However, to get these awesome benefits we have to do so much more than family dinner or to sit next to each other on the couch watching TV as we scroll through our separate electronic devices. We have to actually take the time to hang out and get to truly know each other. Now I know this is easier said than done Warrior parents. It seems like any unplanned lazy day in quickly becomes World War III as boredom and incessant complaints begins to rear its ugly head. And so we give in to the requests for technology time or we pile everyone in for a spontaneous theater trip hoping it will earn us some gratitude and a little bit of quiet. This relief is fleeting, however. So here's some great reasons for making staying in with the kiddos a family goal...
1) It's cheaper:
Today's youth struggle with money. They spend far more than they should because they are constantly trying to buy "fun." As parent's we know that money can't always buy happiness and comes with more than its fair amount of stress when used poorly. So how do we keep our kiddos from falling trap to the constant spending pressure of society? We model all the enjoyable things that can be had without a plan or a hefty bill. And one of the best ways we can do this is by modeling and practicing this in our own homes. So skip the expensive theater this week and teach your child to find joy in the little things. Be it your own personal theater under the stars or a spontaneous cookie decorating competition, we promise it will be a more memorable and worthwhile investment than any activity money can buy.
2) It teaches contentment:
Social media, with its constant bombardment of picture perfect brunches and vacations, is very good at making us feel dissatisfied, behind the curve, or left out. This fear of missing out mentality is what has us scrolling through Facebook or Instagram for hours on end, even though it truly serves no point and makes us feel worse afterwards. Our children pick up on that. If you're spending every day counting down to your next big vacation, or bemoaning every mundane task of daily life than how can we expect our child to grow up feeling anything different? We need to show our children how peaceful days in can be and how even though we don't have it all we can be content, grateful, and feel blessed. This isn't to say you or your child will never be bored, or that your child won't get a bad attitude or fight with a sibling. But the truth is learning contentment in the little things of life will save your child so much heartache as they grow, because the majority of us are not and will never be millionaires.
3) It fosters creativity:
Life is busy. Even our kid's schedules are insane and we are all stretched too thin. Odds are this isn't going to suddenly change. We all get home and just want to shut down and veg out. Don't feel guilty. I look forward to some mind numbing Netflix just as much as everyone else. But if our kids are going from school, to after school activities, to homework, video games, tv, and then bed... where is the actual play? Where is the boredom that forces you to think outside the box and get resourceful when it comes to entertaining yourself? There is a lot to be learned about ourselves during those quiet moments without any previous expectations or requirements. So let children be bored. Let them sit around the house without electronics. Give their minds the chance to create, explore, and grow. Kids need this chance to play and the future definitely needs them to be able to think outside the box. So mix things up and seek out stolen moments of quiet unplanned time in your home.
4) It keeps YOU young:
Ever seen the movie 'The Help?' We get it Warrior parents: 'you is broke, you is busy, and you is tired.' Okay being the adult 24/7 isn't that bad, but you need to let some of that stress go too! And what better way than to get one on one with your little one? When was the last time you were creative? When was the last time you were outside just to be outside? When have you last done a physical activity or sport with your kid? Stress, unhappiness, and anxiety are very real problems we all have to combat. So unleash your inner kid and just play again. Let everything else fall away and enjoy the one on one time. Anything can become a game if you choose to leave your work and problems at the door. So have a fort building contest, get out the Nerf guns and play tag with them, learn a new skill together and make it a competition... the opportunities are endless if you let go of the usual adult filters and pressures we all have and try something new.
So unlock the potential in your home. You don't have to always be on the go or spend a fortune to make the kind of childhood memories they won't ever forget. It's the quiet little moments together that make all the difference.
Change is hard, but raising a warrior is always worth it!
#RaiseAWarrior
Looking for more ways to focus on adding quality family time to your busy schedule?
Join us on the mat each month for Family Participation Days.
(Upcoming family participation days are March 4th & 5th)
#FamilyTimeIsTheBestTime
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