DIY OR BUY? Lawn Games for Family Summer Fun
T he warm summer sun may be enough to beckon your family outdoors, but lawn games will guarantee hours of fun outside. If you’re handy, there are plenty of great lawn games you can make yourself. If not, buy an off-the-shelf alternative and enjoy the easy setup.
and you’re ready to go! Many DIY plans are available online, including one from HousefulOfHandmade.com/ultimate-diy-horseshoe-pit.
Buy: Check out the kid-friendly rubber horseshoe set from Wayfair.com, which requires no installation, can be used indoors or alongside your outdoor game, and is safe for younger children.
Giant Jenga: Easy DIY All you need to build a giant Jenga tower are
Cornhole: Advanced DIY The humble beanbag may be the most versatile backyard game piece. It’s used in the popular game commonly known as cornhole. To build your own cornhole set, you’ll need a couple of sheets of 1/2-inch-thick plywood along with two-by-fours, some hardware, and a variety of tools including a drill, jigsaw, and sander. Visit DIYPete.com/cornhole-board-plans to get both written and video instructions. Buy : Ready to play ASAP? Cornhole sets are available from many large retailers around summertime, or you can order a customized set featuring your favorite team, family name, or characters from your favorite movies by looking at Etsy.com.
two-by-fours that are cut to length. If you’re handy with a saw, you can do this at home. If not, ask to have the wood cut at your local lumberyard. Be sure to sand down the edges before stacking the boards to create a classic Jenga tower! For extra fun, pick a few paint colors and paint each board. Visit ABeautifulMess.com/make-this-giant-jenga to see a complete set of instructions.
Buy: Skip the project and buy GoSports Giant Wooden Toppling Tower online, which retails for about $70 and stacks over 5 feet high.
Classic Horseshoes: Intermediate DIY Tossing horseshoes is a great way to pass an afternoon. To play, you’ll just need to set up two sand pits in your yard. Get a handful of horseshoes,
Whether you buy or DIY, remember to have fun and always supervise your children while playing outdoors, especially when it comes to yard games! THE VICTIM CARD
W hat to D o W hen Y our S pouse P lays the V ictim D uring D ivorce
Divorce is messy and tricky, and, at times, it feels impossible. The financial and legal process can leave the strongest people in tatters. And it’s made harder when your spouse plays the “victim card” — that is, they play the victim regardless of the situation and never accept responsibility for their actions. What can you do when this happens? 1. Why does your spouse play the victim? They may do it for myriad reasons — to manipulate others, to escape responsibility, to cope with their life circumstances, or just to get their way. Once you’ve determined the motive for their victim status, it’s easier to come up with an effective response strategy. For example, if they play the victim for attention, consider how you can reduce the amount of attention they might receive for their ploy. 2. Depending on the circumstances, consider empathizing with them. This can be hard, but empathy can go a long way. They can feel heard without your having to tell them they are right. Listen to their opinions and accept them. Once you’ve done
this, you can share your point of view and hope they take responsibility for their actions.
3. Check in on them. They may be acting that way because no one is actively making sure they are okay. This is especially possible during a divorce. Question if they are sleeping, eating what they need to, and doing things that bring them joy. These simple things help us reflect on our own lives and determine what’s bothering us. It really comes down to doing something about it. Don’t let it bother you only to ignore it. Make the efforts to talk to your spouse, empathize with them, and show them you are listening. This could change the way they communicate and provide better outcomes for a divorce. Meanwhile, strategize to make sure your (and your children’s) interests are guarded regardless of how your spouse acts.
For more informative articles like this one, be sure to visit our blog at JustFamilyLaw.com/family-law-expert-blog.
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