Heidi @ Mt Hope Posted March 8, 2009 Share Posted March 8, 2009 I've been thinking this over for the past couple months... With many family budgets shrinking and (in some cases) a sense of entitlement/discontent growing, what are special things we can do with our families to create a sense of connection and make great memories without spending much (or any) money? I'm starting a series on my blog with a Mr. Linky (if I can get it to work, never done that before!). It will start on Thursday with ideas for daily rituals/moments/activities. Anyone interested in joining me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 I've been thinking this over for the past couple months... With many family budgets shrinking and (in some cases) a sense of entitlement/discontent growing, what are special things we can do with our families to create a sense of connection and make great memories without spending much (or any) money? Anyone interested in joining me? Not really, but my folks did two cheap things I treasure from childhood: family garden and volksmarches. Perhaps the grandest day of my life was an all day hike on the Murrumbidgee River when we lived in Canberra. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 We walk every night as a family. We have family Bible time every night as a family. We used to watch "Get Smart" (the original) re-runs on a DVD every Friday night until we watched all of season 1. We're currently waiting for season 2 to be released. We sing together as a family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
athena1277 Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 One thing I remember doing as a kid was going on family picnics. We didn't do it often, but it was always lots of fun. We'd play, eat, walk around the park, and feed the ducks with our leftover bread. I also remember going for rides with my dad in his pirogue (similar to a canoe). We always got RC colas and moon pies to eat on our "adventure". We're just starting to do these kinds of things with our own children. I hope they have great memories like mine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nestof3 Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 My boys love playing games with mom and dad. We went bike riding today -- they love that. Picnics are the best to them -- even in our own backyard, in their fort, or on the living room floor. Having tea together is fun to them. Audio books at lunch time is special. Believe it or not, a family movie is a huge deal. We sat down the other night and the four of us (our eldest had to leave for martial arts) watched Duma. I cannot remember the last time we watched a movie together. It was fun and cozy and meant a ton to them. Go Netflix! The boys love it when daddy plays the guitar -- children's songs or silly songs. Ben loves listening to music on the internet while sitting in my lap. He also enjoys looking at card and scrapbooking magazines with me. He stamps with me as well. Reading aloud is always a hit. Going to the library is great. The park is the best. Daddy took them on a picnic to a park with a playground the other day. They also walked around the little lake and up the hill (a mound of trash covered with grass). They love making dessert with me. Popcorn is a hit. Daddy takes them canoeing once a year in the summer. He also takes them camping on the same weekend. The boys love helping my husband in the garage -- during a woodworking project. My husband plays paintball with our eldest. We like looking at the cats together at PetSmart (local animal shelter cats). :) Actually, almost everything we do together is free (or really cheap). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heidi @ Mt Hope Posted March 9, 2009 Author Share Posted March 9, 2009 Great replies and ideas! My best memories growing up were playing outside all summer long and our yearly camping trip. We also loved to play cards and other games. My dh takes the boys on a boys camping trip every summer. We've started taking road trips with the boys. I'm looking forward to being able to take bicycling trips. My favorite thing at home to do with the boys is cook and bake! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted March 11, 2009 Share Posted March 11, 2009 We have a carpet picnic for breakfast each day dh is home to participate. Cheap, since we had to eat anyway, and it definitely makes him happy. He especially likes it if I'm up to cook fresh flatbreads to have, but he's happy even if that doesn't happen. :) Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ria Posted March 11, 2009 Share Posted March 11, 2009 My boys love playing games with mom and dad. We went bike riding today -- they love that. Picnics are the best to them -- even in our own backyard, in their fort, or on the living room floor. Having tea together is fun to them. Audio books at lunch time is special. Believe it or not, a family movie is a huge deal. We sat down the other night and the four of us (our eldest had to leave for martial arts) watched Duma. I cannot remember the last time we watched a movie together. It was fun and cozy and meant a ton to them. Go Netflix! The boys love it when daddy plays the guitar -- children's songs or silly songs. Ben loves listening to music on the internet while sitting in my lap. He also enjoys looking at card and scrapbooking magazines with me. He stamps with me as well. Reading aloud is always a hit. Going to the library is great. The park is the best. Daddy took them on a picnic to a park with a playground the other day. They also walked around the little lake and up the hill (a mound of trash covered with grass). They love making dessert with me. Popcorn is a hit. Daddy takes them canoeing once a year in the summer. He also takes them camping on the same weekend. The boys love helping my husband in the garage -- during a woodworking project. My husband plays paintball with our eldest. We like looking at the cats together at PetSmart (local animal shelter cats). :) Actually, almost everything we do together is free (or really cheap). You know, Dawn, every time I read a post about your family I think, "I'd love to be their neighbor." :001_smile: Ria Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nestof3 Posted March 11, 2009 Share Posted March 11, 2009 Ria, That's the nicest thing I've heard all day. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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