Add Spontaneity to Family Time

Moms have twenty-four hours a day to fit in eating, cooking, cleaning, working, getting the kids off to school and activities, possibly volunteering, and spending time with God and their loved ones. Are you exhausted yet? I am! Our days become crammed and soon another week has passed, a month and then years! Looking at my precious five year old daughter I realize that every minute matters and sometimes you just need to take a time out, be spontaneous and do something a little off the beaten path with your kids to make some memories. I believe kids do appreciate how much mom takes care of them and the house, they may not tell you but they do. What kids love most though is spending time with you. Nothing can compare to spending some good old fashion time with mom. Your time doesn’t cost money all it requires is for you to be present and focused on them.

Here are a few spontaneous ideas to try out on your kids:

Give Them an Early Dismissal From School

I’m not condoning skipping school. But, what kid doesn’t love getting out of school early every once awhile. Pick an afternoon and surprise your child by picking them up early. Have a day of fun planned. Go to lunch, catch a matinee at the show or a play, take a walk, go to a coffee shop, get your nails done, or go to a museum. Be creative, find out what’s happening in your neck of the woods and choose something you know they’d enjoy. They’ll remember this for a long time!

Picnic Inside for Dinner

I encourage everyone to eat around the dining room table with their family. The benefits of eating dinner together are endless. Switch dinner up a bit and have a cozy picnic on the floor. Lay out a pretty quilt or blanket, make some picnic food, and have fun. This will get everyone in the mood for summer.

Take a Surprise Road Trip

I’m an open road kind of gal. When I lived in California I’d pack a bag, jump in my Saturn and just drive. Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you can’t be adventurous. You may need a little preparation, but you can still hit the road. On a Friday after school or a Saturday morning have the car packed wake up the kids and surprise them with a day trip. Road trips are great for bonding and instills a sense of adventure in your kids and shows them mom is cool! Don’t forget the camera there will be plenty of memories to capture.

Schedule a Fun Friday

My daughter and I have fun Friday. This is the one day of the week that we can do anything we want. She can eat what she wants, we pick something fun to do and there is no set bedtime. We all need a day to unwind including our kids so why not make it family unwind time! If you have more than one child let them each pick something they want to do every week so everyone gets a turn. Anya and I have gone to Color Me Mine, the movies, a play, or just cuddled in our pajamas watching DVDs and eating pizza. Whatever you do is fine as long as you’re enjoying your time together.

Life is full of to do lists. Just remember time does fly so don’t forget to stop and smell the roses, they smell so sweet.

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved