•  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?

From Series: Parenting Children Ages 0-10 | More Messages from Parenting Children | Download Audio

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