In today's fast paced society, we can never take enough time to savor our relationships. And as parents, we know this to be even more true with our children. We're warned over and over again that the years pass quickly. But with dishes to be done, homework to be checked, and rules to be enforced, the savoring sometimes gets pushed to the side. So let's take today to savor time with our kids. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
*Reading--Our family loves reading. Between Barnes and Noble, book sales, and our weekly trips to the library, there's no telling how many books have come in and out of this house. Our family place to read is on our couch, right in the heart of our home. Reading opens doors of conversation. It's a time to be still and open our hearts. Besides library books, we're often in the middle of a classic chapter book and reading the Bible as well. It's a rich time of learning and meditating on God's word.
*Art Projects--Coloring, markers, stamps, paint... my kids love it all. But what's even more important to them is having Mommy or Daddy sit down and enjoy with them. My kids' eyes light up when I make creative Play-doh creature with them. Or when Daddy gets into the finger paints. Art is soothing and opens up many doors of conversation. And through some crayons and glitter, we begin to discover how our kids see the world.
*Baking--Kids love being in the kitchen. Let's be honest: don't we all? There's something about the kitchen that invites conversation. It's a place of warm, comfort, good memories, and great food. And with kids... big messes. Measuring, reading a recipe, sharing this moment are all elements that collide while being in the kitchen together.
*Working together--I often receive resistance when I tell my kids that we're going to do a household project together. However, it doesn't take long before they're right in there, laughing even, as we work together. Working outside in the yard has been especially fruitful in building special memories together. Weeding, planting, pruning, and yard work have all been opportunities to learn and grow together.
*Board games--We love board games as a family. There are few things better than playing a few rounds of Candyland or fighting it out for the highest score in Yhatzee. Board games build on strategy, math skills, and being both a gracious winner and loser. It's also a great way to bond as a family, especially through the ups and downs of games like Monopoly.
*Focusing on their interests--This is something I'm not so great at. Sitting down to do Legos is hard when in the back of my mind, I'm picturing the laundry to be folded. But focusing on my child's interest builds in their worth. Mommy's priorities may be different than theirs, but there is value in play. How often have I expressed to my children that their interests have value as well?
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1 comment:
I love to play with my children and do baking and crafts.. We played bank today..
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