You’re in good company! Let’s get right to some ways to work around it, yes?
The goal here is to make it fun AND productive … AND to build special bonding memories with your kids.
AND, if we make it easy to plan and execute, well … that’s just genius! So, get your genius on, and let’s build some golden memories while we wait for the snow to melt.
Keep in mind that the prep time can be as fun and valuable as the actual project, so pay special attention to those moments … great conversations can happen while doing the little things. That’s a great way to get to know what’s in your kid’s head and heart in a casual way … without them knowing it.
Why not build special moments with your kids while making birthday cards for friends and family members whose birthdays are coming up? This is the perfect way to combine fun and productivity; you are about to embark on a project that will make you proud now, and it will make your heart smile for the rest of forever!
Here’s a simple way to make that happen:
• You will need:
-Your birthday calendar and address book
-Paper: various colors and textures are great, but plain paper works just as well, and you can spice it up yourselves by getting creative together!
-Pens, crayons, markers, even paint (depending on child’s age … finger paints work well for younger kids)
-Stickers, glitter, feathers, decorative scraps of just about anything
-Glue, scissors, tape, etc.
-Envelopes and stamps
-Imagination
• Make a list of the upcoming birthdays; decide on whose card you will work on, then begin by folding your paper and writing their name vertically down the left side on front of the card. Use each letter of their name to write a word, sentence or poem about them. Remember that poems do not have to rhyme.
• Write your birthday wishes on the inside of the card and decorate it with the fun items you gathered (above).
• Sign and date your card and put it in an envelope. Address it, stamp it (unless you are using Forever stamps, you might want to hold off on the postage :).
• Now you just file your cards away until it’s time to mail them! I use an accordion style folder with months labeled on the tabs to keep ours organized.
If you don’t have the time to do cards for the entire year, you can chunk this project down and do it quarterly, monthly, or whatever makes the best use of time for you and your family. My guess is that if you spread it out and schedule periodic times, it will become time that you and your kids will look forward to with great anticipation!
One of the great things about this project is that it can be adapted to fit any age!
Now, go create some special moments, save money on cards, and give the gift that just keeps on giving ~ smiles, love and memories for a lifetime!
;-Deb
"It's never wrong to write!"
