• value of laughter
• plan special family times
• make sure the time is clear of any other commitments for every member of the family
• prevent interruptions from the telephone or other people (unless they are invited with the understanding that it is family time
Suggested routine for family times
• try to make it the same time each week
• spend at least an hour and a half having fun
• take turns choosing what activity you do (See worksheet)
• have it coincide with a meal
• get each family member in turn to choose their favorite menu • when they are old enough, use it as an opportunity to teach them to cook their choice of food
• make sure conversation and activities are at the level of the children
• if it is a week night, work out when to fit in homework, music practice, etc. (before or after depending on the age of the children)
• turn off the TV, or limit it to one program or DVD that you can watch together
• children learn about good and bad behavior from their family
they learn values such as:
• thinking about others
• taking responsibility
• helping around the house
Question: How can you plan a focused time of play with your child(ren) this week? Spend some time thinking about your moral compass – where does it point? Why?
