Fun Times!

Enjoy fun times with your children. This everyday idea helps you connect and build your relationship.

Take the time to join your child in their world doing what they love.

Let them infect you with their contagious, cheerful, energetic spirit.

Let them lead the way. Remember parenting isn’t just managing your household. It is also about enjoying each other’s company. Give your children your attention.

Give them your time.

When you see the smiles and hear the giggles you can bet you are on the right track. You don’t have to go anywhere or spend a lot of money. You could be sorting odd socks, working a puzzle, sitting in the yard, or playing video games. (Of course you could also be having a pillow fight, a squirt gun war, or playing hide and seek.)

Get outside and enjoy a high tech treasure hunt with your GPS.

Or plan a staycation. Grow a garden – indoors or out.

Plant a tree. It’s fun to see how the tree grows. Before you know it the tree you planted 5 years ago is a major part of your yard.

You can spend time in your yard exploring with a magnifying glass.

Don’t forget you are also taking care of your body when you go outside. Sunshine is a great source of vitamin D.

Cooking or baking is another great way to enjoy your child’s company.

Remember that times are different. These days the average child sees 8,000 TV murders by the time they are 18 years old. We have to balance the media overload in their lives with life’s simple pleasures.

When we give them our unconditional love and acceptance we are boosting their self esteem. It’s not always possible to stop what you are doing and play with your child.

So take advantage of times when it is.

I like to take a break and play short games between chores. After I unload the dishwasher and sweep the kitchen floor I might go out to the swingset or play hotwheels before I clean a bathroom or run some laundry.

Then, hopefully, at least a couple of times a week I can set aside longer periods of time to play a more organized game .

If you have more than one child don’t forget to squeeze in that one on one time. Its hard to do, but it allows everyone to be heard and feel important.

Those car rides to and from activities are a great opportunity for conversation.

So get on eye level and be in the moment.

Have some fun times together.

Your relationship will be stronger.

Your child will be stronger.

Your memories will last a lifetime.