Kids & Cabin Fever

Got Cabin Fever? …

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 plain 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 creative way to get to know what’s in your kid’s head and heart casually … without them knowing it.

Building special moments with your kids while making birthday cards for friends and family members 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:
o Your birthday calendar and address book
o 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!
o Pens, crayons, markers, even paint (depending on child’s age … finger paints work well for younger kids)
o Stickers, glitter, feathers, decorative scraps of just about anything
o Glue, scissors, tape, etc.
o Envelopes and stamps
o Imagination

• Make a list of 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.

• Now 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 stamp)

• 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!

Wasn't that fun? ...

Now you've earned a cup of tea!

Enjoy,
Mama ;-Deb

Extracurricular Activity Overload~

This post was inspired by a listener of one of my weekly radio segments in Newfoundland. A mother wrote to the show's host asking about her 11 year old daughter who wants to sign up for everything; sports, music, art, any lesson or extracurricular activity she hears about she wants to try. The problem is that she never sticks to anything. At first the mother thought she just hadn’t found her “niche” yet, but after dozens of classes and thousands of dollars, she just can’t keep this up. Can we help?

My answer ... Yes! We can help here, but let's take a deep breath to help ease the frustration before we examine some simple solutions that might be being blocked by the haze of the overload.

OK, so you know that it is music to my ears when a child expresses an interest in extracurricular activities … especially those of an artsy nature! However, we must be just as sensitive to activity-overload as we are to coach potatoes who don't want to try anything!

It is important to help ‘round out' our children without burning them out. And yet it is not always easy to strike a healthy balance while doing so. We will address the issue of encouraging a 'disinterested' child in a future segment; for now, we will answer this mom, and try to find creative ways to get to the root of why her daughter wants to try so many different activities. And, just as important, why she doesn't want to stick with her commitment to pursue them.

You know that I love the toddler mentality which always asks, "WHY? WHY? WHY?" … The reason I love it so much is that it represents a natural and yet-unbiased curiosity which helps children learn, form and grow through the answers they get.

Exploration builds imagination which results in creativity. So, let's explore just a select few possible reasons, imagine what it might be like for this young lady, and then get creative as parents ... looking for answers to every "WHY?"

In this instance, this mom might find that her daughter's desire to enroll in so many activities stems from peer pressure. It could also be from a need to fit in to a particular group (band, chorus, cheer leading, etc.), you know that need for acceptance is so important in formative years … It could also very well be that ‘not fitting in’ to that particular group creates a lack of confidence resulting in a beeline to the exit door.

Often, a lack of self-confidence builds a downward spiral when a child finds that something is not coming easily to them. If this is the case, there are two angles I'd like to examine here; one is the fact that building her self-esteem can help in bigger ways than you can imagine (more on that later), and the second is to focus on nurturing something at which she is good at doing.

That second one is important because we tend to shy away from that which we do best since it comes too easily to us, and so we discount it. We often feel that if we are good at something, it must be common to everyone. That is not so; in fact, that at which we are good is usually our greatest gift meant to be shared with the rest of the world.

Here is where self-esteem building is critical. We must find ways to let our children know that they are great at something. This does not mean building false hopes; instead, be real about acknowledging their greatness, and also teach them to laugh when they flop. I believe that one of the most important things I taught my sons is to laugh at themselves first, before anyone else does because two things are certain; one, someone WILL laugh at you, and two, it won't hurt so bad because you already beat them to it ... At that point it's old news, right? ... And so you move on.

As parents, when we tell our children that they are good at something, we are often met with resistance because we are their parents, and they feel that we are 'supposed' to tell them how great they are. This is partly true; however, instead of telling them only with our words, we must demonstrate to them how and why they are great at _______.

I find that using other people in similar circumstances as examples is helpful because a third-party approach tends to remove the personal feelings and emotions from the situation. Sometimes that's best done in reverse by pointing out how they would not be perceived as _______ if they were not great at ________.

When a loving parent is doing more than puffing up their chest and simply telling their child how great they are, but instead, is pointing out facts in a conversation, it gives the child something to think about ... and they will ... on their own. There is no need for a response from your child here. (This is the point where you can leave them alone to do that thinking.)

