Parenting Tools and Resources

One of my favorite parts of teaching with some dedicated men is that they have brought the All Pro Dad program to my school.  During the program dads and their children talk about various family issues.  One of the final sessions this year we were giving a "Parenting: Tools & Resources" guide. In the guide they had lots of great tips on how to make sure to put your family first (after God).

The first step of creating a family-centered life is to do a quick evaluation of your current situation.  What are you spending your time doing throughout the day?  How much of that time is dedicated to work?  How much of that time is dedicated with your family?  How much of that time is spent online, watching TV or on your phone?  How much of that time is spent with friends?

Once you evaluate your current reality, make a SMART goal on what changes you would like to see happen.

Here is a list of ideas that you may want to do with your family this summer:

• Schedule some one-on-one dad (or mom) time with each of your children.
• Have your entire family gather for dinner most days of the week. 
• Hold a monthly home video night.
• Hold a monthly family board game night. 
• Include kids in family chores and work side-by-side each other in conversation. 
• If you watch TV, mute the TV during commercials to talk about life or the show as a family. 
• Go camping as a family.
• Plan more family activities outdoors. 
• Do some community service together while focusing on the ways God has blessed you and has called us to give back to the needy around us. 
• Plan and cook meals with your child(ren) at home. 
• Go to a museum and create a scavenger hunt for them to complete while they are there. 
• Have a picnic at the park.

My favorite new suggestion that for this summer is to hold a "Un-Birthday" celebration.  Have everyone draw a family member's name out of a hat and - with a $5 limit - buy, wrap and give an un-birthday present to that person.  Make a cake to celebrate the un-birthday with everyone.  

Do you have any tips of ways to connect with your family during the summer months?