5 Things You Can Do Right Now To Spend Quality Time With Your Family

It’s so easy to feel we are not enough as parents. Not put together enough (how does that one mom always look so good at school drop off, meanwhile I have oatmeal on my shirt and my toddler is missing a shoe), clean enough (we all know that one house that is immaculately clean at all times), and the worst one of all for me, not feeling like we are spending enough time and doing enough with and for our kids. This guilt comes almost entirely from social media. The posts of perfectly packed school lunches worthy of a magazine cover, posts of elaborate picnics on a Tuesday afternoon “just because”, and the list goes on. Let me first say that there is nothing wrong with packing beautiful lunches for your kids or planning wonderful picnics! The problem is that we sometimes see those posts and assume that’s what every second of that family’s life is like, and with that comparison we can’t help but feel like we’re not enough. Not enough because we’re not doing these above-and-beyond, out of the  ordinary awesome things for our kids.

Nope. Fake news.

You are enough. Your children, especially the younger ones, think you are the sun and the moon and everything in between. Yes, even with your last minute, thrown together lunch and oatmeal on your shirt. You are enough because the mere fact that you feel a pang of guilt proves that you love your children fiercely. 

“You are enough because the mere fact that you feel a pang of guilt proves that you love your children fiercely. “

You do not need to jump through hoops or have millions of dollars to have meaningful, quality time with your children. You just have to do I t. Here are five super simple things you can do with your family that cost nothing, have zero prep and will make you and your family feel close, get away from distractions and make memories that you and your kids will cherish.

  1. Go on a penny walk! I had never even heard of this until Wes suggested we do it a few weeks ago. You simply grab a penny (ok, I lied about these activities being free. This one costs one cent.) and you start out on a walk in your neighborhood. Every time you reach a street corner you flip the penny to decide which way to turn. I loved this so much! You can do this on foot, on bikes, on Power Wheels, wagons, whatever! You can make it as short or as long as you want. Such a great way to just be together and talk while doing something different.
  2. Cook or bake together! Since he was about two years old, Jack has loved being in the kitchen with me and helping me cook and bake. Get the whole family in on the fun by assigning tasks to older kids, or working on everything together. This is usually something kids don’t do often so it’s new and exciting for them. Added bonus that having them perform tasks they see as “grown-up” tasks provide them with a sense of autonomy. If they’re young enough you can probably even trick them into loving to do the dishes!
  3. Family Movie Night! This one may seem mundane but we have to remember that children see magic where we don’t, as long as we make it magical. No, that doesn’t mean with elaborate themed foods decorations for your movie night. Make it magical by hyping it up days before your movie night so they’re counting down and excited! If you’re feeling up for it make a blanket fort in the living room and throw every pillow you can find on the floor. Cuddle up and watch that movie they’ve already seen 873 times or pick a new one to enjoy together. 
  4. Go to the public library. Yes, even if you have teenagers. Books bring people together. Period. Even if your children don’t care for the books in your home, there’s just something about going to a new place and being surrounded by books. Your kids can take turns picking a book, your family finds a spot (most libraries have great comfy couches) and  you read these books together. Make it a weekly thing when it’s time to return the books. Parents of little kids, most libraries have interactive story times so ask your library about that!
  5. Pray together. I saved this one for last because for us, it’s the absolute best family bonding. There is just something about praying together that brings down walls and brings families together. Our evening prayer time is so special to us. Praying out loud gives a clear and deep look into our hearts and I can’t think of anything that could bring a family closer. There’s no better way to see what’s in the heart of your child then to ask them what they are grateful for, what they worry about and who they think needs some of God’s Grace. We thank God for the people in our lives and for all we have, we pray for those we know who are in trying times, we pray for those who have no one to pray for them. These are big topics that can be easily taught to young hearts along with the underlying lessons of gratefulness and compassion. Pray with your spouse. Pray with your children.

“Praying out loud gives a clear and deep look into our hearts and I can’t think of anything that could bring a family closer.”

Whoa, this was heavier than I expected when we had the idea for this post!  We so hope this post puts your parent heart at ease and shows you how easy it is to spend meaningful time and make meaningful memories with your family.

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