Some simple family pleasures
Posted on: September 1, 2011
Having fun with your family, especially the simple kind of fun – the one that doesn't drain you emotionally and financially, is a wonderful way to relax and enjoy life. And in times of economic uncertainty, it is especially important to enjoy family time that does not involve spending lots of money. Following are some ideas for high-quality, low-cost, stress-free family fun.
- Play together in the snow or in the rain, then go inside for a cup of hot chocolate made with real chocolate and marshmallows.
- Make a large bowl of popcorn and snuggle in front of the DVD player to watch a family movie.
- Go out for a leisurely Sunday brunch. Many restaurants offer great Sunday buffets, and prices these days are more reasonable than ever. Kids often eat free of charge. Although buffets can be challenging if you're trying to lose weight, or maintain your goal weight, once in a while is probably OK. Since kids usually have very limited choices as far as food goes – they eat what we give them – they really appreciate the selection and choice a buffet offers.
- Dance together. Play some loud music and go crazy with the moves. Don't tell anyone, but I love to dance to ABBA music.
- Bake homemade bread. You can use a bread machine if you have one, or you can knead the dough by hand. This takes time and is great for a winter day when you're inside anyway. There's nothing like the smell of bread as it's baking, and there's nothing like eating it fresh with homemade butter on top.
- Play a board game. I don't know about you, but my husband and I play to win. We don't believe in letting the kids win. After all, their friends won't let them win.
- Go for a hike. We love to go to a local park that has beautiful redwood trees in addition to a small playground and a shaded picnic area.
- Look at a picture album together and tell your kids the stories behind the pictures.
- On a summer night, it's fun to go camping in your own backyard and sleep in sleeping bags, under the stars.
10. Watch TV together in the car. TV is not just a convenient babysitter, it can be an opportunity to share an experience with your kids. Sometimes I join my kids when they watch one of their favorite TV shows when we are riding back of the car. When we're done watching, we talk about what we saw.
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