Today’s hectic family lifestyles don't have to mean we still can’t enjoy one another and have some fun. Might Mommy shares six ways to create a happier family life—regardless of what’s going on in the “outside” world.
Whether you have one child or eight like I do, today’s family is faced with overwhelming demands on their schedules, whether it be during the school week, work, after-school, or work, or even trying to squeeze dozens of commitments in throughout our sacred weekend time. There’s just never enough time to get it all done, and there certainly doesn’t seem to be enough time leftover to chill out with friends and family. Sound familiar?
But today’s hectic family lifestyles don't have to mean we still can’t enjoy one another and have some fun. Might Mommy shares six ways to create a happier family life—regardless of what’s going on in the “outside” world.
Tip #1: Enjoy the Everyday Moments
Some of the best moments my family spends together are the little, everyday moments, such as eating homemade pop tarts together for breakfast, sitting on the couch with one of our dogs, walking through the grocery store and finding new recipes to try, or hanging out in our backyard throwing a Frisbee on a lazy summer's day. We also enjoy vacations together to Disney World, shopping for fun additions for our family room, and lounging with our best friends on one of our beautiful Rhode Island beaches. But at the end of the day, it’s the quiet, simple moments that keep us connected as a family and that really bring us true joy. See Also: 5 Fresh Ways to Spend Family Time This Summer
Tip #2: Play Board Games
As the mom of eight, I often get asked how I maintain my sanity and enjoy my family at the same time. Great question! No matter how many kids you have, raising a family is never easy, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Spending time together on a regular basis is what has always been the foundation for our family. One way to do that is to find something common that the entire family can enjoy—and we’ve found that playing board games and card games is always a great way to have fun and chill out easily together. Apples to Apples is a Butler family favorite and so is the tried and true Monopoly!
Board games are a low-cost way to bridge the family's sometimes tricky spread of ages and interests and serve as a quick, family pick-me-up no matter what the season. Happiness is! See Also: How Reading Connects Families See Also: 5 Ways Your Child Can Cope With Losing
Tip #3: Practice Random Acts of Kindness
Living in the 21st century means living in a material-laden world. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with our kid’s enjoying the many sophisticated products of this wonderful time we live in, but they also need to learn the art of gratitude and how to do kind things for others just for the sake of paying it forward. Practicing monthly random acts of kindness as a family is a great way to do something special together that will automatically increase the joy level in your household. Some ideas are:
Week ONE: Surprise! Anonymously leave a note, treat, artwork and/or gift for a stranger.
Week TWO: Create! Select a project that inspires childhood creativity.
Week THREE: Give! Pick a way to give that spreads love , joy and encouragement.
Week FOUR: Serve! Find a way to help others with your actions! (Volunteering & Community Service)
Week FIVE: Thank! Develop a way to express appreciation and gratitude to those who make our world a better place. For more ideas, check out my "Mighty Acts of Random Kindness" board on Pinterest.
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About the Author
Cheryl L. Butler is the mother of eight children. Her experiences with infertility, adoption, seven pregnancies, and raising children with developmental delays have helped her become a resource on the joys and challenges of parenting. Call the Mighty Mommy listener line at 401-284-7575 to ask a parenting question. Your call could be featured on the show!
