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Families don't have to spend a lot of money to find entertainment. TV and magazine advertisements would like to make us think we have to obtain the latest video games, mp3 players, and expensive vacations to have happy content children. This is simply not true. Mostly kids desire our undivided attention.

A great place to enjoy inexpensive entertainment with our families is at home. Below are a few suggestions for inexpensive family fun to have at home during times when money is tight.

1. Share discussion time with your kids about what they like to do. You may find a young child who loves to color pictures, especially if you sit down with them and do it. You may find a middle aged child or a preteen who loves to practice soccer moves or jumping rope. You might find a teenager that wants to look at local college campuses to start getting an idea about what college life is like. Talk to your kids and let them come up with some ideas for things they want to do that don't cost anything. You might be surprised at their suggestions and even at what they might consider entertaining.

2. Read a book aloud for the whole family or get a book on CD from the library that the whole family can read together. If there is a large age difference with the kids it might be best to pick a classic or take turns picking for the different age groups. Some kids will want to color or draw while they listen.

3. Look through family pictures and talk about some of the good times you have shared. This is really important to kids. They like to remember the good times and the things you have already done with them.

4. Cook together. Kids often like to help in the kitchen it is a good way to teach them about nutrition. Looking through recipe books and finding new ideas can make this even more fun. You can preplan a week of meals with everybody getting a chance at deciding a meal.

5. Have a family sleepover. Where you all camp out in front of the TV with snacks and movies. Even if you have to rent movies this can be much cheaper than going to the theatre.

6. Take time to play with all the games you have around your house. Have a game marathon of all the favorite family games. Even if you have to invest in some new games the games can be used for years to come.

7. Have friends come over. Kids can have fun times with friends without spending money.

8. Have some family challenge set up to happen on a certain night like a video game tournament or a Scrabble challenge. This might encourage

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