Tag: family fun

Posted on November 24, 2009 in family fun

**If you are coming to my home for Thanksgiving, please do NOT read this post until after the holiday**

Well, here we are, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. If you’re hosting, you might feel totally overwhelmed and stressed out right now. Perhaps you still need to go shopping or the house is a wreck, and you’re wondering if there are even enough hours between now and Thursday to get it all done. 

Or maybe you’re calm, cool, and collected. (For the record, that’s not me!) And you’d love a simple Thanksgiving ritual that will center your family and creatively involve your children in the Thanksgiving table preparations. 

Kind Over Matter’s Thanksgiving Fortune Cookies are quick and easy to make and immediately brought me back to the reason for this holiday (which is often lost when I’m waiting on long lines in the supermarket). You can easily print their PDF, complete with colorful patterned circles and fortunes. 

Or if your children are old enough, consider involving the entire family. Circles are easy to cut and kids can write their own fortunes of gratitude to slip inside. This is a perfect opportunity to teach our children the value of having a thankful heart. When you are setting the table, place one fortune cookie at each person’s place setting. Then, before digging in, open the fortunes and read them aloud. What a wonderful celebration of gratitude! Happy Thanksgiving! 

**This post is a part of the Moms’ 30-Minute Blog Challenge at Steady Mom**

Posted on November 11, 2009 in family fun, small moments

Ever since the pumpkins arrived, I’d had my eye on the enormous empty cardboard boxes at our local farm. It pains me to see them piled on pallets, awaiting their fate at the recycling center. So I decided to take one home. It wasn’t hard for me to convince my husband to haul one into the back of our Subaru. I think he was secretly tickled pink that I was so excited to make a fort.  

This fort cost us nothing, but the payoff was huge. We spent quality time together as a family, laughed, played, and got some great photos before mommy got stuck in the door. 

From a parent’s perspective, the only thing that I needed to invest in this fort was my time and my presence. I think this is what our children really want- for us to be there with them, in the small moments. Not physically, but emotionally. To temporarily abandon our lists, obligations, and judgmental thoughts and to get silly and have fun, and be a kid again. 

Sometimes the best things in life are free. Cardboard included.

Posted on November 4, 2009 in family fun, parenting

Photo from ralphbijker

I watch very little television, although I have been known to say that the only good thing about winter is American Idol. And in the fall, college football. Aside from that, my TV watching is generally limited to a mindless TiVo’d sitcom before conking out on the couch. 

As a parent, I limit my daughter’s TV watching to one Sesame Street episode in the evening. I’m all for turning off the TV and playing in dirt. It’s funny, though, that some of my fondest family memories include the television. I remember singing the theme song to Fame with my mom, laughing at Bill Cosby’s antics with my dad, and watching Saturday morning cartoons with my sisters while fishing for the prize inside the Cheerios box. 

Is TV all that bad? Or in some instances, when used in moderation, can it actually bring families together? 

If you call my house on a Saturday afternoon in the fall, you’ll get voice mail. I’m probably glued to the TV, watching Notre Dame football on NBC. With my family. For me, ND football is more than a sporting event. It’s something that rallies my family around spirit, tradition, and fun. We throw on our Irish gear, yell the cheers, and shake our car keys for a defensive “key” play. And it’s simply adorable when my 2 year old throws her arms up for a “Touchdown!” 

Some families get pumped up for March Madness. For others, it’s the World Series, the Daytona 500, or the Olympics. Sports can be enjoyed by all ages, and they nurture a spirit of healthy competition and teamwork. When families get revved up together, it builds camaraderie and a shared identity. This is what stays with kids. 

Maybe you’re not a sports fan. That’s okay; watch the Discovery Channel and learn about an endangered animal. Or pop in an old family favorite on DVD (I have all 8 seasons of the Cosby Show). If your children are older, tune into a family-friendly reality show with them. Whatever you choose, pick a set date and time and make it ritualistic. You’ll be glad you did.

Posted on October 27, 2009 in family fun, mind and body

Photo by MarksandSparks

My daughter is a light sleeper. Around 6:45 a.m. every morning, I’m inevitably lying in bed wishing I could catch a few more winks (if only I didn’t have to pee). Instead, I tend to hold onto the last few moments of silent stillness and curse the sun for rising. My bladder can wait. I think.     

Some days it’s easier to wake up than others (with a smile on my face). Take last Monday, for example. I was sluggish. It was dark and rainy outside. I felt unmotivated to go out, but we had somewhere to be. I was in the mood for popcorn and a movie and lounging in my pajamas. It was one of those days.

Parenting isn’t a part time job. From my experience I can’t just check out when I’m not in the mood for discovering a new day- the /ch/ sound, the number 9, the phrase “oh yeah.” The old saying goes: Fake it till you make it. That’s what I did.

I shuffled into the kitchen with my well-rested toddler, bright-eyed and eager to play. I switched on the iPod, turned up the volume to Disco Inferno, and at 7:30 a.m. we had an all-out dance party. Tambourines, rhythm sticks, and shakers. We started off the day laughing, and the music was just enough to give me the boost I needed to feel awake and alive.  

