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10 Things to do with your Kids Before They Grow Up
Life moves so fast when you are a parent. The Season of Parenthood flies by and what seems like “only yesterday,” marks the passing of years. I truly am having a moment here just thinking about how my oldest will be driving in two years an graduating in five. it seems like yesterday he looked like this:
The following is a list of Things to do with Your Kids before they are grown and gone.
Turn the Ordinary into Extraordinary: Make your everyday routines together count. Sing some favorite silly songs on the way to school, leave little jokes or love notes in their lunch box or make that drive to and from school “chat time” to discuss what’s happening in your child’s life. I really, really value the drive time myself and my 13 year-old have when I take him to and from Tae Kwon Do. Honestly, I could care less about Minecraft or World of War (two things he could yammer on for HOURS) but it’s the time spent together, one-on-one, that I treasure.
Read Together: Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary act and a family who reads together will continue that love of literature all through life. Reading is a great way to learn, grow, bond and to travel to faraway places without leaving the couch! There are some pretty cool children’s ebook subscription sites like EPIC! available too which is a clever way for moms to keep their child’s iPad loaded with exciting reads.
My daughter is totally a reluctant reader, but she loves graphic novels. That is something we can read together and have fun doing it. Here is a list we’ve complied together.
Play: For kids, playing is such an important part of childhood. It strengthens and refines small and large motor skills, and it builds stamina and strength. All the more reason that adults should join in in the fun as well! Set aside time to color pictures, make finger paintings, build buildings with blocks and built a tent in the middle of the living room for a little indoor camping!
For older kids, check out zoos, museums or try your hand at geocaching. There is always something to do outside and being in nature is so healthy! Check out loca stuff too. We may live in a small town, but there’s still a bajillion things for us to do together.
image by Rebecca Flansburg
Practice Healthy Habits Together: Healthy habits that last a lifetime start at home. Encourage your kids to join you in healthy eating, cooking and exercise. It’s the perfect way to get in shape and spend time as a family as well.
Invest in a Treasured Keepsake: So often when kids are young, parents fall into the “we can’t afford it trap.” Items like an engraved piece of jewelry even a critter from Build A Bear Workshop may not be “needs,” but they certainly are an important part of family history. A keepsake, with sweet memories attached, that treasured well beyond childhood is also one that can be handed down over generations. My 10 year-old daughter picked our and created a Build a Bear that she named Skylar three years ago. That bear is still one of her most beloved treasures.
Take Lots and Lots of Photos: Photos are moments and memories frozen in time that can be used to reminisce, remember and laugh at later in life. Whether you use a 35MM camera or Instagram, capture those precious moments whenever possible.
sweet Sara washing off her rock picking finds
Travel as a Family: Travel can be a trip across town to the museum, or across the country to foreign land. Take the time to plan a trip as a family, book it early, supply your kids with cameras and keep the fun activities coming. Travel is a great way to explore our world and create family memories. P.S. This nation is filled with amazing State Parks; go find one and explore it.
Say “I Love” As Often as You Can: Just like compliments, saying “I Love You” doesn’t hurt or cost money. Say it freely and often!
Share a Hobby: Whether it’s cooking, rollerblading, crafting or dancing; hobbies shared between parent and child not only makes the whole experience richer, it creates awesome memories that last a lifetime.
Now go forth and create some memories as a family!
Absolutely! We should do everyone of these things before our little ones are grown. I especially love “turn the ordinary into extraordinary.” Children do this naturally, and we, as parents, could learn a lesson from them.