For Families Eyes Only

Not just any old walk. The sun is shining and hopefully we've seen the last of winter. Now's the perfect time to plan some fun family activities. Here's one...

Go on a nature walk.

This is especially appealing to younger kids, so you can get away with simply walking around your neighborhood, or the community park. Carry a pad and pencil, bring some water, and some snacks. Ask your kids to name animals and birds as they see or hear them. Write them down (and which child found them), then have everyone describe what they see... the colors, shape, and type of creature. Do the same thing with insects, and trees, and flowers. Trust me, you will be absolutely amazed at what your children will see and hear, what will catch their attention. Read the rest of this entry »

What Are Your Favorite Family Hobbies?

Think about it... which hobby can involve every family member, regardless of age (almost) or ability? The first family hobbies favorite that pops into my mind is photography.

Anyone can participate, from toddlers on up. Believe it or not, some of the best images are shot by the first timer. Their instinct is to photograph what catches their eye... they react instantly instead of planning for it.

And, it very nearly doesn't matter what kind of camera, either... as these images clearly show.

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If you've lost count of those rainy weekends and holidays that spoiled your children's fun, try these rainy day games for kids.

Just a little preparation now will bring a 'thumbs up' from your kids when they're stuck indoors later on. It won't cost much... in fact, you probably already have everything you need for indoor games and rainy day fun. Nor will it cost you very much of your valuable time.

Give yourself a break, and your kids a lift... be prepared for the next rainy day with these fun activities and family games for kids:

Record familiar sounds... Give them an inexpensive tape recorder to record the sounds made by rain, thunder, a doorbell, a ringing telephone, bathroom shower, buzzing of a fly, creaky stairs, someone snoring. With their fertile imaginations, they'll come up with an amazing tape.

Find someone who can put the recording on a CD or DVD, along with a little intro by your kids. You'll not only preserve a wonderful memory, but create a timeless gift for their grandparents.

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Although this article appears a bit collegiate, it has some really solid, useful ideas for managing family time... check it out.

Busy Families and Time Management

By: anonymous

William R. Mattox, director of policy analysis for the Family Research Council in Washington, DC observed: “Families lack the time to be effective parents, supportive spouses, or good neighbors. People must spend many more hours working than they did a generation ago and children are growing up isolation. Cross-cultural studies show that parents in the United States spend less time with their children than parents in any other nation in the world. Setting aside time for busy parents is a huge challenge."

Here are a few time management strategies:

First, create a family time zone. According to Stephen R. Covey, author of “The Eighth Habit, “Time zones are large interchangeable blocks of time set aside for specific important activities as you organize your weeks.

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  Keep these family games for kids handy for those inevitable sighs of boredom from your kids. Rainy day games and games for road trips should be in every parent’s arsenal!

Have Fun Together as a Family

By: Chris Lowrey

Looking for something to do that the whole family will enjoy and keep them occupied? Look no further. Below are ideas that will be fun for everyone in your family. Including great activities for kids to do when you hear those dreaded words of “there is nothing to do” or “we are bored.” From family road trips to rainy days when going outside is impossible. These family activities will keep everyone entertained! 

Road Trip Fun 

Tired of “Are we there yet?”, or “I’m bored!” Here are a couple of VERY easy family games great for in the car.  Read the rest of this entry »