If you are a parent who wants to ensure that the time you spend with your children is filled with fun and happiness, you should explore the following seven fun ways to spend the weekend with the kids.
There are many different things that you can do with your children to get the most out of your time together, but the following tips and ideas are great starters to get you going.
Your children, especially when they are younger, enjoy nothing more than having your full attention. If you can take the time to focus on them and give them some undivided attention, they will be happier and healthier.
Statistics prove that children who come from homes where they enjoyed quality time with their parents at least once a week do better in school, in their relationships and friendships and are all-round happier individuals.
If you can put aside a whole weekend every now and then to devote entirely to your children, you will be making them incredibly happy. You will also feel better after spending quality time with your little ones.
Seven fun ways to spend the weekend with the kids
Weekend number one
Go camping
A camping weekend, whether it is in the back of your garden, at a caravan park near the sea or in a scenic game reserve, is a great way to get away from the pressures of everyday life and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones.
Camping may sound like a lot of hard work, especially if you have children, but with proper planning and the right venue, it can be incredibly easy and fun.
Choose a destination that provides ablution facilities and running water and that is not too far away. Borrow or buy a tent that is large enough to house everyone (one with separated ‘room’s and a front covered ‘porch’ area is best).
Make sure you pack everything you will need for two nights away and don’t forget the sports gear! Take a ball, swimming gear, cards and board games and light a fire at night to roast marshmallows on.
Weekend number two
The DIY weekend
Interest the whole family in a project, for example building a treehouse, wendy house or bookshelf, and get everyone involved.
Do this when the weather is good and spread yourselves out in the back garden. Slather on the sunscreen, have fresh lemonade on hand and get your children gluing boards, painting and decorating.
Make sure you invest in the right safety gear and never do this with toddlers.
Weekend number three
The creative weekend
This sort of weekend is based on any sort of creative project. If Christmas is coming up, get the children making decorations, gifts for relatives, advent calendars or wrapping paper.
If not, teach your children some new art form and have fun. Some ideas include pottery, sand art, cupcake decorating, clay moulding, painting or anything else.
This, like the above activity, can go on all weekend if you do it right.
Weekend number four
The rainy weather weekend
The rainy weather weekend is a favourite with many families. Spend the day snuggled on the couch with a stack of DVDs to watch. Make pizzas together to enjoy, drink milo around the fire and play Monopoly for a few hours.
Weekend number five
The sporty weekend
Enjoy the rugby on TV, go watch a hockey match, play some sporty trivia and then set up your own game of cricket in the garden.
Have a swimming race in the pool and play the egg and spoon race or the sack race. Have prizes for your mini Olympics.
Weekend number six
The all-sorts weekend
Allow every family member to list two inexpensive all-inclusive activities they would like to do. Give everyone a budget and then do every single activity as a family.
Weekend number seven
The giving back weekend
This weekend is good for the soul. Take your children to a charity event or to a children’s home and get them involved in helping out and giving back.