by Linda on February 19, 2010
Sometimes it’s the little things that make a memory special. Although my son is now a teenager, he likes to remind me of the times when he was very young, and I would buy him a chocolate milk whenever we shopped at Trader Joes. I only remember purchasing the chocolate milk once or twice, but it made a big impact on him.
If your family has grown accustomed to the same old routine for family night, you can make it more fun and memorable by adding one thing. For some children, dressing up is extra special. Instead of just playing a Fancy Nancy game, this time add a sparkly tiara and boa. How about a authentic looking train hat for you and your little engineers? We make it easy to add that little something extra that will make your next family night one to remember. Check out those and other fun costumes at http:// www.makefamilynightfun.com/pretendplay.html
by Linda on August 27, 2009
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I could write for days on the subject of the many ways that hosting a regular Family Night helps you and your family. Instead, I’ll just get to the heart of the matter. This world can be a hard place, but home can be a place of peace and acceptance. Interacting with your family should be restorative and empowering for all the members. For many, home may be the only place you feel loved and accepted. For this to work, the family has to interact on a regular basis. Family dinner is important and should also be a common practice.
What is the magic behind Family Night? Bonding comes from shared experiences of interaction. What better way to bond than over a shared experience of fun and laughter? Whether you are playing a game together, working a puzzle, doing something creative, or anything else that is fun for your family, you are drawing each other together. My husband, my kids and I are more than family, we are friends. Family Night does not get all the credit, but it can absolutely play a big role. May your home be a place of peace and joy, and long live Family Night!
by Linda on August 20, 2009
Hey all you popcorn fans! We’ve got a great gourmet popcorn recipe for your next Family Night. You might even want to make this the night before to build anticipation. Get the kids to help you make it. They are sure to come running when they smell it anyway. Be careful when its hot, though.
- Pop about 8 quarts of popcorn.
- Then in a saucepan, combine 2 cups of brown sugar, ½ cup of dark corn syrup, and 1 cup of butter. (Yes, it’s not low calorie, but it’s yummy.)
- Bring this mixture to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add about 1 tsp of vanilla, 1 tsp of salt (or to taste), and ½ tsp of baking soda.
- Stir until the color lightens and increases in volume.
- Pour the mixture over the popped popcorn and toss to mix.
- Place on a cookie sheet and bake at about 200 degrees for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes.
- Then pour on waxed paper to cool.
- Add nuts or chocolate chips to popcorn mixture before it cools for even more flavor.
Enjoy! Store the remainder in a resealable bag.
Once your children have experienced a family night or two and know how it works, this would be a good opportunity to turn over some of the planning and responsibility to them. Doing so creates anticipation and gives ownership of family night to the kids.
Start by assigning a host. You can start with the oldest and assign each subsequent family night in descending order of age, let everybody draw straws, or pick numbers out of a hat.
The host gets to decide on a theme, works with Mom to buy a family night kit or individual games and activities, and discusses scheduling with everybody to pick a time when the whole family is available.
Once the theme and date are set, the host creates a refrigerator poster or individual invitations to remind the family of the upcoming event. If special attire is required, the host makes sure everybody has the right clothes and accessories for the night. Many of our kits include costuming to match the theme, which simplifies this part of the planning.
If a snack is part of your family night, the host is also responsible for planning that, asking Mom for the groceries, and preparing the snack.
On the night of the event, the host prepares the site (kitchen table, family room floor, etc.), sets out the snack and calls for the start of family night at the scheduled time. He or she may also act as emcee, or master of ceremonies, to ensure everybody understands the theme and knows what activities are planned.
Within these guidelines, there’s lots of flexibility to adjust for the host’s age and capabilities. Some of the host’s responsibilities may be delegated.
Arguments between siblings can really drain the fun out of summer.
“She touched me.”
“He’s getting into my stuff.”
“I had it first!”
The underlying cause for sibling rivalry is usually due to a child’s unmet needs. Whether it be for attention, affirmation, or boundaries, parents can help their children live in peace by determining the need and filling it.
The key to solving sibling rivalry
Want to know the secret to dissolving sibling rivalry? Mutual Respect. When everyone in the family is valued and loved for who they are, then no one needs to fight for their needs. Love your neighbor as yourself is more than the golden rule, it’s a powerful tool for dealing with sibling rivalry.
One way to implement this powerful tool is Family Night. Having fun together as a family is the perfect opportunity to establish a peaceful way for your kids to spend time together and relate to each other. Make family night a special time where everyone is involved and praised for their contributions.
Here are some common situations.
The young child and the new baby:
To a young child of 2, 3, or 4, it may seem that the baby gets all the attention. This can lead to resentment and hostility. One suggestion for turning this around is to make a special family night with the child. Wait until the baby is asleep, then do something special with the child – just like the he enjoyed before the baby came along. Play his favorite game or find a new favorite designed just for him, or have a tea party and dress up for her.. As long as the activity is interactive, and the young child receives a lot of positive attention, she’ll be reassured that the baby isn’t going to take her place.
Two competitive children:
Family night can come to the rescue once again. Try playing a game in teams. The children against the parents, perhaps. By working together, the children learn to count on each other to solve problems instead of against each other.
The older child and the younger child:
A part of learning to respect each other can be taught through compromise and taking turns. Allow the children to take turns planning one of the activities or snacks for a fun family night. Children are usually willing to wait their turn when they know they will receive a turn. For example, an older sibling will be more willing to play a game designed for the younger child when they know they can choose the game for the next family night.
If you are looking for peace in your home this summer, hosting a regular Family Night is a great way to start. Playing, laughing, and sharing are a winning combination, especially when each individual feels loved and respected.
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