A Journey to the Center of the Earth

We finally saw this summer 3D movie today. It was fun for all of us. It could be a good movie for a family with school aged kids. It was filled with lots of action and some cheesy fun. The 3D effects were fun too. There was only one point where there was a play on words that bordered on bad language. And the female character was pretty well covered up for a nice change compared to most modern movies. All in all it was a fun afternoon matinée for the family.

storm debris clean up

After a storm has passed, families can spend time together cleaning up their own property as well as helping neighbors. It is important to make sure the area is safe for littler members of the family, but young kids can help put things away and clean up twigs, maybe they can sweep and rake, or take care of pets. It is great when clean up is made into a community effort, with several families helping each other. Maybe they can help clean a park, church or community center. Maybe they can donate some of their toys and clothes to those who have lost theirs. Or perhaps they can go shopping with parents to choose new items and/or food to take to shelters and points of distribution. It is good for kids to feel a part of a family and community by pitching in to help where needed. It is also good for kids to help serve their community in ways that they can.

storm prep

Living on the Gulf Coast means being ready when storms hit. Children in such families can be very frightened if they don't understand and are constantly bombarded by the media's take on the impending storm. For such families I think it is important to speak with your children, letting them know that you have a plan to keep them and the family, including their pets, safe. Let them know what the plan is. Then let them help in storm preparations. Younger children can help by doing jobs like clearing the yard of toys and debris; older kids can help board up windows and put valuables in high, safe places. Whether it is packing a back pack with favorite toys and gathering pet supplies in case of evacuation, or whether it is gathering flashlights and batteries and helping to store water and food in case of staying, it is important for children to know they will be safe and helping the family prepare can be a boost for all involved.

making prints

Have you ever painted your child's foot prints or handprints?

We have done both. We have a tradition where each Christmas we paint the kids hands and they put their print on our Christmas Tree skirt. This week, my son found a towel in his closet with the date of 9-3-94. He thought it was cool, since that corresponds to this week. I showed him why the towel was dated. We had painted his feet and he walked over the towel, leaving his footprints. He then compared his foot now to his foot fourteen years ago...



This can make a fun family activity for toddlers and preschoolers. And when your kids are big, they will periodically have fun comparing their hand or foot size to what is was "when s/he was little".

exercise

My husband and I both like to work out. Our son usually does too. But not our daughter. Whenever possible, we like exercise as a family. Family walks, runs and bike rides are our favorites. Or maybe a game of basketball, volleyball, tennis or badminton. Families with younger children can go on walks, bike rides or swims. Making exercise a fun and regular part of family life will make for more happy and healthy families.