Making Memories with Your Family

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FACING OUR FEARS – 31 STORIES FROM M.O.M.

 

 

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 

Building memories is one great way to bond as a family and a way to cultivate a heart that beats for God. After I committed my life to Christ, I realized and felt the big disconnect between my daughter, husband and myself. I knew that in order to help them grow spiritually and as a family, I needed to be present. And chances are, you too may be looking for ways to grow the bond in your family and make some great memories. Here is a bucket list of things to do with your family and make some great memories.

1. Geo Caching

This is the ultimate in terms of scavenger hunts. It involves a GPS device or app that you can download to your phone or tablet. Geo caching is known world wide and your kids will love it. You’ll spend the day locating a box full of trinkets in the great out doors. Some geo caching involves finding a landmark. Think of it has a virtual game of Where’s Waldo.

2. Watch homemade movies of you or your spouse as a kid.

My kids don’t know my side of the family very well. And the gift of video has given them the ability to get to know their aunts, uncles, and funny antics I pulled growing up. 

3. Volunteer 

Find a ministry at church or an agency in the community that needs a helping hand. It builds character and compassion. One Sunday a month, my husband, daughter and I teach Sunday School. 

4. Kitchen Time

What better way to get your family talking than by baking something? It just doesn’t have to be cookies, create the perfect family meal. And better yet, make some sort of friendly competition of who gets to clean up. Draw straws. 

5. Table Time

Try to have at least one meal together each day as a family. Ask engaging questions like, “What was the least favorite part of your day.” Or “Name two things you are thankful for and why.” The rule of thumb at our table is they can’t be thankful for it more than once a week. 

6. Play Hooky

Take the day off work and pull your kids from school or wait until your child has a school day off. This teaches your children that you are providing a life for them. It teaches that while working to the best of our ability is important, family is more important. Once a year, my husband plays “hooky” and we spend the day watching movies, putting together puzzles or fishing.

7. Take A Trip with ONE child

I used to struggle with tension in my relationship with my son. We then realized our children need one on one time with us and away from their siblings. We have mother–son dates and father–daughter dates. Not only does it help me figure out what is in their hearts, but it teaches them something about the dynamics of relationships. We are mindful that how we treat our children is likely how they will treat their spouses. The trick to this activity is to do something your child wants or likes to do. It may be just an outing for ice cream, but it gets them talking and sharing their hearts with you.

8. Create Family Treasure Boxes

Time capsules were SO the rage when you and I were growing up. Why not make a yearly box of family memories. Each child adds 3 to 5 items to the box of something of significance. It could be ticket stubs to a concert, photos of ice cream outings, a lure from a their fishing trip. 

 9. Visit Places Where You and Your Spouse Grew Up

My kids LOVED visiting our hometown of Newcastle, Wyoming. Wyoming has a different way of life compared to the roots of Kearney, Nebraska that my children are growing up with. Not only will it give your kids insight to your childhood, it gets them talking about theirs and about family. 

10. Take a Staycation

We recently took a staycation, staying at the Holiday Inn in our hometown. The kids LOVED sleeping under a different roof, in a different bed, watching movies, eating popcorn and who’s going to complain about playing in the swimming pool? 

 

What do YOU do to intentionally build relationships and strengthen bonds in your family? We would love to start a conversation and share some ideas. 🙂 Blessings to you and your family today. 

Today we’re linked up with Women Living Well:

Stephanie Shott
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