Spring Break is one of my favorite times for spending time with my kids. The weather is nicer than Winter Break, so we can spend time outdoors and exploring things around the DC area. And the time is shorter than Summer Break so we don’t get tired of each other (wait….did I really say that?).
In all reality, my family spends a lot of time together. Both my husband and I work at home, so we’re always around (in fact, we’re often literally on top of each other, with 7 of us in a small town home). We eat dinner around the table every night, go to church together every Sunday, and read books together after school and before bed.
As a mother of 5, I’ve definitely had to learn how to make the most of my time with my kids, since my time only stretches so far.
Tips to make the most of family time together
- Dare I say it? Yes, my first tip is to unplug. This is a tough tip even for me to follow, but it really does make a difference in the quality time we spend together as a family.
- Schedule regular times that you do things together. Whether it’s family game night once a week or mom-and-me dates once a month, those times that kids and parents can count on become a huge blessing.
- Remember to ask questions (not on-the-spot, uncomfortable-answer questions, but easy get-to-know-you questions) and then….Learn to listen!
- Be near each other. Even when you are doing separate activities like homework or reading, do those things near each other. Some of our best times together are the moments when we are all lounging around the family room with books open.
- Let each family member make suggestions of things you can do together. Do those things!
- Say I love you often and be affectionate. Even older kids love it (even if they pretend that they don’t).
What is Together Counts?
Together Counts is a nationwide program inspiring active and healthy living. The principle behind the Together Counts program is Energy Balance, which means balancing the calories we consume with the calories we burn.
It’s a first-of-its kind coalition that brings together more than 195 retailers, food and beverage manufacturers, restaurants, sporting goods and insurance companies, trade associations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and professional sports organizations.
The purpose of Together Counts is to get more families eating and getting active together, with moderation.
Together Counts early morning walking group at Type-A Parent conference 2011
Connect With Together Counts!
Website: togethercounts.com
Twitter: @togethercounts
Pinterest: pinterest.com/togethercounts/
Facebook: facebook.com/togethercounts
Please note: This is a sponsored post about Together Counts, but all thoughts and tips are my own.
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