I will be first to tell you that I am not writing this as to give anyone expert advice. I am writing this because this is an area that I need to drastically improve. I know I can do better. Many of you know we have a large family. One of the things that have been pressing up on my mind is to establish strong relationships with in our home. Not only the relationship with the siblings but also with me and my children. I am forever trying to hone in on things that are a miss. I am constantly tightening down the hatches when I see things that need improving in the running of my home. Some call me an organizer however just between you and me I also have a messy streak that drives me crazy!! I can list plenty examples but then that would really make me look bad. :)
Believe it or not ALL my kids are always asking me -- "Mom, I want special time with you". Can you believe that? Sad to say it is usually right when I am in the middle of making dinner for the family or when I am in the middle of paying bills they tell me they want time. Most of the times I am left with guilt of saying "not now". However this really has spurred me to figure something out!!
Not to long ago I had to take one of my foster kidos up to Portland to the CDRC (Child Development Rehabilitation Center). One of the therapist told me that it is imperative that I carve out special times with each one of my children. It would be tough since I have 6 children under my roof but it can be done. It does not have to be every day but I do need to make it a priority. For the little girls ages (5 and 6) She said take 20 minutes and set a timer. Let them know on this day and time that you will have our special time. You play what ever that child wants to play within reason and as long as it is safe. Even if my little girls wants me to play the husband (as long as there is no kissing and things like that) I am to do it. They will have so much FUN!!!
I have been surfing the web for things to do. This link says its for girls however there are tons of things to do with boys too. Check out the link Things To Do with Kids (Pinterest). There are tons of things on the web that you can find if you can't think of anything. Here are some fun things that I plan on doing with the little ones. *play house *tea party *paint nails *read books *take a walk *ice cream at McDonalds *snuggle time *pick flowers -- There are tons to do that doesn't cost a dime (except for McD's) -- just time. I thinking of doing this once a week.
The older ones I was going to give one hour of individual time. For our schedule I am thinking about having each child pick one day a month maybe two-Tuesday or Thursday. Those two days of the week seem to be the only down times in our schedule right now. With my four older ones I can picture them wanting to go to *dairy queen and talk *dutch brothers and talk * bike ride *go to the mall or something else they request. I am always thinking low cost. The other day I took my two girls to the mall. I had a small amount of cash on me. I am trying desperately to only use cash these days and not the debit card. I told them "Okay you can have $7.50 each". Ha!! I know funny huh!! We went into Debs and was looking through the clearance rack and one of my daughters found 3 shirts that came to $7.00. My other daughter is not much of a shopper but she found 1 shirt for $2.50!! They had the best time. I can't really picture my boys doing this so we will have to do something else. I know they will want to me play video games or work on a puzzle with them. Now that I am talking about this I think I am going to like this!!! Also---Don't forget about family time!! I am also going to designate a week night to play a board game!! Memories in the making!!! Who's with me?
What are somethings that you all do? A lot of people are reading this blog and I am sure they need some suggestions as well as myself. So please share in the comment section!!!!
Blessings!!!
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