FEB 2015
INSIDE
LET’S EAT OUT! • DAD’S EYE VIEW • FAMILY MOVIE TIME • EARTHTALK • DISCOVERY BOX
Making a Real
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n 2 0 1 5 n e ar ly e ve r yon e’s connected to some device – computer, tablet, phone, fitness tracker, etc., but it’s a frequent concern that people are more “disconnected” than ever due to technology. As parents it used to be easier to connect with our children through daily interactions like family play, games, sports, television viewing, etc. But now, it takes a little more effort. Each family member is often focused on their friends, social media, specific interests, and daily responsibilities. Additionally, connecting with family members of different ages often requires a unique approach. Here are some suggestions for connecting with children of various ages: THE 0-5 AGE GROUP: The little ones are easy. If you can pair entertainment with fun and education it’s a slam dunk! Daily reading is an enjoyable way to bond with your child, while instilling the joy of reading. If you add finger puppets, songs and fun voices – they’ll be hooked. Wait until they turn the tables and demand to read to you! If you’re looking for a way to add a little exercise, Mommy/Daddy and Me swim class is a great choice. Your child will learn a potentially lifesaving skill, while sp ending t ime with you and deepening that familial bond. If y ou’re a family who enjoys seasonal activities and is looking to create traditions – try a hay ride in the fall, or horsedrawn carriage ride during the December holidays to enjoy the lights. If you add a thermos of cider or hot chocolate, a warm blanket,
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Face-Time Connection
by Kim Green-Spangler
songs and a little enthusiasm, you’ll create lasting memories. THE 5-10 AGE GROUP: In this decade most 5 to 10 year olds are using technology daily in school, which means they could use a break on weekends and evenings when there is time.
Most children have activities, but they may not be enjoying them as much as they would with you. Why f i n d
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not take a lesson with your child to learn a new skill. Think: tennis lessons, badminton lessons, music lesson, etc. Imagine the quality time you’ll spend learning and practicing with your child. Not all games are electronic. Board games and cards are wonderful ways to spend an hour or two connecting with your kids. You’ll be teaching them about friendly competition, being a graceful winner or loser, developing social skills, and how to entertain themselves when electronics are not involved. Not to mention teaching them classics like War, Checkers, backgammon, Scrabble and Monopoly, to name a few! How about spending a few hours during the weekend picking apples, pumpkins or berries, depending on the season? Not only is it educational, if you take part in the tour at a
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picking farm, but you can take it one step further and use your pickings to make dessert, decorate your home, or carve up creative projects. The ultimate “2-fer” – family time the first day and a second day of fun by using one’s spoils! THE 10-15 AGE GROUP: This is the tough age group. On the lower range, they are still young enough to enjoy playing, but on the older range they are old enough to think it’s not quite so cool. However, not many kids this age can resist shopping, especially for that new toy, game, outfit, piece of sporting equipment, etc. Why not make it a bonding and learning experience? Have kids save for what they want and you can match their monetary efforts and take them shopping. Or you can have them create a budget, develop a savings plan and open a bank account while tracking their progress on a spreadsheet or using software before their shopping excursion. If an active lifestyle is what your family enjoys, perhaps selecting a new activity to learn and enjoy each CONTINUED ON PAGE 3… PAGE 1