Life is hectic; there is no getting around it in today’s on-the-go society. While keeping up with sports, ballet, school, and
work schedules, a lot of the “fun of life” can be lost. So how do you put smiles on your
children's faces—and keep them there?
“When I'm amused, they're amused,” says Lani Schwalbe of Anchorage, Alaska. Schwalbe, the mother of two daughters, has tapped
into an important secret: parental attitude truly does set the tone for the entire family. "If you’re having fun, you’re more
likely to find your kids having fun, too."
Besides the traditional and often commercial ways to have fun, parents can find less expensive and more spontaneous ways to have
fun with their kids by tapping into a few spur of the moment activities, such as:
- Unusual Eat Ins
Think beyond the normal family dinner and try eating in unusual places: dine under the table, make a tent with blankets,
picnic in the living room, or eat in bed while watching a funny movie or having a family chat.
- Get Lost
Spending time together doesn’t necessarily mean doing something
organized. Take an afternoon walk and “get lost” exploring new parts of your neighborhood, or drive to a part of town you
normally don’t see. Look at the different types of houses and businesses you find there, map out your adventure, and/or make
up a story about the different people and places that live there.
- Share Your Talents
Everyone has a special talent it’s just a matter of finding it. Share your talent with your children. If you like art;
paint, draw, or sculpt with them. If you’re a talented musician; teach your children to play in a fun and wacky way. Remember
the goal is to have fun together, not to create the perfect project.
- Have Your Children Teach You Something
Let your children teach you how to play the latest video game or the words to their favorite songs. It’s a great way to bond
with your children and let them know that you care about what they like. Don’t be afraid to look silly while you try the things
they are “in” to.
- Put On A Concert
Pretend you’re a rock star and sing into a hairbrush while dancing around the house. Gather you children, put on clothes
that reflect the character of the artist who sings that particular song or dress in funny clothes and put on your own concert.
- Knock Knock, Who’s There
Tell silly, nonsensical jokes; especially when the punch line doesn’t make sense. Make-up your own jokes, or get a joke
book that your children can read to you.
- Play The Name Game
Word games are a great way to pass the time, especially in the car. Play the Name Game (Bobby, Bobby,
Fo-Fobby, Banana, Fanna, Bo-Bobby) or make up your own word game. Invent funny words or even your own language. Create catch
phrases that you can use every day to bring on a fit of the giggles.
- Change Your Speech Pattern
Pick a funny voice or different accent to speak to your children in and have them do the same. Take on the character of
that funny voice or accent and use it while studying vocabulary words and other facts the children need to know for school.
- Cook With Your Kids
Cooking is a terrific way to spend time with the kids, especially when you try making gross recipes together. Check
out http://www.discoverykids.ca/gross/recipes/recipes.asp
for taste bud tempting concoctions such as bird poop, bug blood, or swamp chomp.
- Tickles And Hugs
Even when your children are older, they’re never too old for tickles and hugs and it’s a great way to gain a few spontaneous
laughs. Provided your child enjoys being tickled.
The most important thing to remember when looking for the “perfect family activity” is that there aren’t any. You’ll enjoy your
time with your children and vise versa if you relax and just have fun. Take time out to let your children know they are
important and loved every day of their lives.
About The Author:
Catherine Wade Diede is a freelance writer, wife, and mother of three young boys. Originally from Wyoming, she and her
family now make their home in South Dakota.
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