Today’s high-tech society has many of us staring at digital screens most of the day, instead of talking to each other. We are so consumed with texting, FaceBooking, and Tweeting, that speaking out loud is almost unnecessary. Most of us carry full loads at an online college or work and home, making alone time the equivalent of finding gold. Still, most of us choose sitting in front of the TV, or playing online, over spending time with family when we finally get a chance.
This New Year’s Eve, make it the year you vow to spend less time staring at screens, and more time playing with the kids. Turn off the TV, cell phone, and laptop. Turn up family, fun, and laughter! If you’re short on ideas, try one of the following:
1. Games
Have board games gone the way of the dinosaur? Dust off your copy of Monopoly or CandyLand and gather around the family table. Pull out your old Twister mat and get ready for some laughs- and exercise! Family game nights should be a weekly event, bringing everyone together to reconnect and have fun.
2. Exercise
Rather than retiring to the couch after dinner, leash the dog and head out the door for a family walk. Burn off those dinner calories and get some exercise, and fresh air, all at the same time. Use this opportunity to teach your kids the importance of keeping fit. Too many children today spend more time in front of video games than they do on bikes. This has led to an alarming number of child obesity cases. Stop the cycle before it starts by demonstrating healthy habits.
3. Local Attractions
Sure you’ve been to the local museum, and you’ve hit up the amusement park down the street, but have you really experienced the city you live in? Spend a day in your city’s Old Town district, hike the mountain behind your house, or buy tickets for the local Elk’s Lodge play. Take the roads less travelled around town and I’m willing to bet you will find something unique and interesting, opening up the opportunity to teach kids about history and tradition.
4. Class Time
Sign up for a dance class, cooking class, or cake decorating class together as a family. Interested in Martial Arts? Many schools offer family classes that are suitable for all ages and athletic abilities. Can’t get everyone to agree on which class to take? Have everyone pick something they like, and then rotate monthly, to make it fair.
Spending time as a family is one of life’s precious gifts that is not guaranteed to last forever. Take advantage of free time by spending it together, making memories that last a lifetime.
