Nothing beats making the best memories together as a family. Looking back through endless photo albums and reminiscing about those funny, emotional, and bonding moments is something you really can’t put any price on.
It’s crucial to make those family memories while we still can before kids grow up and family members go their separate ways. Creating those memories can be through exciting, fun days out and trips, as well those daily moments that you have as a family.
If you’re finding time is against you and the days are flying, here are some simple ways to make the most of family time, while you still can, and create those unforgettable memories along the way.
1. Plan a fun family day out
Getting out of the house as a family is important. There are so many family-friendly places and attractions for everyone to enjoy, no matter what age. Theme parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and landmark attractions are all places that are filled with tonnes of excitement, enjoyment, and fun for the entire family to enjoy individually and as a unit. If you’re looking to create some healthy competition and get everyone’s heart pumping with some light exercise, an outdoor adventure park like myadventurepark.com has all of this on offer, plus so much more. There are winding zip lines, rope courses, and treetop bridges to soar through all in the great outdoors. This is the perfect place to create some remarkable memories that won’t be forgotten for a lifetime.
2. Share mealtimes together
Family mealtimes are one of the best times to make the most of your time together. Sitting down around the same table to discuss the events of your day and building up that flow of communication is integral to healthy family life. It is the perfect setting to build a solid foundation for unity and trust. Sharing meals together allows for the best opportunity to talk about each other’s lives and for everyone to listen to each other. Parents can listen to their kids and give them relevant advice and encouragement. If done regularly, it can quickly turn into the most exciting and looked forward to part of everyone’s day.
3. Complete chores together
One of the main parts of any well-functioning family unit is effective teamwork. This requires and depends on the contribution of every single family member working together to help one another. Assigning and completing chores is one of the best ways to teach your kids responsibility and accountability. It will help them develop and harness good organization and communication skills. It is also a great way to spend quality family time together without having to specially plan it in.
4. Start a hobby or project
There are so many activities out there that can excite and interest your kids for you all to do together as a family. Activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, fishing, or biking are great hobbies that you can enjoy together both indoors and outdoors. Starting a new hobby together is a great way to spend quality family time together and to build up your various individual skills and abilities too.
5. Play games
Most of today’s games are virtual and online with video games being the most popular choice amongst kids. If your kids are big gamers, take part in these games with them to make the most of the time they spend in the house worthwhile. Try your best, however, to encourage playing board games together, that allow you to have conversations and discussions more easily and naturally.
6. Help with schoolwork
Another great way to spend some quality time with your kids is by helping them out with their schoolwork. When your child sees you being eager about helping them with their homework, it can encourage them to become more interested in school and thus improve their grades. Going to regular trips to the library to complete school projects is inexpensive and enjoyable. It’s important that children take responsibility for completing homework themselves, and understating that parents are there to just support and help them when stuck.
7. Pray together
This is a great family bonding experience if you are from a religious background. There is nothing more special and creates memories to cherish than by spending a few minutes a day praying for your kids. By explaining the importance and significance of prayer, children will understand and appreciate the importance of faith as the foundation for their family and future. Attending religious services together as a family also instills reverence and respect for God into your children. So, no matter your religious background or beliefs, if religion is an important part of your household, exploring as a family is a great way to bond and come closer together.
8. Read often
There is various research out there that indicates reading to your children cultivates an interest in knowledge and stimulates language developments. It also has several other benefits for kids such as increasing their attention spans and allowing them to become more curious. Look up books your children would be interested in and enjoy reading. After reading, ask questions about the content and spark up some quality conversation together as a family.
9. Create a special “family time” calendar
Most parents tend to have very busy and hectic schedules, so setting aside time to spend with the kids can sometimes become a low priority. Posting a special “family time” calendar on the refrigerator door can encourage both parents and kids to pencil in special events and other family-time activities. This allows the whole family to give their input on when they are free to spend time together and share different ideas on what they would like to do together.
