Nothing soothes the soul quite like a comfortable tête-à-tête with a friend or family member. Too bad most of us get more face time with the grocery store clerk than with the people who really matter in our lives. Looking to reconnect? Try these tactics.
Jettison the TV
A radical step, but it works. Exiling the tube to the basement, if only temporarily, can free up hours every day. Your brood will be forced to find alternate entertainment, which actually might include (gasp!) talking to one another.
Try a Little Gamesmanship
Standing dates for munchies and games (anything from gin rummy to a board game — whatever suits your fancy) are just an excuse for what you’re really after: a gabfest. Set up the card table, put out the chips and let the chatter begin.
Book Some Time
You don’t need to host a national TV talk show to start your own book club. For fun kids’ games, literacy-promoting activities and tips for parents, visit the RIF Reading Planet, an online feature of the nonprofit organization Reading Is Fundamental.
Champion a Charity
Community service is a terrific way to carve out quality time with loved ones and to give back to others. Lists of opportunities, from raking leaves to serving meals, are available online at such sites as Volunteer Match and Habitat. The Points of Light Foundation has a special section just for families at Points of Light.
Par-Tee
Gather the clan for a monthly bash. Make it a memorable event by having alternate generations select music from different decades. (For added family fun, you can even ask for theme-appropriate dress.) Or rent a movie projector and set up an outdoor theater to enjoy a film alfresco.
Something my family has recently discovered is Letterboxing. Fun for every member of the family. Find out information and how to get started at Letterboxing.org or atlasquest.com
Posted by: Beth Thurrston | April 27, 2009 at 07:31 AM
Letterboxing is fantastic! So much fun for every member of the family.
Posted by: Sheryl Corbin | May 11, 2009 at 06:39 AM