Hustle, bustle, hustle bustle… stop… sleep… repeat…
Next week is school vacation for our children and teens. It’s the perfect time to plan to stop the hustle and bustle for a few moments and be intentional about slowing down and spending some quality time together. It is in these moments of pause that the relationships are built that will provide our kids the confidence to come to us when they most need it…
10 Tips for Slowing Down and Connecting with Your Kids this Christmas Vacation.
- Cook a meal together. Maybe it’s the big Christmas dinner or a simple supper – you’ll find that kids really enjoy this time.
- Play a game… the possibilities are almost endless here… My kids love playing video games with my husband… I, on the other hand, much rather play a card or board game… it doesn’t matter which – both are ways to spend time together!
- Co-read a favorite story- One of my favorite memories from my early twenties is when a group of us gathered at a friend’s house and passed around a copy of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” We each read a page and passed it on. Now, it’s become a family Christmas Eve tradition with a new book each year.
- Volunteer together. Multiple opportunities exist to help our neighbors. Giving back definitely feels good for everyone!
- Pop some corn, put your phones away, snuggle up, and watch a movie together. There’s sometime important about being at rest together and uninterrupted.
- Get outside – Oh the possibilities are endless here… on our list? Sledding, walking to our neighbor’s horses to give them a carrot treat, and a snowshoe through the woods.
- Pick a room and work together to rearrange it… It’s nice to feel like a space is new again.
- Bake a gift or a favorite recipe. So many choices here… go to an old favorite or find new recipes online or in that forgotten cookbook.
- Make up a story together. You never know where “Once upon a time…” will take you!
- Check out a museum pass from your local library and road trip it…
Looking for ways to connect with your kids? ParentupVt.org has some great conversation starters and tips for interacting with your teens.
Whatever you do… have fun and remember – as parents you are the #1 reason your child or teen will walk away from drugs and alcohol. Time spent now is a great investment that keeps communication open and builds that relationship to help our kids through this journey called life!