Don’t you just love new beginnings? The New Year lies before us like a blank slate. What hopes and dreams do you have for your family this year? Sometimes the best resolutions are the simple ones. In the everyday business of life, we often lose the little moments that make family meaningful. This year why not resolve to spend more time together? Red Apple Reading has a few suggestions on how you can get your crew together more often this year.
Read Together – We’re a bit biased, but we personally think that reading is a great way to spend time together as a family. Instead of gathering around the television, gather around a book instead. If you think you won’t enjoy a story written for children, think again! Some of the hardest books I’ve ever had to put down were books I’ve read with my children!
Eat Together – For many, the family meal has become non-existent. Between afterschool activities, working late, and other commitments, it’s difficult to get the whole family to the kitchen table at the same time. If your family has a busy schedule, then set aside one or two nights a week for a family meal and protect those days. You may not be able to eat together every night but a couple of family dinners are better than none! And remember, supper isn’t the only meal of the day. Breakfast or lunch may be a more reasonable time for your crew to enjoy a meal together.
Play Together – How long has it been since your family has played together? While one-on-one time is important, time spent having fun as an entire family is valuable too! Plan a day once a month to have family fun time. Hiking, park and museum visits, biking, and sporting activities are all fun ways to spend the day together. Be sure to let the kids in on the planning. After all, part of the fun is in the preparation!
Work Together – It can be like pulling teeth to get kids to work, but some of the best memories are made while working side by side with each other. Supper has to be made each night and dishes washed afterward. Let the kids help you with these chores. They will probably complain at first, but after a bit you might find that some good conversation ensues. Don’t forget, your kiddos will be adults one day and they will need to have practiced folding clothes, raking leaves, cooking, and a host of other life skills. Make some memories this year while working with your little ones.
Relax Together – There’s a time for work and there’s a time for rest. There’s nothing wrong with doing, well… nothing together. Cuddling up on the couch and watching television is a perfectly acceptable activity at the end of a long day. If your child is tired and needs a break, chances are you do too. So snuggle up and enjoy being quiet together. You will never regret spending those quiet moments together.
Learn Together – This year take time out to learn with your little one. It’s important for parents to be involved in their children’s education. Even if your kiddo doesn’t need help with her homework, you can still show interest in what she is learning. Parents can also supplement their children’s education. Red Apple Reading’s online reading program is an excellent way for your child to sharpen his reading skills. Spend some time playing some of our fun reading games with your kiddo. Check out our free trial version today!
