Create family memories. One of my favorite memories with my daughter Megan is our annual Christmas cookie-baking day. We choose about five recipes, head to the grocery store, purchase all the ingredients, and then spend the whole day baking together. When we're finished, we hand-deliver packages to our neighbors, friends, and relatives. Her sense of accomplishment is huge. And, more importantly, the time I have with her is precious.
Instead of going out, consider staying home and creating real memories. Rent a movie, have a sleepover in your family room, or camp out in the backyard. Create a family game night or choose a complicated recipe in a baking magazine and tackle it. Family memories don't have to be elaborate or expensive but they do need to be fun! Here are some of my favorite family activities to get you started:
Do something silly - have a race around the kitchen or a water balloon fight
Plant something in your backyard or garden
Make hot chocolate and break out the big marshmallows
Build a fort with blankets
Go on a treasure hunt for something silly (like a toilet paper roll in a restaurant bathroom)
Create your own Minute To Win It contest and let everyone participate
Cook your favorite treat
Make a collage of all of your special vacations and hang it in your kitchen
Take the dog and your whole family on a walk
I used to think I knew my children so well that I'd finish their sentences. I was rushing, I thought I knew their perspective, and I thought I was being "efficient." I know now that even though they're small--and can't speak or decide as fast as adults--it still hurts their feelings and takes away their chance to be heard.
My kids spend a great portion of their day following directions. They're shuffled between tasks, and told to "pick up your clothes," "make your bed," or "be nice to your sister." I know that these constant commands can be very overwhelming. If I don't pay attention, I can easily get caught up in telling them how to finish a task or even completing their thoughts for them just so things will move along more quickly. Sometimes I move too fast. Sometimes I don't listen.
Instead of rushing through daily tasks, take the time to listen to your children, even though it takes a little longer for them to express their needs. At bedtime during busy weeknights, ask your children to share sad and happy moments from their day. You might be surprised by what they share in these few, undistracted minutes together.
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