No hovering, please~

Revisit the subject on a separate occasion. There is no need to try and get it all in during one conversation ... In fact, that is a sure-fire way to get them to tune out completely, and you will lessen your chances of ever being heard.

This approach builds independent thinking skills and self-esteem. Since the three main ingredients to building self-esteem are empathy, forgiveness and gratitude it helps to highlight these in your conversations. Show empathy for the field-goal kicker who had an entire game resting on his shoulders, only to miss the goal in the last seconds of the game. Instead of trash-talking, show forgiveness if this happened with YOUR team. And show gratitude for the points he did score in the game.

Similarly, when you interject these into your own daily activities with your child, and with your own personal and professional pitfalls and accomplishments, you are clearly demonstrating that this is real life, and this is how you successfully navigate through. This will instill self-esteem.

No matter what else you do, the most important element in developing self-esteem in your child is to be the example; walk, talk, do everything with empathy, forgiveness and gratitude.

That is a recipe for success for everyone! And it will help your child find their 'niche' a little more quickly, and on their own, yet with your loving support.

You know how I know this will work? Simple ... just look at how well you've done so far. Your child is great at many things, and I'd like you to take a moment to write down just a few of them ... Go ahead, write. OK, I'll accept just thoughtfully pondering it in your head.

I'll wait while you do so ...

I know that you've got a pretty good list going there, and you see, those things didn't just 'happen' ... It is not a coincidence that your child has so many great qualities; it is because of what you have done so far. You are better than you give yourself credit for, or you would not be worried so much about this, right?

Now, go do something wonderful for you ... to acknowledge and celebrate your great parenting skills. Sip a cup of your favorite tea, soak in a bubble bath, or call a friend you haven't laughed with in a while.

Have the confidence that because you are a great parent, this too shall turn out well. And if it becomes more than manageable, I know that you are smart enough to know, yet I will give you this gentle, loving reminder: seek outside help. Great and successful people have coaches, therapists and counselors to help them achieve greater success.

I believe in you~

Love,
Mama ;-Deb

No More Pencils; No More Books ... Well, Sort Of~

As if the end of the school year isn't enough awesomeness for students ... how about making it more special for them? Look, they don't have to know that this is also a little scheme to keep them busy and out of your hair for a while now that they are home for summer break! (We'll keep that as our little secret!)

Yes, this little project is going to occupy them for a while; however, the true purpose is to create golden keepsake memories of this school year. Although their rooms are no doubt filled with mementos and souvenirs from fun times had, this will be their own personal recollection, from their eyes, from their hearts, and yes ... from their minds. It is a sneaky way to keep the mental wheels turning during break.

If you are a regular reader of my articles and posts, you know that my method of engaging little brains is to give them a subject that lights up their eyes, and makes their heart sing. We've got to make it personal to them, and it's got to be fun ... after all, this is summer; this is break time; this is the 'no work zone' for the brain ... yeah, right. Don't worry, they are easier to trick than we sometimes think.

It is good to do this early in the break while their memories are fresher, and while their level of excitement is high. No doubt they are excited about summer, and trust me, there is a lot of talk right now amongst them and their friends about every event that occurred this school year. This is a fabulous way to capture that excitement and passion!

Depending on your child's age and your schedules, this can be accomplished in phases or all at once. Either way, here is a brief outline from which you can work. I love outlines because they give a little direction while allowing creative freedom! In fact, I love outlines so much that the entire project is built around one :).

• First, ask your child to list out some memorable events from this school year whether it was as big as the prom, or as small as a sleepover. There really are no small memories when they involve fun times or matters of the heart.
• Ask them to arrange those memories in order of when they happened, creating a sort of timeline. Each event at this point should be numbered in outline form, as each one will be the title for that category.
• Then ask your child go through, and under each category title, bullet out (A,B,C…) certain details from each event. It is most effect in this phase to only use one word to quickly jot down seedlings of ideas.
• Next, they will go through the outline, beginning at the top, and turn each bulleted item in to a sentence.
• Later, they can sequentially turn each sentence into a paragraph.
• Eventually, it will become apparent that this ‘outline’ is turning into a book.

You see what we did there? ... Yep, we just helped them write a book about this school year, and what they learned personally. This is a book about their personal growth this year, from their heart, through their eyes. It will help the lessons sink in, too, because they don't really know that it is part of the purpose here. This is much better that the class yearbook, yes?

Now you can simply keep this in raw form, or you can go to whatever extent you choose to bind it professionally. I’ve got plenty of input here if you’d like … just feel free to contact me and I’ll be more than happy to share my thoughts and experience with you. However, if this is as far as the project gets, know that you’ve accomplished a few pretty important things already.

Your child used his/her brain (both left AND right … which makes me happy!), they relived memories which are important, they memorialized some big events as well as some ‘small’ happenings which could be huge turning points, this helped some important lessons sink in, and (last but not least!) they were busy (AKA out of your hair!). This is not just a great way to turn idle moments into productive time spent for today, it creates golden memories for tomorrow … in keepsake form!

This just might be the way you choose to begin each summer from now on! Regardless, make certain you enjoy today's moments with your kids, soon these mementos will be all that's left of their childhood!

;-Debbie

How to Make The Most of The Time You Spend With Your Kids

The next time someone tells you to go fly a kite, know that they must love you! ...

Otherwise, they'd be more likely to tell you to schedule a time to do something of 'quality' with your kid.

Okay, perhaps that was a wee bit tainted with intolerance; however, I respectfully ask that you hear me out. I seriously think that most of us try too hard to do what really does come naturally ... if only we'd just stop trying.

Most parents ask me to help them make the most of the time they spend with their kids. There truly seems to be a chase for some magical way to manufacture some mysterious thing called 'quality time' with our kids.

Actually, there is one magical key to unlock the 'quality time' door ... Now brace yourself here, I'll say this as delicately as possible.

I've got lots of suggestions; however, my #1 simplest-sure-fire-way-to-good-old-fashioned-quality-time is, (drum-roll, please...) “Lighten up!”

Yep, that's it! ... Lighten the heck up! Often times we make more of a project out of parenting than we should. Yes, there are times when we must put on our game face and address something in an authoritative way. However, is it always necessary to be in charge and in control with our kids?

Now, I’m not talking about life altering situations, I’m talking about planning your normal day or outing. Most of us are scheduled from the time we wake up until the time our weary bodies hit the mattress 16 or so hours later! And our kids’ lives are just as scheduled!

When was the last time your kid played a ‘pick-up’ game at a local ball field? Oh, wait … even the ball field is ‘scheduled’ these days, right? It seems that everyone and everything is 'managed' today. Chances are that your kid’s friends don’t just stop by with a bat over their shoulder asking if Josh can come out and play. They’ve showed up at a designated time for a SCHEDULED play date.

Most of the scheduling our kids are subjected to is because the adults involved (either supervising or transporting the kids) are so very busy that everything must be arranged and fit in to our schedules. As a result, most kids (and adults) today don’t know much about leisurely hanging out in a comfortable fashion. There just doesn’t seem to be much room for simply being 'leisurely' ... and that is just tragic to me!

In fact, the word leisurely has even gotten sort of clumsy to say; you'll see what I mean if you go back to the previous two sentences and reread them. Are we even losing the ability to merely say the word?! Suddenly, the word 'tragic' is not strong enough! ... We are in a state of emergency ... albeit a leisurely one.

Therefore, I propose that you just take one day to try my #1 rule, and simply LIGHTEN UP! … Lighten up your schedule, lighten up your attitude, and I’m going to bet that you will lighten up your heart.

If you are like me, you will need at least a sketch of an outline so that you are not completely shooting from the hip and sitting around the family room asking, “Well, what do you want to do today?” Chances are that the only answer you’ll get besides shrugged shoulders is, “Dunno, what do YOU want to do?” Thus, it’s good to start with a few ideas and adjust as you go along, but it is important to keep in mind that you plan to adjust as you go along.

Remember that the goal here is NOT to stick to a schedule. With that said, begin by each preparing a list of possible things to do, then go grab a breakfast smoothie and have at it! It might be nice just to set out on foot with a note pad and a camera in hand; when you see something interesting, stop and take a picture then make some notes to document your questions and comments. This might just take you right back home to your computer, or to a park bench with your laptop researching something you two just HAVE to find out about.

