by Alisha Link

Created on: December 17, 2008

We Americans spend entirely too much of our time watching television, surfing the internet, and playing video games. Yes we are tired, and after a long day of work and household chores it is common for us to kick back and watch TV. Of course a little TV isn't going to hurt and I for one can not miss an episode of "Criminal Minds" or "Top Chef", but it's good to mix it up every once in awhile!

*Play games together. Turn off the TV and computer, and pull out some cards, dominoes, or that Monopoly game and have some good old fashioned competitve fun. Cards and dominoes are great for teaching children math, Monopoly helps them learn to count money(and save it), and Life teaches them the rewards of education.

*Go Outside and Play. Exercise together by riding bikes, roller blading, or taking the dog for a walk. Play tag or hide-n-seek, build snowmen or go sledding. There is so much to do as a family outside and it helps children learn the importance of staying physically active.

*Read a book. Camp out on the couch with your little ones and read a book together, or if your children are older create a "book club". Together or separately, reading is so important for children and what better way to reinforce that than by reading yourself.

*Write or journal. Whether it's writing in a journal or writing articles for Helium(my kids are the brains behind "Top Superheroes"), writing is a great outlet for expressing our thoughts and feelings. My children love to take printer paper and staple it together to make their own books and then they sell them at their "bookstore".

*Find a Project. Build a treehouse or fort, get crafty during the holidays and make your own decorations, or build model airplanes or cars. Completing a project together is a great bonding experience and gives you and your family a sense of accomplishment.

*Cook together. Getting the family involved in cooking not only prepares your children for a life without a personal chef(mom), but it also teaches measurements and the importance of cleanliness and organization. Even better, picky eaters are more likely to try something new if they helped create it.

*Volunteer. Whether it's walking dogs at the local animal shelter, working at a food bank, or adopting a family for Christmas, get involved in your community. Teaching children the gift of giving and helping others can only benefit them.

*Start a collection. Football cards, baseball cards, comic books, stamps, rare coins, or even rocks are great things to collect that kids will really enjoy.

*Learn something new. Learn a new language, how to play an instrument, or how to crochet or knit. Learning something new together gives families a sense of comraderie and is a great way to bond.

*Crank up the music. It has been proven that music improves the functions of the brain, and making music is great for children's math skills. If you can't create your own music, just crank up your favorite tunes and dance the night away.

*Join something. Join a church or the YMCA and you will have plenty of opportunties to fill your calender and turn the TV off.

Finding time to spend with family can be difficult for many people, but it can be done. Squeeze in family time whenever you can, and no matter what activity you choose just make sure the whole family gets involved. You may have to hide the TV for awhile, but eventually everyone will look forward to those times together and your family will be closer than ever!

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