Family Activities

Sometimes plopping down on the sofa and "vegging out" is just what we need to unwind. Television can be an outstanding educational tool for kids too. But nothing, not even good old TV, can compare with intimate quality time between parents and children. There are literally thousands of activities out there for kids and parents. But funnily enough, it's not uncommon for many of us draw a blank when the time comes to act. Ideas for creative activities sometimes come easily, but most of us can usually benefit from the left brain jumpstart of a few inspiring suggestions.

Tried and true activities such as gathering around a children's table and chairs set for jigsaw puzzles and coloring books are always a good place to start. The nice thing about these simple pastimes is that they give us a chance to talk to one another while we keep our hands busy.

Once the novelty of these wear off, it may be appropriate to introduce more engaging and intensive crafts, such as painting on an easel or clay sculpting at an activity table. Not only will your children be thrilled to experiment with a wide variety of activities, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much fun you will have tapping your own creative abilities at the table or easel. Don't forget that the best and most important part is that you'll be sharing time together.

When was the last time you kicked the dust off of the old board games? Checkers and dominoes are a couple of classics that are always fun to revisit. Games are a perfect way to get you and your to children to gather round the table and chairs and interact. Don't forget that there are countless stimulating games just waiting in an ordinary deck of cards, some that are perfect counting games for younger children, and others that require more strategy and math skills as they get older.

Maybe you have a particular creative skill, such as playing a musical instrument, knitting, or quilting. Why not take the time to pass it on to your children? Sit down at an activity table to write letters or draw pictures to grandparents and friends. Help your kids put together a collage or scrapbook - they will love seeing their parents and siblings in older photographs. You could throw tea parties and bake cookies in the kitchen or change the oil and build birdhouses in the garage. Don't hesitate to ask your kids for ideas. You might be surprised by what they come up with on their own. Your imaginations are the limit.

TV may be filled with moving, talking images, but your home is filled with real people who are far more entertaining. Incorporate some fresh activities into family time and you will find yourself talking more, laughing more, and living more.

All kids love to color. Print off these pictures and let your youngster have fun bringing them to life with crayons or markers:
Bunny Tea Party
Race Car
Ballerina Hippo