It might also bore you to tears of laughter! And when you dry your eyes, you might decide to head to the zoo, museum, or a local farm to pet the animals! Either way, notice that you are actually spending time together … cherish it, and journal about it so that you can enjoy it again later, when you set aside more ‘nothing’ time and no one is around to spend it with.

The memories are almost as much fun as the experience, and if I were you, I’d scoop up as many opportunities as you can to create those memories. These times don’t last forever, but they certainly can live on…

I wish you lots of ‘nothing’ time this week~
;-Deb

Tips for Teachers

It’s that time of year again~

• You’ve got your syllabus prepared
• Your lesson planner is rockin’
• You even have most of your tools and props ready
• Yay!

If you are looking for some ideas, you’re in good company. Some 'Color My World' followers have asked me for tips to help teachers facilitate a good comfort level and set the perfect tone for the rest of the school year.

You know, my Mom always had the best little Italian sayings; some of them did not transfer well in English. However, there is one that I believe would have the same impact in any language. In fact, it applies well in this situation … but in reverse.

Here’s what I mean:

Whenever something was amiss, whether it was a business situation or a family matter, my Mom would ask who was in charge. She’d tell me to look at the person at the top of the chain-of-command and I’d probably find the problem because people usually take their lead from that person, and if something was wrong in the middle or at the bottom, something was typically wrong at the top.

She would say, “A fish stinks from the head down.” That’s pretty insightful; it illustrates the point well, and I find it to be true a lot. However, I still prefer to paint prettier pictures. The problem is that none of the 'pretty' scenarios I’ve come up with get the point across as well as the stinky fish.

Which brings about a more popular saying, “If it ain’t broke …” Well, I won’t try to fix my Mom’s brilliant little ditty, but this is how I believe it also holds true in reverse. If things are going smoothly in the middle and at the tail end, someone at the top is setting that tone as well.

We’ve all seen the signs posted in a lot of homes that read, ‘If Momma’s not happy, no one’s happy!’ Well, the same seems to hold true in the classroom; the teacher sets the tone for this ‘family.’

With that said, it is important to be well-rested and prepared so that you are able to then prep your students for a smooth year ahead.

A great way to set the tone is to make each student feel welcomed and important while getting acquainted.

Here is an idea that might help:

•Once you have your student roster, take some time to research their first names.
•Using large index cards or construction paper, write each student’s name and its definition on a card.
•Remember to also make a card for your name.
•Place a Post-it over the name on each card so that only the definition shows.
•When class is in session, make a game out of guessing who matches the description on each card by randomly passing out cards and making certain that no one gets the one with their own name on it.
•Give each student a chance to read the card in their hand while the rest of the class guesses who it is.
•This is not just a good way to learn everyone's name; it also gives a glimpse of each personality right up front. For instance, my name ‘Deborah’ means Queen Bee. I’m not so certain that was a good fit in grade school since I was rather shy; however, later in my life, I’d have to say that I proudly accept that description. I’m in charge of my life; I know what I want, I know how to get things done, and I appreciate the fact that I am well respected for what I do.
•By the way, these name cards can also be used as name plates for the fronts of the desks.
•And at the end of the school year, you can use them again to compare how the definitions fit or changed with each personality since the beginning of the year.

Hey, are we talking about the end of the school year already?! ... Time flies when we are happy~

Here’s to a happy Classroom!

;-Deb

Get the Heck out of the Way!

As adults, we truly do try our best to help our kids move down the 'right' path, yes?

Well, I've got great news for you ~ sometimes we don't have to try so stinkin' hard!

That's right, I'm giving you permission to NOT work so hard at it!

Sometimes, the best thing we can possibly do for our kids is to get the heck out of their way!

Watch this short (about a minute and a half) video to see what I mean:

"Child's Creativity"

Now, relax and go color something YOUR way!

;-D

Are You Having Fun Yet? ...

Now that summer is in full swing, inspiration is all around us! And so, I believe this is the perfect time to use our summer excitement to catapult our creativity... Need a gentle nudge?

Here's a great way to get the creative juices flowing:

Whether you've been away this summer, or have been having fun at home, choose your favorite moment so far, and write a poem about it. Remember that there is still plenty of summer left to create more magical moments! Perhaps you can use that anticipation to write a poem about an upcoming event ... Also keep in mind the fact that poems do NOT have to rhyme.

You know that I LOVE it when you share your poems and stories with me.

With that in mind, I wrote this poem that I'm sharing with you about my recent trip to Oglebay:



My favorite Oglebay Moment …


There’s too many to choose!
I can’t pick just one … I refuse!

So, I wrote this poem to give you a feel
Of a heaven on earth that is oh, so real:

Quiet mornings were spent on the balcony
While birds performed a symphony.

Flowers and trees were in full bloom
Then we returned to a peaceful room.

My ‘work’ was doing workshops with budding poets,
They LOVE ‘Color My World’ don’t you know it?

What an opportunity to teach and share wit,
And I’m grateful for the chance to relax a bit.

We enjoyed soothing massages in their tranquil spa,
Oglebay certainly has something for all!

While I worked, my hubby took a Segway tour.
He had a blast, that’s for sure!

We dined on sumptuous meals with a panoramic view.
And witnessed two beautiful weddings, too.

After a vigorous workout in the gym,
We relaxed in the sauna, then off for a swim.

We walked along nature trails and around the pond,
It’s as though Mother Nature waved her wand.

There were mountains in the distance and a cozy lake,
No better place for a well-deserved break.

Off in the distance, we heard a golfer cry “Fore!”
On our way to the museum and to do shopping galore.

With all that we did, there’s way more left undone,
So, we’re returning soon to scoop up more Oglebay fun!

Meanwhile, I end this poem with a question, though;
There is one thing I’ve got to know …

The director of every fun-filled fiesta
Never seems to get a siesta!

Anne is there, working night and day,
And her enthusiasm doesn’t ever sway.

It’s obvious that her goal is to ensure a good time
But Anne, you’ve GOT to rest sometime!

It seems that you never get to sleep.
When is it YOUR turn to count sheep?

You are certainly the most gracious hostess
Who delivers the absolute mostess!

Your guests are filled with appreciation,
Because you exceed the highest expectation.

So, Anne, my hat is off to you,
For the heart-felt job that you do!



I hope my friends and fans get a chance to visit Oglebay sometime soon! Meanwhile, thanks for being part of 'Color My World' and remember to click on over to my website for more fun and inspiration!

As always, whatever you do, do it creatively and authentically ...

Enjoy the magic~
;-Deb

This Might Seem Like a No-Brainer... BUT...

Yep, that's a big ol' BUT ... buuuut, bear with me here.

Isn't it typically the things that are right under our noses which go unnoticed or taken for granted? I'm thinking ... YES!
Today's Laser Tip is one of those~


One word: Crosswords

Seriously, doing crossword puzzles together with your kids is a great way to:
~keep their brain (and yours) sharp
~build a strong vocabulary (no matter what age)
~spend time together
~build memories
~have fun!

I remember many special moments doing crossword puzzles with my kids, snuggled under a blanket on the couch or in front of a fire in the winter. Other times when we were on vacation and my husband was driving, I'd be doing a crossword puzzle in the front passenger seat, and I'd call out a clue to our sons in the back seat. Often times, it was a collaborated effort to get the right answer; however, some of the 'wrong' answers would spur opportunities for a 'side' lesson.

In addition to filling in the answers on the puzzle, we'd take turns spelling the words and using them in a sentence. This is especially beneficial when there are various age groups participating. Crosswords are generally easy to keep age-appropriate since there is typically a mix of short words and big words.

To make it more fun, you can make 'rules' that the sentence can only pertain to a particular subject or scenario. For instance, all sentences must somehow relate to a zoo. If a clue to a particular puzzle is: Six-letter word for 'a place to learn.' And the answer is 'school,' someone must spell the word 'school' and use it in a sentence pertaining to the zoo. Teens might say something along the lines of, "The last week of school was like a zoo because there was not much structure in our schedule." Younger kids might say, "I'd rather go to the zoo than go to school!"

