Family Fun on a Small Budget
Yesterday we began talking about the first 5 ways to have fun with our families while NOT spending a lot of dough. Even though the economy may be down and dollars a bit short, parents and children can still enjoy themselves and make great memories!
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Plan a scavenger hunt: Invite the neighbors over to find the treasure in one of your backyards or at a neighborhood family-friendly store! Separate children into teams (each with an adult supervisor) and have each team wear a certain color for easy identification. Write clues that lead the teams around the neighborhood looking for the “treasure.” Each neighbor can contribute something to the “pot” (or you can all go into it together) such as baked goods, a cool t-shirt, beaded necklaces or art supplies, a gift card, or whatever other low cost fun item that comes to mind. (Also see geocaching in yesterday’s comment section).
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Volunteer: What a wonderful way to contribute to your community and have fun as well! Donate time to the local animal shelter. Teach the children to sing or dance for the women and men at the nursing home in town. Allow the children to help out with after classes that cater to children with special needs. Volunteering gets children out of the house, doing something helpful and generous, and having a great time.
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Create your own power outage: When the power is out, the family tends to come together. Shut off the lights, the computer and the TV. Spread out a blanket on the floor or huddle up in bed, tell stories, play flashlight or word games, and have a special “power outage picnic.”
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Decorate old clothes: Get out the old jeans and t-shirts and decorate! Use acrylic paints, fabric remnants, stamps, dye, patches and rhinestones. These kinds of projects can breed new interest in forgotten clothes and can offer a different art medium besides paper.
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Get outside and enjoy! It might be starting to cool down but that doesn’t mean we have to stay inside. Go sledding! Build a fort! Create snow sculptures and snow angels. And who can forget the hot cocoa that is a must after rolling around in the cold? When we let kids be kids– and allow ourselves to revisit the fun of childhood as well, we are creating powerful connections with our children, allowing their imagination to expand and showing them that we don’t have to always take life so seriously.
These ideas may not cost a lot of money but they are certainly big on fun. Some might say that these low cost ideas can be even more enjoyable than the expensive trips, costly games, and nights eating out. The important thing is that you are all together and creating memories. Don’t forget the camera! Participation in these budget-friendly activities are certain to bring on smiles that should be saved forever in your family scrapbook!
Please keep adding your ideas! Comment below!
Dr. Robyn Silverman is a child development specialist, success coach, and parenting expert who has won several awards for her tips-based articles. She speaks at conferences and businesses worldwide discussing topics such as creating positive limits for children, raising kids with character, and bringing out your child’s inner leader. She also works with individuals and families on making their lives meaningful, successful, and powerful. For more information, please visit www.DrRobynSilverman.com , for coaching go to www.QuickSilverCoaching.com or to take part in her Powerful Parenting Blog, visit http://www.DrRobynsBlog.com. Dr. Robyn lives in Weymouth with her family.
