Are we losing our kids? We’re certainly competing
for their attention! Kids are “plugged in” these
days: to their iPods, their video games, their
computers, cell phones - technology has taken over
their free time! What’s a parent to do to
re-connect? We’ve got to get back to some
of the “old fashioned” rituals we remember
from when we were kids to bring balance into their
lives.
1. Green
therapy. Spend time outdoors. Kids tend to have
a “nature deficit disorder” – they
don’t get enough sunshine and fresh air.
Studies show that when kids spend time outside,
in green environments, they do better in school
and are generally better behaved. Start a vegetable
garden together. Go for a bike ride. Play some
of those games you remember from childhood: kick
the can, jump rope, hopscotch.
2. Congregate
in the kitchen. Cook together, eat together.
Rules for the dinner table: no
TV, no
reading, no arguing, just conversation. Conversation
starter tips: “What was the favorite part
of your day today?” “If you could go
anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you
go?” Take this opportunity to teach some
table manners.
3. Fun
and games. Keep entertainment handy so you
can catch times together to play and have fun
together. When waiting in the doctor’s
office, watching the brother’s soccer
game or visiting Grandma, play the newly released
Express games from Hasbro – abbreviated
versions of Monopoly, Scrabble,
and Sorry! – that
can be completed in 20 minutes or less! When
families have a chance to spend a night at
home together, try The
Game of Life: Twists & Turns Edition.
This new take on a classic game allows players
to choose between four different paths while
pursuing their life goals: Live It (adventure
track), Love It (family track), Learn It (education
track), and Earn It (career track). Ultimately,
the winner is the person with the most “Life
Points”.
