Spice It Up
"I would rather be shot at, multiple times, than stay at home with my kids for an entire day!"
These were the words I overheard from another customer at a local produce stand. The man went on to brag how he has a long commute to work and never gets home before 8 pm on the weeknights. His wife is a "saint" because she works full time and then has to "deal with the kids" every night by herself.
Seriously?! Would anyone really prefer to be shot at over spending time with the child you had part in creating? I know how hard and draining parenting is some days, but if that is the mentality he's approaching it with, it won't be getting any better anytime soon.
His words kept running through my head the rest of the day. They ticked me off.
Then I felt pity for him. The poor soul would have to live with regrets someday. He'll find himself wishing their childhood back; wishing he was PRESENT more. I'm sure his children would've been crushed if they overheard his comments that day. Perhaps, someday the tables will turn and he'll overhear his children saying, "I'd rather be shot at, multiple times, than go visit dad at the nursing home."
At times, parenting is difficult and unrewarding. But God designed it to be FUN and REWARDING! Children are a blessing, although the world seems to portray them as a nuisance. Psalm 127:3-5 says: "Children are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Sons born during one's youth are like arrows in a warrior's hand. How blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! They will not be put to shame when they confront enemies at the city gate."
Summer vacation is winding down and the return to normal life is approaching quickly for many families. This makes it a great time to introduce new and lasting traditions! Just like we see many articles on ways to spice up our marriages, it's time to spice up our parenting! We all get in ruts and routines, so let's expand our horizons and have fun making memories!
Here's a list of ideas to get you started:
- Saturday morning family breakfast where everyone helps!
- "Dippy Meals" My kids love these! Saturday lunch or Sunday supper is a fun, great way to eat these light, appetizer type meals.
These were the words I overheard from another customer at a local produce stand. The man went on to brag how he has a long commute to work and never gets home before 8 pm on the weeknights. His wife is a "saint" because she works full time and then has to "deal with the kids" every night by herself.
Seriously?! Would anyone really prefer to be shot at over spending time with the child you had part in creating? I know how hard and draining parenting is some days, but if that is the mentality he's approaching it with, it won't be getting any better anytime soon.
His words kept running through my head the rest of the day. They ticked me off.
Then I felt pity for him. The poor soul would have to live with regrets someday. He'll find himself wishing their childhood back; wishing he was PRESENT more. I'm sure his children would've been crushed if they overheard his comments that day. Perhaps, someday the tables will turn and he'll overhear his children saying, "I'd rather be shot at, multiple times, than go visit dad at the nursing home."
At times, parenting is difficult and unrewarding. But God designed it to be FUN and REWARDING! Children are a blessing, although the world seems to portray them as a nuisance. Psalm 127:3-5 says: "Children are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Sons born during one's youth are like arrows in a warrior's hand. How blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! They will not be put to shame when they confront enemies at the city gate."
Summer vacation is winding down and the return to normal life is approaching quickly for many families. This makes it a great time to introduce new and lasting traditions! Just like we see many articles on ways to spice up our marriages, it's time to spice up our parenting! We all get in ruts and routines, so let's expand our horizons and have fun making memories!
Here's a list of ideas to get you started:
- Saturday morning family breakfast where everyone helps!
- "Dippy Meals" My kids love these! Saturday lunch or Sunday supper is a fun, great way to eat these light, appetizer type meals.
Crackers, pretzels, and veggies dipped in a ranch spread.
Meatball sandwiches on a stick dipped in marinara sauce.
Fruit, wafers, and marshmallows dipped in chocolate
Let me reemphasize FAMILY FUN!
- Family bike rides
- Movie Night
-Game night
-Make birthdays special letting the child choose their birthday theme and meal.
- Play sports with them. Soccer, tennis, baseball, and basketball are a few of our favorites!
- Hiking/walks
- Read stories and books together
- After-school snacks are great ways to make their homecoming special. If they feel loved, they will open up and talk about their day! Here are a few ideas:
Clementine pumpkin
Hard boiled egg bunny
Banana dolphin
- Simple crafts
- Go to a park
- Indoor or outdoor camping (blanket forts on the living room floor make for some great family sleepover memories!)
- Glow night: Music + Glow in the dark body paint + glow sticks + black light = A memorable evening that your kids will beg for again!
Like I said, these are just a few of our favorite things to do as a family, but the options are endless! Above all, let's have positive attitudes when addressing the job of parenting! We never know what a day may hold, so let's choose to embrace the time we are given with our loved ones!
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