Child and Family Activities
Families are busy. With working parents, after school activities, doctor appointments and every day running around, it is easy to fill up the week. But spending time with family is important. Families should dedicate at least one block of time for activities each week whether it's for cooking, arts and crafts, or family outings.
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Cooking
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Decorating desserts may prove to be more enjoyable than eating them. No matter how busy life gets, families need to eat. Whether it is breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert, cooking is a good way for parents and children to spend time together. Families can plan meals in advance for each "family cooking" event and each family member should be given a task. Smaller children can have easier jobs like stirring or gathering ingredients while older family members can handle the stove.
Nature
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Children will be proud when they can spot familiar birds. Get outside and enjoy nature. Hiking, camping, bird watching and fishing teaches children to appreciate the earth and protect their environment. Parents can take this opportunity to discuss wilderness survival, endangered animals, animal protection and other plant and soil sciences.
Families who live near the ocean should whale watch, sail, make sand castles and collect shells. During inclement weather, families can still enjoy nature. Aquariums and science museums provide an educational experience while keeping people warm and dry.
Take pictures of all nature outings to capture the memories and use for future arts and crafts projects.
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Arts and Crafts
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Children will marvel at how fast their hands grow over time. Family-themed arts and crafts projects bring the whole family together and create lasting memories. Milestone projects like keepsake hand/feet molds and growth charts track children's development.
Scrapbooking family vacations, sports tournaments and other important events will take family members down memory lane and inspire creativity. There is a variety of scrapbooking kits available in department and craft stores or families can create their own designs.
Themed Family Night
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Themed family nights can be played outside too. What is a better way to end a hectic week than family night? A themed family night. Take turns choosing a theme and plan activities accordingly.
Historical Fiction Night --- each family member can dress up as his or her favorite historical character. Activities can involve movies, poems, stories, music, inventions and food from the characters' time period.
Around the World --- See what it's like to live in other parts of the world. One theme may be Italy. Each family member is responsible for learning something about Italy such as foods, games, a popular Italian phrase and traditions. When Italy night arrives, parents and children will enjoy sharing and practicing Italian culture. This theme can be created multiple times with different countries.
Family Circus --- Why not bring the circus home? Family members can dress up as clowns, gymnasts, ringmasters, and lion tamers and practice juggling, acrobats and magic tricks. Teach the family pet how to jump through hoops or balance a ball on its nose. Don't forget to make the popcorn.
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References
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