Honey Mustard. Make a game of it with score sheets and suggestions for next time. SET ASIDE TIME FOR A PARENT/CHILD DATE NIGHT This is a one-on-one evening or daytime event where each child gets to spend time alone with one parent. It is the perfect time to share common interests as well as catch up on what is going on in each other’s lives. Consider trying new restaurants for adventurous eaters, hitting a bucket of balls, getting your nails done, hiking or bike riding, or tackling a project together such as building or crafts. You can spend quality time together and help someone in need. In addition, you are instilling the importance of lifelong volunteerism in your children. Check out volunteer opportunities in your community, such as toys and clothing drives for local charities, animal shelters, playing games with residents at an assisted living facility, or starting a community garden and donating the food. If you VOLUNTEERING TOGETHER IS A WIN-WIN SITUATION
need help finding opportunities in your community, check out VolunteerMatch.org. START A GRATITUDE JAR Several years ago, my son made a blessing jar at church during the holidays.
etc. After the new year, I emptied the jar out and started filling it with events and moments our family experienced during the year—crazy hair day at school, a winning goal, and a new family car. On New Year’s Day the following year, we all took turns reading the folded papers I had added that year. It was so nice to relive those memories and it has been a great tradition for our family. CELEBRATE YOUR FAMILY CULTURE For many of us, family culture is a lost art. We don’t know the language, foods, dances, or days of celebration because somewhere along the line, they stopped sharing. Reach out to older family members and ask about things they did in their childhood or research your family history to find out what nationality you are with DNA tests like Ancestry.com. Practice some of the traditions from your cultures including listening to traditional music or learning some key phrases. Try to incorporate it into your daily life to let those traditions live on.
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On New Year’s Day the following year, we all took turns reading the folded papers I had added that year. It was so nice to relive those memories and it has been a great tradition for our family.
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It included all the things he felt were blessings—family, video games, our pets,
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