This is a sponsored guest post.
Many people believe that fun, joyful family activities are only possible outside the home and the routine of daily life. Going to movies, taking the family to amusement parks, or having a weekend picnic is certainly fun — while staying home is supposedly to not be! Home is where you laze around or get preoccupied with chores, but don’t do much besides that. But there are actually plenty of ways you don’t need to leave your house in order to spend quality time with the family. Here are five simple ways to promote communication, keep the family entertained, and build stronger bonds.
1. Enjoy a Hobby Together
While we all know that having a personal hobby is valuable, having one that the entire family can enjoy is even better! There are so many family-friendly hobbies to choose from – a family book club, board games, crafting, pickling, the list is endless. If you’ve been dreaming of refreshing your home interior, why not make it a family project? You can paint the walls together with the kids or ask them to help decorate their rooms. The outside of the home needs care, too, so if you’re lucky enough to have a garden, you can all plant new flowers or veggies together.
2. Help Kids with Schoolwork
This may not sound like much fun, but helping your children do their homework kills two birds with one stone – you spend more time together, and you’re also encouraging them to do their best. Children learn a lot from their parents, especially if you teach them something new in a friendly and exciting way. When they see your eagerness to help, they’ll be likely to put more effort into studying and get better grades. School projects can become more interesting, too, if your kids don’t have to do them completely alone. A little bit of nudging and attention goes a long way. And you might even learn something new as well!
3. Cooking Together
Many people consider cooking to be a chore. But if the whole family is involved in the process, making dinner can actually become a really fun activity. Whether it’s something simple and fast, complex and detailed, or even just a meal kit kind of day, making your meals together has so many benefits. It will give your kids useful life skills as well as the skill of working together on a team. Meals cooked together can be just as tasty as dining out, and you still get to spend lots of quality time together.
4. Watch Movies
Most parents limit kid’s time in front of the TV or computer screen, but the reality is that they will watch what they want to watch, no matter the restrictions you throw their way. So wouldn’t it be better to spend that screen time together as a family? Choose something appropriate to their age but what meets their interests. When you’re done, ask them whether they liked it and discuss how they felt about it. It won’t hurt anyone if you spend a couple of hours a day in front of a TV. Alternatively, if your kids are into playing video games, play along with them. They’ll be so appreciative that you are showing an interest in their hobbies!
5. Plan Activities Together
Parents are used to doing everything on their own, including planning family trips, outings, and weekend activities. This means that oftentimes, they forget to ask their kids what they want to do. Show your kids that their opinions matter and that you’re ready for their suggestions. They might surprise you with ideas that would never come to your mind! Involve your little ones in planning so that you can strengthen your bonds and give them more confidence in their choices.
