"If you want to see what children can do, you must stop giving them things." -Norman Douglas

When choosing entertainment for your children, all you need is some imagination. Children are easily amused, and love attention. Keep that in mind, and you can always find something to do. However if you need a few ideas to help you along, then I have a few ideas for you to try.

*Look online for downloadable games, crafts and coloring pages. You can do a search for "fun pages" and find a wealth of activities.
*Take advantage of free activities in your community. You can find free events at the school, library, and other places around town. This helps build a sense of pride in their community. Also if your children see you as active in your community, they will want to be also.
*Keep a deck of cards on hand. Children as young as age five can learn to play easy games such as Rummy, and War. Once they learn how to play, they will play with other siblings, or it can be a family event.
*Play Freeze Tag with them. I might be nearing thirty but I am always up for a game of Freeze Tag.
* Never buy name brand crayons. The cheep ones can be bought almost anywhere, and last just as long. If your kids are normal, that should be about twenty minutes or so.
*Have a back yard scavenger hunt. Make a list of things for them to find and offer a prize for the one who collects the most.

Now, on to the one you have to actually work to please. Yup, your man. I have compiled a list of things to help you stay connected, because afterall, your relationship with your partner effects everyone in your household. This is something that many people fail to realize. It takes work to stay in love forever, and that's what you have promised each other, right?
*If you do not live in city limits, you can make a bonfire pit for cool nights. There is nothing better than a night under the stars by a bonfire with your guy. Make some hot chocolate or a cup of coffee, and you are all set. All you need is a blanket, and something to burn.
*Play your kids' board games with him. Dig out that Heroscape game, or the Disney Princess game and go at it. It creates a lot of laughs and laughing together is very important.
*Borrow movies from a friend. If you don't have any that you haven't watched, then don't head out to Blockbuster. Just give a friend a call. You might actually have to supply your own popcorn, because not everyone has a father like mine who always has about fifteen bags on hand to pass out.
*Have him to teach you something, and vice versa. It gives a man a good feeling to know that he knows more than you. He would love to teach you how smart he is. Besides, he thinks if he can teach you how to do things, then he is off the hook, right? Use this carefully girls.
*Do not invite company over. This is even worse than a last resort. If you cannot think of a single better thing to do with him than invite people over, then you might have a problem.
*If he is a video game junkie, play with him. I didn't see my husband for a month when he discovered Counter Strike, but when I had reached my breaking point, I learned to play. Now, I am better than him, and we have made great friendships, and had a lot of fun together.

These ideas are to open your mind. I encourage you to come up with some on your own based on what's accepted in your relationship.

Learn more about this author, Lacey-Payne.
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