It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times
Day six of Mazatlan Carnaval 2017 wrapped up Tuesday and I can now breathe a small sigh of relief. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good party. One good party. But six days? Methinks I’m getting a little too old for that!
Mazatlan hosts the third largest carnival celebration in the world! I’m sure you can only imagine what living in the midst has been like…
Like I said: it was the best of times, it was the worst of times!
School was closed for six (SIX) days. The kiddos were home 24/7 beginning on Wednesday evening until Wednesday morning. Now, I love parenting. I love my kids. But six days with three kids aged 6, 4 and 3 can feel like a long time.
Let me repeat: A LONG TIME!
We made the most of it with games, creative play, movies, books, parades, light saber wars and more. We had plenty of opportunities to bond as a family this week!
I Had an Epiphany
In being home with the kiddos, despite the newest Pollack reproduction in red crayon on my wall (please don’t tell my landlady) and the numerous spills and tears I wiped up, I realized how absolutely, positively blessed I really am to be able to be enjoy them. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a present parent and I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way!
Most moms yearn to spend more meaningful time with their kiddos.
They grow up so fast, don’t they?
Sometimes, your finances won’t permit being home. Or, perhaps you’re a wonder woman who takes pleasure in balancing workplace responsibilities with being an incredible mom. Either way, there are so many ways to get the most out of the precious moments you do have with your kiddos.
What Can You Do?
Here are five easy things we do to bond as a family, even when we are short on time:
- Designate periods of ‘Distraction Free’ time. This is a set period of time when all electronic devices are turned off. No cell phones, no email, no television, no tablets. Taking it back to the old-school when people actually had to make eye contact and talk (yikes!) can be so beneficial. This can be done occasionally or daily and can easily fit into a morning or evening routine.
- Play a game! There are so many to choose from and not all of them require hours of time or attention. A quick game of Twister or Jenga can be enjoyed while waiting for dinner to be served. If you commute with your littles, playing a game of I Spy in the car or on public transportation is a great way to keep them occupied, especially if you have younger kiddos. Games require communication which is key to building meaningful relationships.
- Institute daily check-in time using the ‘Celebrate-Debate-Create’ template. This can be done over dinner. Each family member gets the opportunity to discuss one thing they did well or enjoyed each day (celebrate). They then segue into something that was challenging or frustrating (debate). Lastly, they share something they want to accomplish or do (create). Fellow family members simply listen, and encourage, unless specifically asked for input.
Up past bedtime, dancing in the street…they’re total party animals!
- Make plans! Each week, set a time and place for a ‘family date’. Even if it’s just a one-hour outing to a local park or ice cream shop, make sure that at least once per week, the family is intentionally enjoying something together. We love going to the playground, riding bikes, having movie night (complete with homemade popcorn) and making weekend pancake breakfasts together in the kitchen.
- Start a ‘Gratitude Jar’ wherein family members are encouraged to share something they are grateful for. Gratitude can be expressed for anything from an inanimate object to a positive occurrence or even one another. Each bit of gratitude is written on a slip of paper which is placed in a glass jar. Older children can assist younger children with writing theirs-teamwork at its best! At a set time each week, one gratitude tidbit is removed by each family member (or on behalf of those who are not yet readers) and read aloud.
Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain
Each of these activities are super easy, quick ways to put the focus and energy on growing closer as a family. The number one thing I learned from these past six days home with the kids, is that despite all the things they ask for, the only things they really, truly want are love and undivided attention. As parents, we get to try our very best to give them what they need and deserve.
I’m hopeful this list will come in handy and if you try one of my suggestions or have any tried and true bonding activities that you do with your kiddos, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
You’re a mom and of course, you’re seeking that mom/life balance, right?
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