I’ve started to think that this might be a fun ritual for kids before heading off to school. It’s a naturally energizing shared experience and everyone feels good. Sit down with your kids to make a playlist. Then, on a dark and dreary Monday morning, crank up the music. And don’t be afraid to show off those old dance moves. Your kids will laugh and love you for it!  

What are mornings like in your house?  Would music make a difference?  What songs would be a must-have on your family’s playlist? 

**This post is a part of the Moms’ 30 Minute Blog Challenge at Steady Mom**

Posted on October 20, 2009 in family fun

It’s not unusual for me to be spent by 4:30 in the afternoon. So, this weekend I found a fun toddler craft from Here We Are Together (via The Crafty Crow) It’s simple, cheap, and kept my daughter busy for a whole 45 minutes (which is unheard of). 

1. Gather supplies: Elmer’s glue, construction/colored paper, a few different spices from your pantry, paintbrush (optional). I used red pepper flakes, rosemary, celery seed, and poppy seeds. This is a great way to clear your kitchen of outdated spices that should have been tossed years ago. 

2. Apply Glue: Dribble glue on the construction paper or encourage your child to make paint strokes on the paper with glue.  

3. Sprinkle Spices! It’s that simple. My daughter made three of these pictures and kept asking for more. This activity appeals to a child’s sense of touch, sight, and even taste if he/she is adventurous!  Plus, the mess is mom-friendly and can be easily cleaned up with a vacuum! 

Ta Da! Time flies when you’re having fun!

**This post is a part of the Moms’ 30 Minute Blog Challenge at Steady Mom**

Posted on August 28, 2009 in family fun, mind and body

Photo by tskdesign

Picture, for a moment, the perfect summer day: sunny, 80 degrees, low humidity, a cool breeze. Where I live, these days are unexpected gifts (My ruthless, curly hair can attest to that.) While the modern convenience of air conditioning serves its purpose, nothing beats opening up the windows and inviting in the fresh air.

In the Northeast, September may very well be one of the best months to enjoy the fresh air without breaking a sweat from a walk to the mailbox which, for me, is about ten feet. Below are some ideas for making the most of the outdoors with your children without changing your daily schedule, routines, or activities.

1. Dine al Fresco: Much of our food originates from the soil or from animals that graze in “open” spaces.  For me, it feels good to eat in the natural environment and connect to the earth, the source of good food.  So, change things up a bit and serve breakfast outside.  Call me a romantic, but fresh air stirs my blood and awakens my senses.  What a great way to start the day!  

2. Drive with the Windows Down: Whenever I roll down the car windows, my daughter instinctively waves her arms and legs and lets out this giggly, contagious laugh. “Weeee!” I exclaim from the front seat, for a little extra rollercoaster effect. As the wind whips in one window and out another, it ushers in an energy that invigorates the soul. In fact, I can’t not sing when I feel so alive.  And sometimes that’s just what you need when you’re running the same old errands, day after day.  

3. Snack with a Story: Many small children eat a mid-morning snack.  This is a great opportunity for storytime. Grab your favorite books, a snack, and a blanket and recline in the shade or the sun (for a little vitamin D).  Not only are you enjoying the fresh air, but you are teaching your child that reading is fun, relaxing, and worthy of a special time and space.  

4. Hang Your Laundry Under the Sun: Many moms do at least one load of laundry a day.  I will admit, I am not one of those moms.  I do, however, have a clothesline.  Bring your wet clothes outside and hang them on a clothesline, letting little ones help out with an otherwise tedious chore.  Breathe in clean, fresh air and smell the grass as your clothes soak up these good smells.  

5. Shop at an Outdoors Farmers’ Market: Support your local economy by buying fresh food from family farmers.  This sure beats another trip to an overcrowded supermarket, where fruits have traveled from Brazil. I love the idea of nourishing my body with food from my own “backyard.”  Indulge your senses in the fresh smells of ripe produce, grass-fed meats, local wines, cheeses, and more!  Visit LocalHarvest to find a farmers’ market near you.  

6. Play Outside: You have all winter to play indoors.  So step outside and let your creative juices flow! Grab some sidewalk chalk and reconnect with your inner artist.  Or if you have a swingset, swing high alongside your child and let your imagination soar: Remember swinging over alligator infested lagoons? As you feel the wind blow past, pretend that you’re flying free.  Let go of your obligations and breathe in sheer fun.   

7. Get Moving!: My daughter typically wakes up from her nap around 3:00, at which time I’m suffering from sleepiness (if I haven’t napped too).  This is my cue to get up and get out.  It’s hard to fit in exercise with kids. Grab the stroller, double stroller, or bikes (if the kids are older), and head outside for a nice brisk walk or jog.  Pay attention to your breath.  Notice colors and textures.  Feel yourself awaken and your soul open up to possibility.  

8. Turn Off the TV: Trade a televised sporting event for the real deal!  Again, go local!  On a Saturday afternoon, pile the kids in the minivan and support your local high school athletics program.  It’s cheap, fun, and gets everyone outdoors for some fresh air.  This is a great opportunity to expose small children to healthy competition, spirit, and team work.  Plus, there’s usually plenty of space for them to run around!

