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a plan to begin scheduled family time. Impromptu works too.

To start, sit down together for a family meeting. Let each member speak about their time and needs. Then, agree to a set time. This should be on a trial basis and if it works, keep it. if not, come back to the beginning. Some members may need to decide what priorities are and use flexibility. Also, what one member considers important may not be important to another. By airing perspectives, opinions and thoughts now, a threat of trouble is lessened.

Next, create invites. These have multiple purposes as they serve as a positive and warm way to show the importance of members, and they remind in a friendly manner. Then, mark it on a family calendar. This should be kept in one spot for all to see and check. Then, plan a theme. Discussing this in a meeting is a good way to gather many ideas. Implementing a theme can be fun, invigorating and educational.

Remember to play a variety of games. These can include board, dice, cards, physical, audio and traditional ones. Let everyone know their role early so each member feels included and special. By including children in the process of creating family night, they may even take ownership and surprise everyone - including themselves.

Lay down the rules in the meeting, and review them at the set time. Enjoy being together as a family while having fun. Include everyone, keep in mind what small things can make it great for others, and meet the needs as possible. This will leave a lasting, positive impression on all and encourage further time together. Plus, as stated previously, it will help members be smarter. Finally, make cleanup a game too and the time together will end on a good note, not as battle.

Many ideas I include in this article are ones we use as a family. I notice my children grasp math facts faster and stronger after we play for several days. I try to set aside some time each day for games, play and fun. My concern is helping us connect, share, laugh and learn. My kids main concern is who will beat Mom, and have the last laugh.

Using clocking and synchronization does not need to spell hard work. Look around the house for items your family can use for fun together. Make it a game to find these items, have fun planning, laugh while you play, cleanup as a team and be smarter as a family. Brain development is not just for babies. We can all learn more, be smarter and have fun as a family.

By working together to have fun together, family time is always a plus. NDSU reminds us that, "learning continues throughout life." As it often said, learn a little, live a little, laugh a little, love a lot.

Resources:

www.iamyourchild .org
www.wccf.org
www.familytime .com
www.familytime.net
www.fami lytimeinc.com

Learn more about this author, Patti Mcquillen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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