N o M ore ‘R inse and R epeat ’ CREATIVE WAYS TO BREAK UP THE DAILY GRIND
LIVING ROOM OBSTACLE COURSE Use pillows, chairs, and other household items to transform your living room into an obstacle course. This activity encourages physical activity and teamwork, all within the comfort of your home. FAMILY STORYTELLING CIRCLE Gather the family in a circle and take turns adding sentences to a story. This collaborative activity sparks creativity and often results in hilarious and imaginative tales. Talk about memory-making! IMPROMPTU CRAFT SESSIONS Keep a box of craft supplies handy for on-the-spot art sessions. Even 15 minutes of drawing, coloring, or simple DIY projects can provide a satisfying creative outlet for both kids and adults. PAJAMA WALKS UNDER THE MOON On clear nights, consider a short walk around the neighborhood in your pajamas. This simple activity offers fresh air, a change of scenery, and a unique way to end the day together.
Breakfast, school, work, dinner, rinse, and repeat.
distractions. You can even create a “screen bucket/basket” for everyone’s phone or tablet during this designated time. ONGOING DINNER BOARD GAMES Extend the dinner table experience by introducing a board game that spans multiple nights. You can pause and resume games like Monopoly or Clue over several evenings. It’s a great way to stay connected all week long! DANCE PARTY SNACK BREAK Inject some energy into your evening by turning snack time into a mini dance party. Play your family’s favorite tunes and let loose together, creating joyful memories and a fun atmosphere.
Busy weeknights often leave little room for quality family time. However, with a bit of creativity and intentionality, you can transform even the most hectic evenings into memorable bonding moments. Here are seven engaging, low-prep activities that fit seamlessly into your evening routine. SCREEN-FREE TIME AFTER DINNER Designate a window of 30–45 minutes after dinner as a screen-free time for the entire family. This intentional time allows for uninterrupted conversations, taking a walk, playing a favorite sport outside, or enjoying each other’s company without digital
M aking T his Y ear W ork for Y ou ( and Y our K ids ) STRESS, SURPRISES, AND SHARED CUSTODY
While there’s plenty of excitement involved whenever we reach a new year, it also brings an opportunity for new challenges. We have to navigate priority shifts, our kids may want to explore new hobbies or extracurricular activities, and there’s the lingering pressure of trying to ensure this year is more successful, rewarding, and happy than the last. While this can be difficult in its own right, those facing divorce proceedings or custody battles will have even more on their plate. If you want to ensure the next 12 months are as successful as possible, you need to establish some beneficial strategies. Here are a few to help you get started!
should let the other parent walk all over you, but surprises happen, and your flexibility will make life easier for your children. MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF. Life is stressful, and those facing difficult family situations can encounter additional stress, anxiety, and depression. Don’t let these feelings take over your mind. Set aside some time each month for some of your favorite activities and relaxation. You should also consider taking a small trip for yourself if your finances and schedule permit it. KEEP YOUR KIDS’ NEEDS ABOVE ALL ELSE. Don’t lose sight of what’s most important. When you get into an argument with the other parent or experience a difficult day at work, you may want to bury your head in the sand and wait for time to pass. Keep your composure, stay strong, and spend that time with your kids instead. Not only will it strengthen your relationship, but it will also improve your mindset!
calendar that both parents have access to that includes important events from the school calendar, the kids’ extracurricular activities, and your own personal responsibilities. One of the best things you can do is adopt a mindset that allows you to be adaptable and amicable when something unexpected happens. This doesn’t mean you
STAY AHEAD OF CO-PARENTING CHALLENGES.
Whenever things change, there’s a chance for additional stress. This becomes crystal clear when looking at co-parenting. Create a plan now to get everyone on the same page. Make a shared
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