Today, I have a special guest post from Crystal Green at Sharing Life’s Moments. She has some great tips and insights about making special family moments this summer, but these ideas are perfect for anytime of the year, not just summer. Hope you enjoy Crystal’s post today….
For many of us, we have our kids home from school for the summer months. While that’s a beautiful thing, it’s hard for busy moms to be able to make the most of the summer moments with their family. But, it is not as difficult as it may seem. Here are some tips and tricks on creating special family memories that I hope will help the fellow busy moms in our world.
Create a Routine
One of the first things I’ve done is create a system of order in our home. In our home, everyone has their list of things they have to do. Each member of the family has their list of chores they need to accomplish during the morning and evening hours. Of course, clothes are handled all throughout the day.
I have my to-do lists that I create daily. I place a star on the top five things that have to be done for me to gain my sense of accomplishment. I strive to ensure that I Eat That Frog first.
Take More Pictures
I had a special friend who took pictures almost constantly. While it drove me batty while she was doing it, I later appreciated the fact that she made so many of them. We never know when the last chance is that we’re going to be with someone.
Plus, having pictures on hand can lead to more fun activities to do together. You can create scrapbooks, picture quilts, picture puzzles and so much more together as a family.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Turn ordinary days into special family memories with these 5 tips. #family, #familymemories” quote=”Turn ordinary days into special family memories with these 5 tips. “]
Form Times to Talk
Everyone needs to know they have a shoulder to lean on. They also want to be heard. Taking time out to sincerely talk to someone can create lasting memories and help form stronger bonds.
My kids and I do a LOT of talking in the car while we’re running errands. I have a rule that no form of technology or radio is allowed on until we have some communication. Mind you we may not always have anything worth saying, but that usually leads to some joke.
I usually wait ten minutes after the silence to give them the chance to talk to me. If they don’t say anything at all, THEN and ONLY then will I give the green light for radios, cell phones, etc. Also, the rule is “what is said or done in the car, stays in the car.” Let me tell you; you will hear some of the most interesting conversations of your life and see your kids do some mighty silly car seat dancing.
I also sit on my front porch with nothing in my hands but something to drink and just watch the sunset. One or more of my kids will join me. Even my husband has joined me a time or two. Ironically, we end up talking about our dreams and desires. Sometimes my oldest will go into interview mode and ask questions about our past.
When the lines of communication are open, many things can grow from that. These special moments will remain with you. You never know what words of wisdom you share with them will stick. You may be amazed how much you will learn from your kids. Your spouse may even share things that will warm your soul more.
Schedule Dates with Each Family Member
We strive to get each family member to have one date with me at least once every three months. It isn’t overly big or expensive, but it’s a day where that person has my undivided attention doing something we love together. While everyone gets their one-on-one time with me, often it’s only in short doses. These dates are special times for us because we get away from the house and there is no other interference from the other family members. That’s important when you have a larger family.
Schedule in a Weekly Trend
In our home, my kids and I watch a movie or a set of TV shows together at least once a week. In your home, you may play board games or video games together as a family (which we’ve done that in the past too.) The point is creating something that everyone can look forward to doing with each other every week. Once you do it enough, you’ll miss it when you can’t.
Eating dinner together as a family with no technology or toys is another significant time. If you can’t do it every day due to hectic schedules, at least strive to make it happen once a week. Make it an important date that no one can miss. It’s a good way of implementing that family comes first above everything except God.
I hope that these tips and tricks on creating special moments with your family help give you some ideas worth doing. They don’t have to be over life changing. However, they very well may change the entire dynamics of your family relationships for the better.
What are some ways you create special moments with your family?
We do many of the same things you listed here – 1:1 times with each child, and a weekly rhythm to family activities. Last week we wrote a list of things that should be done daily before getting on any kind of devices. It’s worked wonders for productive, quieter mornings! I like your idea of talking in the car!