Family Time Fun

Family Fun
Here are a few fun activities guaranteed to make the next year special for you and your family. Make it your first resolution to implement some of these ideas into your family's life.

Mix, match, or modify these activities (and create new ones)! Your family will discover new ways to communicate with one another, learn about each other, and have fun TOGETHER. In addition, your family will be better equipped for the more challenging events that may come your way. Let your kids know that you care by bringing joy into their lives -- this is the best gift you can give your family.

Let's Make a List
Instead of creating individual New Year's resolution lists, create one for the family and post it. Start today by asking each family member to start thinking about what she likes about herself as well as what she'd like to improve. Then, ask each family member to consider how these likes and dislikes affect the rest of the family.

• As a separate activity for each family member, make two lists: what you'd like to see happen personally and what your hopes are for the family. Hint: Start this now so that you have time to make revisions and really think this through.
• As a family, bring your lists to the table on New Year's Day. Give each family member the floor so that she can share her list.
• Then, create a new list for the family. Be creative and turn this into an art activity with simple art supplies and large construction paper or poster board.
• Display your list in a common area that everyone is sure to see on a daily basis (e.g., kitchen, family room). Be sure to discuss ways that you can help each other stick to your family goals.

Day Off Pass Doesn't everyone deserve a day off? Create "recognition gifts" that show how much you appreciate each other.

• Start as a family by discussing each person's contributions to the family. Who does the dishes? Who cooks? Who walks the dog? Who rakes the leaves?
• To show your appreciation, make day off passes for each other. Day off passes are coupons that you give to recognize someone else's hard work. Here are some examples: "I'll take the trash out" pass; "you pick the video" pass; "I'll make breakfast" pass; "you need a foot rub" pass.
• Ask each family member to create 12 day off passes (one per month) for each of the other family members.
• Distribute your passes on New Year's Day. The recipient can cash in the pass when needed during the month.

Make an Ordinary Day an Extraordinary Day
Especially designed for those rainy or cold winter days when you have to stay inside. This activity finishes the sentence: "It's tradition in our family to ________." Fill in the blank and you'll find yourself looking forward to bad weather!

Instead of feeling "stuck" with each other, invent fun activities that bring the family together. Here are some examples.

• For the less energetic days -- make a big pot of soup; bake bread.
• For the "no more TV!" days -- pull out the video camera and sing.
• Create costumes and put on a play based upon a story you all know.
• For the "cabin fever" days -- get your galoshes on and hit the puddles together. Make a snowman and bring plenty of hot chocolate.
• For any day -- read a book together. Make up stories by going around the room and having each family member add sentence upon sentence.