So you’ve hit the road and fired it up for Family Fun Month – now it’s time to settle all this family fun down. Well, bring it home, at least. Kids (and let’s face it, adults, too) tend to think of home as boring. Home is where you do nothing. Home is where nothing happens. Home is… nothing. Wrong! Home is a blast if you do it right – just use your imagination and do something out of the ordinary.
You Slept Where? – As a kid, I loved visiting my grandparents’ house because I got to sleep on the hide-a-bed. Now, as adults, we hate the idea of sleeping on a couch, but to a kid it’s a blast and a half. Pull out the couch or let the kids sleep on the guest bed. Further the fun by acting like they’re out of town guests. Show them where the towels are and make them a special breakfast in the morning. Your kids will have a ton of fun and you just might see your kids in a different light.
Camp Carpet – I’m sure you’ve heard of this, but have you actually done it? This is a great idea because kids love it! Set up the tent in the backyard or even just lay out the sleeping bags on the floor of the living room. Turn off the lights and tell stories by flashlight or sing camp songs. If you’re outside and your city allows it, have a campfire.
Game Night – You know all those games sitting in the closet that you tell the kids to go play? Get them out and play the games with the kids! Lay out a snacks and see who the game champion is in your family.
Movie Night – Find a great family movie and settle down to some classic family fun. Have popcorn, pickles, nachos, and candy for dinner as you watch. (It’s okay, one night of junk food for dinner won’t kill them.) Our family loves National Treasure and National Treasure 2. Choose what works for your family.
Yad Drawkcab – As much as possible, do everything backwards. Laughs and fun are guaranteed to ensue! Here are some ideas:
- walk backwards
- put your clothes on backwards
- hold your fork with the left hand (or right, if you’re a leftie)
- eat lunch for breakfast, breakfast for lunch, and dessert first at dinner
- call Dad “Mom” and Mom “Dad” and switch the kids’ names
Whatever you decide to do, just remember: home is fun!
