When Opportunity Knocks -- Your Family Awaits!
Snowstorms provide a great chance to recall and relive the great times you had as a youngster. But don't worry, if you live down South and the sun is shining, you'll find valuable suggestions in this article as well.
I remember as a child the incredible fun all of my friends and I had whenever it snowed. My Dad --- always creative -- ran a water hose in our backyard resulting in a great (if not lumpy) ice skating rink.
The enjoyment we had making snowmen is something I'll never forget. Everyone was so creative and the variety of characters was amazing.
Something as simple as snow allowed us to use our creativity in ways that weren't everyday occurrences.
Then of course there was sleigh riding. I was lucky enough to live at the top of a hill. We created a wooded backyard course that took incredible dexterity to reach the bottom unscathed. Ah, those were the days! Let's keep 'em going!
Parents, Make A Plan!
We're living in a digital age. There's not lots of face time we get to share with our kids and grandchildren.
School will be cancelled and in many cases, your child will be stuck in the house and around the neighborhood.
Create a plan. Make a list. Do whatever it takes for you to be able to spend quality time with your child while they are "captive."
Snow days make wonderful openings for families to connect in a variety of ways, both indoors and outdoors. Here are a few suggestions from Reader's Digest.
Want more. Here's a Google link with over 54 million articles on snow day activities for parents and children.
Live down Souh? Forget the snow. Here's a Google list with over 32 million entries on parent and kid activities.
Spend a few minutes in planning and reap the benefits of unexpected fun with your children.
Take it a step further.
Consider this a wake-up call for seeking ways to communicate and connect as a family.
The stronger your familial engagement, the happier and healthier family life will be.
Make every day a snow day!
By this I mean create an activities agenda when your children are young.
Don't let yourself get caught up in the stresses and strains of living without also having an action plan for bringing joy into your household every day!
This doesn't happen by magic. It takes planning.
You might start by visualizing what your ideal family time will look like. Perhaps you'll write out a list. Then make sure that every day you include one activity that is shared by all.
This might not always be possible. Simply do your best to make it happen as often as feasible.
Most importantly, look for every opportunity whether as a family or individually to support and empower your child every day. This works great with your spouse as well.
Never let one day pass where you haven't found something positive to relay to your child allowing him or her to glow with positive feelings.
If you're lucky enough to have a snow day, make use of it.
If you are living where it never snows the same principles apply. Create a happy, active and supportive family environment.
The Bottom Line
Engaged families -- those who share time together -- raise happy, successful and empowered young adults.
Meanwhile, think of all the years of fun and pleasure you'll be sharing.
Life is short. Kids grow up fast. Enjoy Them. Have fun!
Dave Kanegis is a Certified Professional Coach and works via telephone, Skype, FaceTime and in-person. He provides concierge coaching in NYC and Palm Beach.
Enjoy Dave's other HP articles. You'll find Mind Acrobatics™ exercises designed to help you transform your life.
Contact Dave at: hpbloggerdave@gmail.com