Family Day: Getting Back to Basics

With Family Day around the corner it got me thinking about my first blog post of the year, Hello 2018. One of my goals for the year was to spend more time with my family. We used to dedicate one day a week (usually on a weekend) to spend time together. Whether it be going out and doing something as a family or doing something at home. Sometimes these things cost money and others don't. Sadly family time became few and far between. We had so much going on in our lives that we lost sight of what we loved. So I wanted to get back to that. A time when we put down our phones (No answering calls, texts, checking social media etc other than use of the camera for the odd picture of a silly moment) and just spent time together. 

Family day (A Newer Holiday) is just over a week away where we live. For those of you who are unsure what Family Day is I'll break it down for you, it's quite simple really. It was a Holiday established so people could spend time with their families while also providing a break between New Years Day and Good Friday which are approximately 3 months apart. Not all provinces in Canada observe Family Day, don't ask me why it's not Province wide, I could never understand that. Either way here in Ontario we get an extra day off. 

Having a holiday like this in the dead of winter makes you get a little creative. With the weather being so unpredictable it's hard to really make plans that are set in stone, so having a back up plan is ideal. For us going out to a largely crowded event won't be ideal (due to our son and his sensory issues) we will probably do something that isn't as busy or local. Family day will be our kickoff for reinstating family time. It doesn't have to be the entire day either, even a small portion of time dedicated to spending with family can make a world of difference. Keep in mind you don't have to spend money to have fun as a family. Below are some starting points


  • Get Outside: The winter months can seem to drag on forever. With dropping temps and unpredictable weather many of us have been cooped up inside. If the weather permits it, go outside. Go on a hike, go for a walk, go the park, here we have quite a bit of snow that most likely won't be going anywhere anytime soon. Tobogganing looks like it will be the activity of choice. Build a snowman, have a snow ball fight. When was the last time you had an epic snow battle? Before you know it winter will be over so those who ski or skate this would be a great day to do so. (These will cost money) 
  • Watch a Movie: This doesn't necessarily mean going to the Movie Theatre. You can watch a movie at home! Stay in you pj's or wear your comfy clothes and choose a movie the family will enjoy. Make some snacks and enjoy the time together. 
  • Have a Picnic: A picnic in the middle of winter? Of course you can, if the weather permits you could have an outdoor picnic, but having a picnic lunch in your living room can be just as fun. I know my kids always enjoy when we get to eat anywhere besides the table. Throw down a blanket and enjoy some time together. 
  • Play a Game: My oldest has quite the collection of board and card games. He really does enjoy playing them. This is something the entire family can do together. The plus is most families already have games in their houses so this is a free activity. We also have a couple of gaming systems that have games that engage the entire family. Some of our favourite board games include: Monopoly Gamer, Boom Boom Balloon, Pie Face, Battleship, Snakes and Ladders, Star Wars Duels and Uno. Even though our youngest is 2 he still enjoys pretending that he is playing along with us. 
  • Create Something Together: Crafting and Building can be a source of stress for those who aren't keen on messes, but it can also be great fun. Have a project you are working on at home, see if there are ways you can get the kids involved. Have Lego bricks laying around (I know we have so many) Make a challenge to build something. Set a timer and have at it. You can also do this with play-doh (If you don't have any there are tons of recipes online to make homemade play dough). Colouring or painting together as a family can be fun. We bought rolls of craft paper from the dollar store, they are great to use to cover spaces to keep tables and floors clean but they are also tons of fun to paint or colour on. Draw something and try and get the others to guess what it is. 
  • Cook/Bake Together: I know that sometimes the ideas of kids in the kitchen can be a nightmare, but if planned properly it can be a great way to bond. It is also creates great skills for kids, they will often mimic or pretend with a play kitchen, so why not get them involved in the actual kitchen? This is something we like to do and we find the kids are more likely to try something if they had their hand in making it. We do a lot of baking around here, many of our snack items are homemade. It's a great way to get the whole family involved. While you are waiting for something to finish baking/cooking you could play a card game or start watching a movie like mentioned above. 
This past summer with the help of my dear friend Pinterest, we made an "I'm Bored" Jar. I didn't want to hear those words when we have so many toys and games. One thing I know my son lacks is imagination, his creativity is solely based on something he has watched or read. He often needs to be prompted to do something, and visual aides help. With his help we created this jar using an empty Jam Jar and some Popsicle sticks. We wrote different activities on each stick and the idea is when you say you are "bored" or looking for something to do, you pick a stick from the jar and do the activity it says. This is great way to help figure out what to do on Family day or your dedicated time for family. Some of sticks we change during the winter months because going swimming outside, playing in the creek and water balloon fights aren't exactly feasible during the dead of winter. You can put any activity on the sticks that pertains to your family. 

No matter what you choose to do, doing it together as a family and spending quality time together is really all that matters. 

What are some things you like to do as a family?

~Mommy Dearest 






Comments

  1. I love your ideas! I love to do board games and some cooking lessons.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks. Board games are way more fun now that my oldest is older lol. Cooking is one of my favourite things.

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