With the world so busy and each day passing faster than the one before, it's easy to get caught up in it all. Calendars are filling up and before you know it another month has gone by, our kids seem to be a few inches taller and reaching milestones we thought were way off.
While we can't stop the world from spinning, we can slow our world down for just a moment and take the time to reconnect with the whole family.
We've come up with some long, short and simple ideas for staying connected for families and you're sure to find something in here that you're keen to do – after all, these ideas have come from parents of children of all ages. From tots to teens, let's GO!
The Longer Pause
Weekend getaway
There's nothing quite like waking up in the morning and not being able to see the dishes in the sink, the washing in the laundry or the floors that need to be vacuumed. We all know it's easier to ignore it if it's not there! Head off on an overnighter and let someone else make the beds!
Staycation
If you're on a bit of a tighter budget but need the world to stop for just a moment and rebuild your family dynamics, this one's for you. The washing is still in view and the dishes are there BUT the key to the staycation is learning to ignore it and if Covid lockdowns taught us anything it was the ability to stay in and relax!
Set up alternative beds in the lounge, throw sheets around and set up a fort to colour in with the kids. You can also make it a more meaningful experience by forming an honest circle. It's a great way to teach your kids to open up and to also learn to be considerate of the other person's feelings.
Get right into the spirit of the staycation and let that housework wait. Honestly, it's going nowhere!
Backyard camping
There are two ways you can do this – you can really rough it and lock the house behind you as though it doesn't exist or you can keep the convenience of a shower, a toilet and a kitchen. Either way, you're getting an adventure for a simple family holiday.
Set the tents up, roll out the sleeping bags and if you can, set up a little campfire for cooking. Spend date night with the family while gazing at the night sky because this is what memories are made of! This also doubles as a great way to reconnect with each family member without devices!
The Shortened Stop
Local Walks
If you pop onto your council website, you'll find plenty of local paths. Some walks are longer than others and a lot of the time, the difficulty is detailed. Head out for the day, maybe pack a picnic and take a walk in your local area. Not only will this help your children become familiar with your local area, but you might also see some animals, flowers and streams you didn't know were there.
City Adventure
Introducing the kids to your capital city is a wonderful adventure. If you're there regularly for work, it's easy to view it as mundane – the daily commute. But through the eyes of children, tall buildings, bustling traffic and busy people rushing by really is exciting. Watch on as they point out some of the things you see all the time but don't actually notice. Most capital cities will have a tour you can book or, you might like to explore alone.
Animals a-plenty
Zoos and farms offer priceless experiences to children of all ages. Wandering about the zoo or local farms is so educational for children, learning the animal names, their sounds and sometimes even their smells – they might even have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the animals. Some farm experiences still offer the milking of cows and the feeding or holding of animals. What a thrill not just to connect with each other but also with other life on the planet.
Sit & Stop
Sometimes there's no time for a whole weekend or even a full day out so if your schedule is demanding and you always seem to be on the run, take a moment to pause. Sit and stop with the kids and get to doing something you haven't done for a while. Here are some ideas:
