October is Coming! Family Fun Ideas

Wednesday September 28, 2011

How about some October ideas for meaningful family fun?

October is coming. In fact, this is the last Wednesday in September. So how can you celebrate October together?

Hopefully you and the family have settled into the newness of the school year by now, so it’s time to set some goals, personal and family.

What time of year do we usually make resolutions? New Year’s, of course. Have any old New Year plates? Dig out some confetti and streamers and maybe even let the kids stay up until midnight on September 30th.

Use the time to set personal and family goals for the next couple of months—in addition to just having a good time together!

What would you like to do by Christmas? Ask each family member to come up with a goal you could accomplish by Christmas. Then talk about a family resolution.

Looking for something simpler? Use the time to come up with small, one day activities for you and the kids. They can be tasks for the family or kindnesses to share with others. Cut construction paper strips and use them to make a chain with a task on each link. Have the kids take off a link a day and make that your daily goal.

Look for an October family verse that has to do with plans and goals—like Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Do you have anything special planned for October? Do tell!

Family Fun for the School Year

Wednesday August 31, 2011

Want to make each month special?

Join in on Meaningful Family Fun for the School Year.

Near the end of each month, I’ll be posting ideas you can use to make the next month special. Celebrate all year long! September is coming, so get ready for some family fun.

The concept: Celebrate each month on the first Saturday or the first of the month – or pick the day that works best for your family.

What to do? Well, take your pick!
* Make (using contact paper) or buy fall-colored placemats.

* Talk about Labor Day and how we can honor God in the work we do. Take a trip to the library for books or videos about different professions. (Or you can do this ahead of time and have them ready for your September celebration.) Use the opportunity to discuss what your kids want to do and be and accomplish in life.

* Let each child make a September poster, using fall colors or maybe illustrating what they want to be.

* As you choose a September verse for the family, emphasize God’s care and guidance for us and the assurance of His presence in new situations (like a new school year).

Happy September!

What about you? Can you share some fun fall family traditions or do you have an idea for a new one?