Either way, there is a hidden bonus here ... insight to what your kid is thinking and feeling. The first sentence might clue you in to the fact that your older child is beginning to prefer structure, even though they might resist it from you at home. And, although it might not be a surprise that your younger child would rather do something more fun than school, it presents you with an opportunity to broach the subject in a gentle manner.

VOILA! Time spent with your kids, future memories, sharpened vocabulary skills, and built-in lessons ... Oh yeah, and you had ... um ... what's a three-letter word for enjoyment? ...

Remember, for more creative ways to have fun with your kids, check out my free interactive website and watch segments of my NBC and CBS morning show appearances on my YouTube Channel. Also, stop by your local book store and pick up a copy of my Best-Selling interactive book for kids of all ages, 'Color My World.'

As always, I LOVE it when you share your creative successes with me ... here or by email: harmonypublications@hotmail.com.

And, I appreciate it when you pass my information along to your friends!

Until next time,
Enjoy the magic~
;-Deb

Going Somewhere?

My goal here is to provide you with quick, easy-to-apply Tips 'n Tools to nurture creativity and get to know your kids better.

Today's Laser Tip:

Whether you are in your car for 10 minutes headed to a ballgame, or 10 hours on a family vacation, here is a fun tip that you can do together ... everyone can enjoy it at their own level:

• Spot a billboard with people in it; name each person in the billboard, and build a story around them.
• Example: Take turns going around to each person in the car. On the first round, identify each person in the billboard and what they do for a living or for fun. Next round, say where they just came from. Where are they going? Is one of them a stay at home parent? What conversation would they be having now? ... Etc.....
• One billboard can last a long time, or you can start anew with a different billboard.
• See how long you can keep it going~

Oh, and please post your stories here so that the rest of us can enjoy them, too!

Until next time, have the BEST summer ~ EVER! ... Creatively, of course~

;-Deb

Creative, INEXPENSIVE Ways to Build Memories With Your Family This Summer!

Here are some FUN ways to get to know your kids this summer:

• With younger kids: There’s no better way to get to know their thoughts than to have them write and act out a play. Try this easy ‘puppet’ show:

You will need

1. magazines
2. scissors
3. glue
4. popsicle sticks or straws
5. imagination

-Cut out various faces and glue them to sticks or straws
-Name each character, identify who they are (Mom, Dad, etc.) and what they do
-Write an outline script (not too detailed … you’ll want them to be spontaneous!)
-Gather an audience and put on a puppet play

• With Tweens: My favorite time and place to bond with my sons is in the kitchen! Food is typically the byproduct of the time we spend together. Try making these ‘edible crayons’ and make certain you have your secret list of topics already in your head to get a good quality discussion going while you ‘work’ at this fun project:

You will need:

1. pretzel rods cut into 3” pieces (adult with serrated knife works best)
2. fun-colored melting chocolates (from craft or kitchen store) melted
3. wax paper or foil
4. wrappers for your crayons (check out my colleague‘s link to download free ‘end of school’ labels here: 24/7 MOMS

-Cut labels apart
-Dip ends of pretzel rods into colored melted chocolates
-Set on wax paper or foil to dry
-While chocolate is still tacky, wrap a label around each ‘crayon’

• With Older Kids: This is a great time to teach your kids to journal. Perhaps at this age, they will also need one ‘private’ journal of their own; however, to get them in the habit, get a journal for each of you with the intent that you will share what you have written with each other.

You will need:

1. journals or notebooks
2. special pens (this makes it more ceremonial and special … and perhaps gives incentive to write)
3. specific topics that will help you get to know each other a little better (for instance: What was your favorite age, and why? Did you have a favorite birthday, and what made it special? What is your favorite holiday? What was your most embarrassing moment? …)
4. quiet time separately
5. quiet time together to share your journals

-Choose a specific topic and set a time frame to write about it (perhaps you can give each other a day or two)
-Decide on a time and place to get together and share your journal entries (it might help if you keep the same day of the week and time slot as your special appointment)


No matter how old your kids are, these exercises will allow you to spend quality bonding time with them now while building memories of a lifetime.

Enjoy the magic,
;-Deb