Family Fun Tips

Family Fun Tips

By Rebekah Zehr, Parent Committee Coordinator

During this unusual time of being quarantined, you may find yourselves wondering what in the world you are going to do at home with the children day in and day out.  I have some suggestions to keep mom and dad sane and your sons and daughters occupied, learning and making memories.  

1. Routine:  As a homeschool mom,  I remember being tempted to sleep in and let the kiddos wear their pj’s all day.  Not a good plan.  Everyone feels better and more productive when they get up at a set time, get dressed and sit down for breakfast.  A prayer and a simple bible verse at the same time every morning is also a great way to fill up spiritually.  Those bible verses can lead to great discussions.  Eat lunch together.  We used to listen to Focus on the Family’s Adventures in Odyssey during lunch.  It was a nice diversion.  Try to end your day around the same time.  If your children know there is a set time to finish with something fun to look forward to, they will be more apt to work diligently.  Then be ready when school is done.  Have a snack, game or a little time set aside to let off some steam. 
2. Stay connected:  While isolated, social connections are very challenging.  It’s time to think outside the box and use technology to our advantage.  Set up Zoom, WhatsApp or FaceTime for you and your family so you can connect with loved ones.  Some tech games can be very beneficial in helping your children connect with friends, such as Minecraft.  Have your children draw a picture of a great memory they have had with their grandparents.  Text the picture to them.
3. Physical activity:  It’s time to think of new ways to get the blood flowing.  Work together with your family to set up an obstacle course.  If you have space outside, go for it!  If you don’t, set it up in your house.  Move the furniture around to make tunnels, slides, foam ball targets and hurdles.  Or create a dance playlist and have a dance party.  Form a human train and everyone does what the leader is doing as you follow a set path around your house.  After a couple minutes, change leaders.  For older children who want more traditional exercise, find fitness workouts online.  Fitnessblender is a great resource with a variety of workouts that you can do in your home with or without weights.  Or dust off the treadmill or stationary bike sitting in the corner and put it to use!
4. Positive Distractions:  We are constantly being inundated with dire news.  Try to keep it to an age-appropriate level so that your children don’t become overly anxious or depressed.  Think of things your children love to do and really delve into those interests.  For instance, if you have a baker, get some inspiration by watching “The Great British Baking Show” or go on instagram #cake decorating and spend as much time as you like watching.  Then have your child use their imagination to bake and decorate a masterpiece.  Or watch some Foodnetwork “Chopped” episodes and then have your own “Chopped” competition.
5. House projects:  Now is a great time to check off items on your to-do list.  Get the children involved.  It will get done faster and everyone will feel a great sense of accomplishment.  For instance, your 12 year old son has been asking to change out the dinosaur wallpaper for a neutral coat of paint.  Here’s your chance to tackle that project with him.  And if you have Audible, play a classic book series that you both enjoy, such as The Chronicles of Narnia or Lord of the Rings.
6. Set the Tone:  Parents, it’s important for us to lead by example.  Take your anxious thoughts to God and pray blessings on your children.  Use this as a time to grow stronger as a family, despite the challenging situations you may be facing. 

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good...” Genesis 50:20.

Refreshment in our Daily Lives

By Rebekah Zehr, Parent Committee Coordinator

We all work hard.  Many of us are up and out of bed by 6:00 and hit the ground running-checking emails, getting children ready for the day, cleaning up last night’s mess, and the list goes on.  So many hats to wear and so little time.  Our fast paced lives can leave us feeling frazzled!  But did you know that you can find refreshment in the midst of the craziness of our lives?  So take a minute, sit back with a cup of jo and prepare to be encouraged with some tips from a mom whose been there.

Spiritual Refreshment

1. Bless someone else.  This may seem counterintuitive, but pouring into someone else actually fills us up.  When my children were young, I would take them with me to deliver meals to people in need.  We did this 2-4 times/month. It would have been easier to keep them at home, or not go at all for that matter.  What was surprising to me about these trips was not how much the people appreciated the meals, but how it made us feel.  There were so many times I left realizing we were the ones that were blessed.  Many times, just taking the focus off our ourselves and pouring into someone else ultimately fills us up.  In Ezekiel 36:26, it says “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh”.  We have the transforming power of Christ living in us.  So the things that break God’s heart should also break ours.  Where is God breaking yours?  Is it bringing meals to needy, volunteering at a refugee center, helping the homeless?  Pursue those areas where you truly have a passion and desire to serve.  Serving others can be a major source of spiritual refreshment.
2. Purposefully Pray.  Intentionally take your desires, needs and struggles to the One who can handle them all.  Cry out to God for those around you.  Again, taking time to focus your attention on needs of others will revive your soul and keep your perspective correct. When He answers prayers, praise Him.  
3. Pray throughout the day.  Talk to Jesus like He really is your best friend.  Have ongoing conversations with Him and keep connected to this lifeline.
4. Designate a weekly day of rest.  The sabbath day was God’s design since the beginning.  For our family, it is Sunday.  It is a day to unwind, reset, and recharge.  The cares of the world can wait.
5. Witness His creation. “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?”  Psalm 8:3-4.  Take time to watch the sun rise or set, study a flower, watch a bird.  Appreciating God’s creation can put your focus on Him.  To be in awe of Him and everything He gave you can reinvigorate the desire to fulfill His will in your life.
6. Sing.  Anytime, anywhere and it doesn’t matter how good or bad a voice you think you have.  Worshipping Him can change the atmosphere and mood.
7. Study the word and be doers of the word.  Read His word for understanding and revelation.  Then go share the good news with others.  James says in James 1:22, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.”  And further in the passage: “...not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does.”

Physical/Mental Refreshment

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own:  you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your bodies” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.  Take time to take care of the temple that God created.  It will keep you going strong after the things that God has called you to.

1. Exercise.  It doesn’t have to be complicated.  There are many benefits of simply taking a  walk.   Getting fresh air, no distractions, sunshine (Vitamin D, my friends:) and enjoying nature are just a few perks of walking.  While you’re at it, grab your kiddos or dog for the fun of it.
2. Eat well.  Nourish and fuel your body with simple, home cooked food.  Drink well -hydrate your body with no sugar drinks.  Water rocks!
3. Get some rest.  A good night’s sleep makes a world of difference.  7-9 hours is the optimum amount.
4. Play.  Turn off screens.  Spend face to face time with those you care about.  Go outside no matter what the weather.  Run around and be silly- grab a child or a dog.  Pull out a board game and gather around.  Have fun - laughter is good for you!
5. Work.  Doing a task that is physically demanding like gardening or painting can actually be invigorating.  When the task is complete, there is a great sense of accomplishment.
6. Take a time out.  Pause and read a good book and take a sip of coffee.
7. Connect with others.  Call a friend or family member.  If you can’t see each other face-to-face, hearing someone’s voice is the next best thing.

Choose a couple of these tips (or maybe all of them:) and try them out.  May they be a help and encouragement to you!