Family Corner
By Krystle J Bailey
It’s that time of the year when the snow is melting, the holidays are long behind us, and everyone is beginning to loathe the onset of the winter blues. Before we know it, spring will have sprung, and the kids will be itching for summer break. As the old saying goes, “The days are long, but the years are short.”
As a mom, I’ve seen the time fly by more quickly than I am comfortable with year after year. It seems I blink, and the kids are another year older. In my futile effort to slow down time, I’ve gotten more intentional about not rushing through each season of life. As much as I love the summertime and look forward to warmer days, as time seems to slip through my fingers, I find myself holding on more and more to each precious moment and consciously trying not to rush my life.
We’ve all heard about summer bucket lists, but why wait for summer to have a little fun? Here are a few ideas for a “Winter 2024 Bucket List” with the family. Time is the most precious commodity we’ve got. I encourage you to take a pause from the hustle and bustle this week and try one of these family activities.
Homemade Valentine’s Day Cards
Spread the love with homemade Valentine’s Day cards for everyone in your household. Break out the scissors and glue for a family craft night that’s literally filled with love. Make cards for your kids and invite them to make one for you or each other. This is a great opportunity to put the technology down and spend a little uninterrupted family time. Put a twist on it with a “Secret Santa” Valentine’s Day style.
Here are a few conversation prompts for the moment:
- What are some things that you love about each other?
- Do you know what your love language is?
- What are some of your favorite memories together as a family?
- What are some ways that you can spread love and kindness to others in your community?
Healthy Bake Night
Santa’s cookies have long been devoured, and New Year’s resolutions are underway. For many families, January is an opportunity to kick the junk food and return to a well-balanced diet after the holidays. That doesn’t have to mean baking nights are over! Plan a healthier bake night. Get creative and maybe a little messy as you spend time together trying new recipes and sneaking chocolate chips.
Try these Healthy Chunky Monkey Oatmeal Bars from Eating Well:
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats, ½ cup peanut butter, two large mashed bananas, and three tablespoons of brown sugar. Mix well.
- Fold in ¼ cup roughly chopped walnuts and ¼ cup of chocolate chips.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing into bars.
2024 Goal Setting Night
If you haven’t set family goals and intentions yet for the year, there is no greater time than the present. Family goal night is a perfect winter activity and opportunity to get everyone on the same page. Brainstorm a list of everything you’d like to accomplish as a family this year, from cleaning out the garage and hosting a yard sale to relationship improvements and academic goals.
Here are a few questions to get the conversation going:
- What is something we can learn together this year?
- What can we do to help our community?
- What are some ways we want to improve our home life?
- What clutter could we get rid of before spring?
- What is the biggest, craziest, scariest thing you want to accomplish in life?
Roundtable Reading
Choose a book for the whole family to enjoy and take turns reading to one another. Challenge each other to use your most dramatic character voices or to read using an accent of your choosing.
Here are a few books for the whole family to inspire you:
- The Princess Bride by William Goldman
- Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
- Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian
- The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
Other ideas for the bucket list include indoor snowball fights with rolled-up paper, Nerf Gun wars, trivia or game nights, family baking or cooking competitions, and book reading challenges. Get creative with your own winter bucket list ideas. There is no wrong way to spend quality time with the people you love.
Hang on, Shore Local families! We will be splashing in the waves before you know it, but in the meantime, life is happening right before our eyes. Let’s take the next few weeks to enjoy the slower pace and make memories with the people who matter most!
