SIMPLE THINGS
 Sometimes we forget that the little things are the most important. I know that getting involved in activities and crafts sounds easier than it is. But once you make that step its awesome. You'll be amazed at the response you get from your children. I was once told "if you give your kids five minutes they'll give you thirty minutes". I know it seems unbelievable but its true. Now I'm not talking color a picture while talking on the phone, I mean ten solid minutes of you and your child or children. Now comes the next step, finding something thats right for you and your children. There are a couple things you need to look for in activities and crafts, are they age appropriate, you don't want to get all frustrated while trying to have a good time, next, in our economy, something budget friendly. You don't need to spend money to have a good time," its not what you have its what you make of it". I have became a regular at my local dollar shops and thrift stores. You can find a ton of stuff at the dollar stores for a dollar. But my favorite place is by far my local thrift stores. You can find so much stuff for little to nothing, and our thrift store even has a half off day. The funnest thing I have yet to discover is the fun of a dress up box. At your thrift stores (even garage sales) you can start collecting hats, dresses, high heels, loafers, suits, jewelry, scarfs, basically anything. The thrift stores usually have old Halloween costumes that are great to. We found an old trunk on the curb, added some new paint and tada... a dress up box! You can also use a cardboard box, let them help you decorate it. DON'T BE SCARED TO DRESS UP WITH THEM!
| I was blessed with an awesome imagination, give me a pile of crap and I'll make a mansion! But don't be discouraged even if you've never done a craft or activity before, you and your kids will enjoy learning together. I mean how are you gonna go swimming if you don't get your feet wet!?! Doing activities with your children offer more than just fun. Your child will learn confidence and they will gain an imagination, helps with following rules, and later on in school when they have projects and reports due. One thing that is important, make sure you show off their work rather it be hanging it on the wall or bragging to a friend or family member when they are in the room. You'll be amazed at the confidence that brings to your child. Another thing, sometimes you may be in a bad mood, if its bad enough, don't even start the activity this is susposed to be a special time for you and your children.  I know your probably wondering how this affects your family but an unhappy child makes everyone around uneasy, so you have to start somewhere. And making sure you do things that everyone can enjoy(even dad or boyfriend), can be a good start to having a good day, and sometimes that seems so far away. Also adding some physical activity can help them have a good nights sleep, just jumping around for a few minutes before bed and they'll remember that little gesture and wake up in a better mood. Another thing if you have more than one child it can be difficult to pick something that everyone will enjoy. What you'll need to do is let everyone take turns picking an activity. Make sure they still participate in each others activity that is part of being family, compromising!  |
