The great outdoors is full of incredible wildlife and nature, just waiting for us to get out and explore. Whether you’re going to your local arboretum, a national park, or even your own backyard, you can always find something unique to look at. Sometimes, turning toward the sky will provide an amazing opportunity to see something special. We can find birds almost anywhere. If you’re looking for a new way to keep your kids entertained while educating them, looking for birds can be a great family bonding activity. Start by researching the birds in your area, both permanent residents and those migrating. You’ll likely see common birds in your backyard or around the neighborhood, but you may need to travel to a local park to see some of the more unique species. At first, your kids may need some help finding different birds. Binoculars might be too difficult to use, so it’s up to you to point them in the right direction. Look out for nests, cracked seeds, and Eyes to the Sky A Family Guide to Birdwatching
other signs indicating birds are nearby. You don’t have to use only your eyes when searching the skies and trees for birds; listen intently, too! Tracking birds through their calls will help alert you to the species you’re searching for and where to look. To keep your kids’ attention as you bird watch, you may need to make a game out of it. Create a scavenger hunt to find five birds in your hometown or the area you’re visiting. You can get specific with unique species or keep it broad by having them look for hawks, ducks, etc. Let your child take the lead, encouraging them to point
out birds they see or hear instead of
relying on you to tell them. You can even encourage your kids to mimic the different birdcalls they hear. Birdwatching is a great way to get your kids outdoors exploring nature. It could even lead to a full-time passion or career in the future.
Sharing the Season How Co-Parents Can Enjoy Stress-Free Holidays
Co-parenting during the holidays can be one of the most challenging times for families, especially when trying to balance traditions, schedules, and the expectations of your children. It’s essential that both parents get to create memories with their children during this festive season. With a bit of planning and flexibility, it’s possible to enjoy these special celebrations stress-free. This month, we’re sharing some simple tips to make this time more enjoyable. CREATE OR REVISIT YOUR HOLIDAY PARENTING PLAN. Having a holiday schedule that both co-parents agree to is essential, outlining how physical custody should be divided across important celebrations and dates. There are a few different ways you can set this up. By alternating holidays, one parent will spend certain holidays with their children, and the second parent will take the others. This can switch every year so each parent can experience different holidays with their child. You could also split the days in half, with one parent participating in the holiday in the first half of the day and the second parent following. PRIORITIZE YOUR CHILD. Regardless of the relationship between co-parents, you should always focus on your children and their special experiences during
the holidays. Don’t argue in front of the kids or involve them in any decisions or debates. Ask them what holiday traditions they are excited about and have them participate in planning the fun stuff. If they are upset, confused, or frustrated about splitting holiday time, have honest conversations with them. You should also consider helping your child buy or craft a present for the other parent to reinforce the value of family and relationships. CREATE NEW HOLIDAY TRADITIONS. This is the perfect opportunity to create new, positive holiday traditions in your family for both parents. Maybe one parent starts a tradition of volunteering at the food bank this time of year, while the other wants to start making family Christmas cards. Hold on to the treasured traditions that have worked in previous years, too. With thoughtful planning and focusing on your child’s happiness, you can create a holiday season filled with joy, special memories, and even new traditions. At Douglass & Runger, we are your advocates in navigating family law issues. If you need assistance in your custody arrangement, please give us a call to schedule a strategy session to discuss your matter.
2 • DouglassRunger.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator