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I am a single mom. My time and funds are limited, but I want to make family time a special time. We all know how important it is to have strong family ties - to fell bonded. Over the years, I've come up with some cheap, easy, and fun activities that my kids really enjoy.
The first idea is the Saturday Night Party-WOO HOO! That's exactly what we call it in my family. We grab all the pillows in the house and pile them in front of the TV. We pop some corn or make some brownies and jump into our pajamas. We turn on the tube and take advantage of weekend children's television programming. We jump up and dance to music videos - the girls especially love using the coffee table as a stage - something that is strictly off limits during the rest of the week. Or we watch a favorite family video for the umpteenth time. It doesn't really matter what is on the television - it's the goofy laughter and the pillow fights that are an integral part of every Saturday Night Party-WOO HOO that really matter.
Sometimes, we make a bed out of blankets and sleeping bags. My kids all pick a spot and they do a sleep-over with their siblings. I love to come in and see them sleeping, all curled up together the next morning. My oldest daughter is the biggest fan of the sleepover. She is still a bit young to feel quite comfortable with staying at a neighbor's house, but hanging out with her big brother and her little sister is a "safe" way to have the same kind of fun. I usually stay with them until just before bedtime. Then, I go and read in my room while they whisper and giggle themselves to sleep.
We also like to turn the stereo up and dance in the kitchen while we make dinner. The girls love to sing and dance like their favorite stars while I try to make them laugh with my dorky dancing. When I was a girl, I did this with my mom and sister. I get such joy from acting goofy and I'm trying to teach my kids that they can, too.
I take each of my kids on a special date whenever I can. It's special one on one time. It doesn't need to be fancy - just dinner and some good conversation. My daughter and I went to a local pizza place last time. The best part was when she tried the driving video game. I am really glad that she has quite a few years to go until she gets behind the wheel of a real car. We laugh every time we remember it. In the past, we've gone roller skating, on a walk, laying out in the grass looking at the stars when the other kids are asleep, or going for ice cream. It really doesn't matter what you do, as long as you focus your attention on one of your children at a time - it makes them feel special.
Family fun does not need to be expensive to be valuable. Use your imagination or brainstorm with your kids. I am willing to bet that they will fall on the floor laughing at your best dorky dance.
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