|
Click Here
for more Articles
|
|
|
|
Kids
Just Wanna have FUN!
|
|
by:
Cheryl Johnson
|
Kids Just Wanna have FUN!
During the recent “schools out session” for the holidays. I was
reminded how much the kids crave entertainment. No matter what time of
year the “Kids Just Wanna Have Fun.” And who could blame them? I don’t
think there are many of us who haven’t longed for the carefree, playful
days of our youth. I have four of these carefree fun hungry kids.
Keeping them entertained on a tight budget is always a challenge.
I have discovered over the years that more money doesn’t necessarily
mean more fun. In fact, some of the simplest, age old activities, seem
to feed their fun hungry souls the best. Remember, in the “old days”
that is the “very old days”. Family gatherings provided a great source
of entertainment. Its hard to believe that in today’s fast paced, high
tech, world that children still enjoy this kind of interaction.
I have found that for some reason, maybe because it validates their own
behaviors, kids love to hear stories of when we were young. No, not the
kind that remind them of how good they have it today. I’m talking about
our childhood antics, the times when we misbehaved, did something
wrong, and the consequences .
Most of us have funny moments in our life that just stick with us.
Sometimes they weren’t so funny at the time at least from our
prospective, then. My kids love to hear stories of my childhood antics,
when I broke the rules, how I felt about it , and what punishment I had
to endure because of it. They especially like the punishment part. Some
sort of satisfaction knowing that I had to endure the cruelties of
punishment also!
Of course it doesn’t sound amusing to talk about times when you got in
trouble. But, those memories are funny to us now that we look back at
our childhood. Sure we can laugh now……… We’re a lot smarter and see the
innocence of our ways.
This is a great way to also remind ourselves that we were once kids
also. And not so different than our own kids. With much the same
innocence, gullibility, and scheming potential. Ahhhh… a great tool for
reminding us that at least some of the behaviors we frown on in our
kids is just the normal age old process of growing up! A very
reassuring thought when you’re ready to pull your hair out.
In some ways this ritual of reminiscing shows our children that we love
them unconditionally. That we understand. Why, because we’ve been
there, done that. And we acted in many ways , and felt in many ways ,
the same way they do today. Its true that some things never change. I
have a shorter list of tales to tell being one of three siblings. My
husband on the other hand is one of eleven children, and he can keep
them in belly busting laughter for hours, leaving them begging for
more. Telling not only his own antics but those of his brothers and
sisters.
So, if you ever find everyone sitting around looking bored to the
gills, start up a casual conversation and work in some of your funny
moments in life. You’ll have them begging for more and more tales.
“Tell some more, tell some more!” And the best part ….. It’s Free
Entertainment!
With a little research….what was that?……..research? If you’ve been to
visit http://www.simpledebtfreeliving.com you know this is one of my
pet peeves….. If you don’t know what’s out there or if you don’t know
what you’re looking for, you’re doomed to spend too much of your hard
earned money!
There no disputing the fact that an “ Informed Consumer = More Savings!
“ There! I said it again. Boy did that feel good. Well now that I got
that off my chest let me share some ideas on this FUN thing.
- Roller skating- went once a
week when I was a kid. Loved it! Guess what? My kids love it too! And
it’s cheap if you do your research. Our local rink has a family night.
Get this , $1 to get in $1 for skates if you need to rent.
If you make this a regular outing, invest in the skates. That’s one of
those birthday or Christmas gifts that will pay you back in the long
run. My husband and I don’t skate, those days are gone. Although I
highly recommend it for a great workout. That means four kids can get
in for $4. Three hours of fun for $4. You can’t beat it!
I could get us in for even less . . .only $2. We have a local grocery
store that prints coupons on back of the receipts, one of the most
frequent coupons I get ….the local roller skating rink “buy one
entrance fee, get one free” .
I prefer not to use these for family night since my oldest daughter
likes to go to the rink on “teen night” The rink socks it to them at $6
an entry. They know where the money is! This is a social event that
many teens in the area just can’t miss! This way she can get in free if
she goes with a paying friend. Sometimes, just to be fair, we share the
savings with her friends and each of them only has to pay $3. This way
she doesn’t feel like she’s taking advantage of anyone.
- Bowling: this can be a
great low cost avenue for FUN if you don’t get carried away. Usually
you have to pay by the game, per person. So set your limits and have
fun. Most lanes have bumper guards now that prevent the little ones
from excessive “gutter ball blues” It helps put the fun back in it for
the very young children. A great feature. Even for the fumbling adult.
Who am I kidding, I love those bumper guards!
Most alleys have a discount night. So, try to plan your activities so
you can enjoy the benefits of the discounts.
Just a Note: Both of the above businesses usually offer birthday party
rates as well. If you’re not into planning your own party at home (by
far the most economical way) then consider checking out the party
packages.
- Cookouts and Picnics:
Cookouts don’t have to be for special occasions. We have several
wonderful parks in our area that sport wonderful playgrounds and scenic
walking or biking trails. So take the boredom out of lunch one Saturday
or Sunday afternoon and throw together a cookout or picnic at your
local park. My kids just need to get out of the house sometimes. They
don’t really care where they go, as long as they go somewhere!
As I mention on my Family Entertainment page
(www.simpledebtfreeliving.com/family-entertainment.html) , parks are a
great resource for free fun! The internet is a great resource for
finding new, different, and exciting parks in your area. Just do a
simple search and you will probably be amazed at the numerous parks
within driving distance from your home. So keep it interesting and
travel a little bit to get to exciting new places!
An extra bonus . . . . You will be making great memories for your
kids!:)
- Museums and Historical Landmarks:
Don’t think you have any near you? Bet Ya’ do! Why even in the far out
sticks of nowhere you might be surprised to find a museum within a
reasonable distance. I am blessed to live in a highly cultural area
between Washington DC and Baltimore. So museums, tourists attractions,
and historic landmarks (yes many of them Free) are abundant.
But, no matter where you live, do a little research (yes, again) and
I’ll bet you’ll find some interesting attraction or museum convenient
to your home. If in a rare case you don’t, then plan to visit an area
on a weekend trip where you can enjoy these types of historic
attractions.
- Family Game Night:
- I know that many times after a hard days work we just want to sit,
relax, and well, basically, do nothing! But, once you get in a habit of
designating one night “Family Game Night” I guarantee you’ll look
forward to it.
This is a great way interact with your kids. It’s fun, educational, and
provides an opportunity for conversation (Now that’s something those
teens don’t offer up much). Choose games that everyone enjoys and is
capable of doing. Games that suit the family’s entire age span are
always more fun. And, there are many out there.
If you have a large family with some large age differences, you can opt
to have two game nights so you can include games suited for the younger
children that the older ones might get bored with. Of course, always
provide the option for older ones to be included. Sometimes, believe it
or not, they just enjoy the quality time with parents and siblings. :)
Well, that should keep you busy for now! And Remember, it doesn't have
to cost alot to be alot of FUN!
About the Author
Cheryl Johnson is a mother of four helping herself
and others become and remain debt free. Visit Simple Debt Free
Living for more money saving tips and OneStop Internet Business Resourceto
earn more money!
|
|
