So, you know you want to spend more time together as a family, but how do you do it? I’m pretty sure the default setting in many homes is to “watch a movie together.” Even though I think this can be fun, I want family time to be quality time. Today I’m sharing 5 ideas on how to make family time at home fun!
I think that “just watching a movie” happens because it is the easiest, takes the least thought, and can be incredibly relaxing. But I want to challenge that idea. Things that are easy to begin with are rarely worth the time. Things that are easy rarely produce the desire effect. Going with the “easy” family time may not be everything you were hoping it would be.
The deepest desire of family time is to connect with each other, to know each other more, to show each other that we really care.
Let’s dive into 5 ideas of how to make family time at home fun!
1. Make normal things “events.”
You know those things that are just part of normal life? Make them a big deal. Plan all week for them, add something special, talk about them, and build up excitement. For example, plan for one night next month to be “kid cooks night.” They get to plan what the meal will be, make (or help make, depending on age) the list, and of course cook the actual meal when the time comes. Their age of course will dictate whether they are “helpers” for the meal or if they get to be “head chef.” The options are endless!
2. Make Game night a regular and planned on occurrence.
Now, I know that game night is not always super relaxing, but honestly, the more you do it, the more enjoyable it becomes!
3. Have a read-aloud family time every day.
It doesn’t have to be long. Start small and it will grow from there. Picture books are a great place to start. As time goes on, move on to chapter books or any type of book that catches everyones interest.
4. Plan a movie night.
Wait, did I just say movie night?! Yep, I’m not totally against them. But I think they should be something that is planned for and looked forward to.
Some of my favorite family movie night ideas stem from choosing movies that are based on books. Reading aloud a book aloud as a family (a book like Mary Poppins for instance) for a couple weeks, a chapter at night is fun. It’s even more engaging when you know that you will be watching the movie once the book is over. There is sooooo much conversation that can happen when you do the book/movie combo. Because we all know that the book is never exactly like the movie!
5. Make work or household jobs into something memorable and fun.
For example, if you plan to put up Christmas lights, tell your family when you will be doing it. Include them on the planning of what type/color of lights you’ll use where you will put them etc. Have everyone point out lights you like when you are out driving. Add in something fun like hot cocoa when you are done with the job and you’ve suddenly made a chore into a memorable family evening.
And because I think this is a really fun idea, I’ll add a bonus idea – Make lesser celebrated holiday’s a bigger deal. For a little inspiration, here are some ideas I’ve come up for for St. Patrick’s Day!
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