A Year’s Worth of Ideas for Reconnecting with Your Kids

I always think of love when the month of February rolls around. Recently, I’ve started spending my money on experiences with my kids rather than things.

I know this isn’t a new concept per say, but my kids are at an age where the things that they want keep getting more and more expensive. Can you relate? Instead of trying to keep up with the newest electronic game or fad, I decided to come up with an experience to do with my kids each month.

It dawned on me recently that my 14-year-old son only has four more years in the house with me. I want more time with him and the best way I can think to get that is to make it a priority. Here’s what my plan is for the next 12 months with my kids. Instead of buying cards covered in love words that cost a fortune, save the money and follow along with these fun ideas.

FEBRUARY – Take your kids on a ‘date’ this month and go to the movies. Make coupons that say, “Date with Mom,” and attach them to a box of candy and a bottled water or $5 to buy their own drink at the theater.

MARCH – Top Golf in Rogers, Arkansas is a fun way to get outdoors while staying somewhat warm this month. They have heated booths while you’re golfing and food will be delivered to your bay so you can visit with the kids while having fun. Tuesdays are half-price.

APRIL – This month is a great time to get outside and go for a walk with your kids. Stop at your local coffee shop and get yourself a warm drink (or iced if you prefer) and set a goal of walking for one hour. If you’re more of the outdoorsy-type, plan a hike at a nearby hiking trail and see how many different types of plants you can spot.

MAY – This is the month when schools get out so make it a double-whammy and do something big with the kids to celebrate all of their hard work (and yours, too!) Find an indoor rock-climbing venue or jump at an in-door trampoline park. The kids will get a kick out of seeing you be active and try to keep up with them.

JUNE – It’ll be hot this month so plan on swimming! Take your kids to a waterpark and pack a cooler full of their favorite snacks. If you have a pool in your neighborhood, let the kids invite some of their friends over and make it an official

‘summer party.’ Your kids will have a blast and you can get in on the fun of playing sharks and minnows or basketball in the pool.

JULY – Take a trip. It could be a big one to the beach or a smaller day trip. Plan an excursion this month to get you and your kids out of town. Sometimes a change of scenery is what everyone needs to hit the reset button. Let your kids in on the planning and make it a family affair. I’m going to take my kids to St. Louis this year since none of us have ever been there.

AUGUST – This is the month when everyone is back in school. Think of something you can do with your kids that they would really enjoy as a last-hoorah before having to wake up early for the bus. Pick a family favorite restaurant and enjoy being together. I love bringing ‘conversation cards’ with me to get the conversation going when we’re out of things to talk about. You can Google different decks and find the one that best suits your family’s interests.

SEPTEMBER – Make pottery with your kids. Find a local pottery place where you can either paint pottery or use a wheel and create your own. Put the date on the bottom of your piece and make it a yearly tradition.

OCTOBER – Go Trick-orTreating with your kids! Dress up and be part of the fun. Your kids will get a good laugh out of seeing you get into costume and experience the excitement of the holiday through their eyes. When I reflect on Halloween’s from the past, the best ones were always the ones when I dressed up.

NOVEMBER – Take a baking class with your kids. There are tons of cookie-making events this time of year. Register everyone and enjoy watching your kids make something yummy (while relishing in the fact that the mess is not in your kitchen!)

DECEMBER – Look at Christmas lights and make a whole night of it. Get matching pajamas, hot cocoa, candy canes and load up in the car with the warm air blasting. Do your research and find out all the hot spots for light shows. You might even just stumble on a few that you didn’t know about.

JANUARY – Get a gym membership for you and your kids. If getting healthy is one of your New Year’s resolutions, let it be theirs, too.

BONUS TIP – Be sure to take pictures each month you check off your excursion so that you can make a calendar showcasing all of the fun experiences you shared. Gift the calendar to each one of your kids to hang in their rooms or buy one big one and hang it somewhere visible where you and your kids can enjoy talking about the “remember when we…” moments. n