This is the third post in a series about common challenges with FHE: Time issues, Mood issues, and now the issue of getting to family night and not knowing what to do.
NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO
Wow. This is a hard one to face at family home evening time, but actually an easy one to deal with if you take a little time to think about it when it’s not family home evening time.
Here are the things that I’ve found to work well:
- Get a resource that you like. Obviously, I prefer my FHEasy book because I made it just the way I want it. Before I made FHEasy, I used the Church’s nursery manual “Behold Your Little Ones” and before that I used the Gospel Art pictures. They are all quick grab-and-go resources that work for my kids’ ages, and I don’t have to search around online for ideas each week. Less prep = less stress and more family time.
- Have an FHE activity box. When I first had the idea to make an FHE box, I just went through my house and gathered up things I thought would be fun to grab at a moment’s notice and do as a family: joke books, toy cars, bubbles, etc. When we went through everything in the box, I went to Wal-mart and restocked. When we went through those things, I asked my kids for ideas and got on Amazon and purchased some things online. I see these purchases as a monetary investment in my family, and I don’t begrudge a penny I’ve spent on these items.
- Alternatively, do a similar activity each week that your family likes so you don’t have to think about it each week. If you’re into sports and your family loves sports, play sports or practice sporty skills together. If you love art, then draw, paint, or do crafts. If you love music, then play instruments, sing, or dance together. If you love to cook … you get the idea. Or just take a walk or go to the park together. When you find an activity that genuinely brings your family together, embrace it and do it regularly for FHE.
Your turn: jot down things that quickly come to mind that your family really enjoys doing together then grab a box or bag and go through the house and make your FHE box sometime today or at least this week. You’ll thank yourself for it when FHE comes around, and you’ll find it contributes to …
Happy Home Evenings!
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