(Newswire.net — September 5, 2014) Singapore, Singapore — Spending time together as a family is important. No matter how old the kids get (or how old they want to act!) or how busy everyone is, taking the time to do something together is a great bonding opportunity and brings everyone closer together. Ideas include diy projects, arts and crafts, home decorating ideas (handmade art is priceless!), cooking together. The options are endless, and there are plenty of budget- friendly ideas. Take turns letting the different family members select an activity to encourage variety and making the younger members of the family feel like their contribution is valuable and listened to.
Crafts & DIY Projects
The options are endless! Choose projects that are age appropriate. For example, if your children are younger, select projects that encourage discovery and learning. Science fair projects are a great place to start, since they often combine fun and learning. A classic is the baking soda & vinegar volcano- a crowd pleaser for generations! Arts and crafts are also a popular choice, and kids will enjoy selecting a project they can work on with Mom and Dad’s help.
For kids that are a little older, DIY projects can increase in complexity. Foster your kid’s enthusiasm and encourage them to select something in an area of interest.
If you have a pre- teen who loves fashion or decorating, some great DIY crafts include t- shirt painting and tie- dying, and there are a myriad of home decorating ideas online. Or maybe your teen is taking an interest in home improvement or another hands- on skill? This is a great opportunity to take an interest in what your kids like and encourage their continued learning as they grow into young adults.
Movie & Games Nights
Going to the movies as a family can be expensive. Instead, why not stay in and cozy up on the couch with some treats? Take turns picking movies or have a movie night marathon! Go all- out and set- up a tent or blanket fort in the family room and have fun being silly as a family.
If you want something a little more interactive, a family game night can be a lot of fun. Again, pick one game to play and take turns selecting, or have a game- night marathon. For younger kids, this can be a special chance to stay up late and hang out with their older siblings and parents. Encourage all members of the family to take part- even if the game is suited for youngsters- letting loose and being goofy is a fun reward for everyone’s hard work throughout the week.
Cooking as a Family
This can be as simple as cutting up carrot sticks while your toddler supervises, or as complex as coming up with dinner ideas and creating a menu as a family. Knowing how to cook is a valuable life skill, and it’s never too early to start teaching your kids good habits. Suggest that family members write down their favourite ideas and pull a few from a hat to create a unique menu (hopefully it’s not all dessert ideas!). This is a great chance to try coming up with healthy recipes and snack ideas or test out new recipes. Popular choices include chicken recipes, vegetarian recipes, and slow cooker recipes. Again, there are endless ideas online.
Image Source: Daily Delights
About Singapore American School
Established in 1956, the school primarily serves the American and international expatriate communities of Singapore. SAS is registered with the Singapore Council for Private Education, affiliated with the Office of Overseas Schools through the U.S. Department of State, and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).