Five hacks to a stress-free weekend with kids
You had kids because you wanted a family, right? So slow down and enjoy them by doing something fun together.
Weekends are about family time yet many of us, especially those with younger children, have very little time to actually enjoy time spent with our children.
For many parents, weekends often mean catching up on all the chores that fell by the wayside Monday through Friday, waking up early, rushing around taking the kids to birthday parties and shopping centres, and ensuring our children are entertained 24/7.
As a result, weekends can be even more stressful than work weeks, and when Monday arrives it can feel like a breath of fresh air. Luckily, there are ways to get things done while still having time for relaxation and pleasure. You just need to be flexible and think ahead.
Here are five simple ways to spend more time with your children over the weekends, that will leave you feeling happy, and rested after a long week.
Enlist the kids to help
We sometimes attempt to do everything ourselves, forgetting that part of educating our children to be productive, competent adults is teaching them how to do everything we do. So enlist the kids to help you with chores and errands in age-appropriate ways – and make it fun. Assign points to the kids’ chores and award small prizes to the kid who completes their chores. They’ll be motivated to move faster and do the job well.
Have fun in the sun
Make the most of the warm summer days and have a picnic with the kids outside. Encourage them to climb trees, swim in the pool, or find bugs in the garden. Being outdoors is good for the soul.
Watch a movie
There’s nothing wrong with a little screen time every now and then. If the weather isn’t great, put on a family-friendly movie, make some popcorn, and curl up with your kids on the couch.
Camp out
Erect a tent and start a bonfire as the sun sets and catch up with your kids over hot chocolate and marshmallows. You’ll also have a chance to look up at the stars while you create some priceless memories.
Board Games
A fun-filled weekend doesn’t have to be expensive. Board games like scrabble are a terrific way to keep the whole family entertained during the weekend. Remember those heart-pounding Monopoly marathons from your childhood? Resurrect the old board games from the attic and pass them down to the next generation.