11. Choose the Farthest Spot: When most people enter a parking lot, they naturally look for a spot closest to their destination.  What if we parked farther away?  Would it hurt to walk the extra 50 yards? Parking lots are often spaces of tension.  Avoid the madness and enjoy the walk.  Breathe in peace, breathe out frustration.  

10. Fire Up the Grill: I love the smell of charcoal on a warm summer night.  I associate it with family barbecues, lightning bugs, citronella candles, and watermelon.  Why heat up the kitchen when the outside temperature is mild and only calls for a sweatshirt?  My feeling is this: Take advantage of the grill for as long as you can, and hold onto those memories of summer.  

Posted on August 3, 2009 in family fun

Looking for some ways to inspire a lifelong commitment to service and kindness?  Join over one million children this Saturday, August 8th, for The Great Kindness Challenge!  This event was created by Kids for Peace, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to “uplifting our world through love and action.”  On August 8th, children worldwide will participate in as many acts of kindness as possible in an effort to be peace-makers, committed to serving each other and our planet.  

Let’s all stop for a moment and spread the love!  Here are ten of my favorite activities from The Great Kindness Challenge Checklist (You can download it directly from the website):

1. Take a treat to your local firefighters
2. Help clean up a park
3. Leave a flower on someone’s doorstep
4. Make a wish for a child in another country
5. Bring a teddy bear to a child in the hospital
6. Cut out 10 hearts and leave them on 10 cars
7. Write a thank you note to your mail carrier
8. Wash a neighbor’s car
9. Host a lemonade stand and donate proceeds
10. Compliment 5 people

Let’s add to the list.  Please share your family’s favorite acts of kindness!  Even the smallest kind deeds have the power to make a BIG difference.  Thank you for helping to make our world a more peaceful and compassionate place!  

Posted on July 23, 2009 in family fun, small moments

by D’Arcy Norman

I’m worn out today, threadbare.  And so my hope was to share a recent blog post that moved me (Thanks, Simple Kids, for sending me there!).  A few night’s ago, I sat in front of the computer, my mouth gaping at one family’s decision to be a part of the hope revolution.  After soaking up the words and marveling at the photos, I called for my husband: “This is amazing.  You have to read this.” 

My original intention was simply to send you to someone who did it and said it better than me today, but I digress.  You see, I had a number of errands to run this morning, and I was dreading them. I found myself falling into that downward spiral of negative thinking.  I needed to get out of my head and put the kibosh on my pity party.  Inspired by the hope revolution, I decided to pay it forward.  

At the post office, I left a note on the back of a stop-the-mail authorization form that read, “You are important to many people.” 

At the library, I left a note inside the children’s book, The Rain Came Down.  It said, ”Have a sunny day!”

And at the grocery store, I left a note between two cans of black beans: “Share your talents with the world.” 

While I didn’t stick around to see anyone’s reaction, it feels good knowing that I might have impacted someone’s day today. Maybe I made someone smile. Maybe a mom (who hasn’t showered either) is going to buy those black beans.  I’ll never know, and frankly, it doesn’t matter.  The intention to do good is what matters.  When it comes down to it, kindness counts.  Let’s spread hope together . . .

Posted on June 15, 2009 in family fun, food and nutrition, go green, small moments

Last Saturday, we hopped in the big bad Subaru and headed out to the “country” for some strawberry pickin’. It started out like this: Daddy lead the way to an untouched patch of ripe, juicy strawberries. Two little feet followed close behind.

Then, we parked ourselves in a section of one aisle (notice the overalls are blue and white). We squatted down and inspected the berries, plucking the bright juicy fruits from their vines and plopping them into our basket. Well, sort of.

Note to self: Ripe strawberries are unwrapped candies to a toddler. Delayed gratification has no place in a field of fresh fruit.

The brim of her hat says, “Life is Good.” I mean, really, does it get any better than this?

Click HERE for a pick-your-own farm near you! Some even follow organic farming methods.

Posted on June 11, 2009 in family fun, small moments

Every now and then my husband will say, “That smell reminds me of Grandma’s house up in the country.” It’s amazing that sometimes even mothballs elicit a nostalgia. But studies show that smell is strongly linked to memory, and thus to our emotional responses to life experiences.

Have you ever thought about the smell of FUN? Revisit your childhood for a moment. What smells, fragrant or foul, instantly take you back? Ah, those were the days:

• a charcoal grill with a splash of lighter fluid
• fresh-cut grass
• the ashes from fireworks
• a mixture of seaweed and saltwater
• Big League Chew bubble gum
• plastic inflatable inner tubes
• a middle school locker room
• cheap, movie theater popcorn
• a new can of tennis balls
• a homemade ice cream shop

Wouldn’t it be great if we could just bottle up some of these and take a whiff when we get bogged down in the trenches of parenthood? Or better yet, why not head off to the park, the movie theater, or the beach? And oh, don’t forget to stop for ice cream on the way!