have an interest? learn their hobby!
- If they want you to do something physical, but you usually say no, such as ‘climbing a tree’ or ‘running a 5k’, let it be something you can work on together. No adult is quite as agile as a child. It does not have to all happen the same day! Workshops can be ongoing, like a “unit study”. But the joy you will give them in “trying” will leave a strong impression on their character.
- Let them teach you about their greatest fear, their greatest joy, or their greatest strength.
- Ask them to show you something they made and then show you how they made it.
- When all else fails…have a “workshop” of learning to laugh together more.
#5 Top Chef : “5 Things to Do with Your Family NOW”
Get out the camera and give your kids freedom in the kitchen! When looking for ideas to cure boredom, look no further than your pantry! Most children, “Littles” and “Teens” alike, love curating their own recipes. It’s ok if it turns out to be a total flop. Take more pictures and teach them a lesson in laughing at the disappointments of life.
Ideas for the Kitchen
- Let your kids make their own pizza from beginning to end
- Suggest sites on the computer for researching fun recipes. It will count as boosting reading skills!
- Try some new cookie recipes! Or let them create their own!
- Forgot to plan Supper? Let the kids get in the kitchen and create a meal of 3 main groups : protein, veggies and whole grains.
- Popcorn is one of the easiest, kid friendly recipes to try (with adult supervision). Simply add 1 Tbls of Butter, 2 Tbls of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt to taste, and a 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels to a large pot with a clear lid. Heat on medium- high and allow the kids to watch it Pop! Drizzle with chocolate or add some cranberries for a treat.
Shop this Post!
- For Family Charades check out this great deck of cards to take with you wherever you go!
- Mason Jars are a pretty way to keep your “Thankfulness” visible! Find some HERE.
- Here is a book called “20 Recipes Every Kid Should Know“, filled with great Kid friendly recipes!
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Recipe IDEA for Family Fun!
Try these Simply Delicious Lemon Lavender Cupcakes for a fun family recipe to try together!
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I love the funny pictures!