Capture Family Time this Spring Break

Spring Break is almost here, and I can practically see my children scattering off to their different areas of interest and friends. Whether you have big plans to travel over break or take in some local fun, the break will be here and gone before we know it. As a mom, I’m often left thinking that I should have done more to enjoy that time with my family, not necessarily with exciting events every day, but taking time to check in with my kids, slow down and really reconnect with each other and as a family. 

I’ve come up with a few ideas for my family to try this spring break to capture our time together. I think some of these may even become activities that carry on beyond the break. And remember, when Spring Break is nearing its end, and everyone wants to do that "one last fun thing" together, plan to sign up for The Great Escape: A Holy Week Puzzle Adventure for families, Sunday, April 6th at Noon in our gym.

A great way to kick off the break is to create a special routine for the week. This could be reading a book together as a family at bedtime, taking a daily walk or making a new dessert each day. I can already guess what idea my kids will pick. 

A challenge for the week is to keep it a low-tech time for the whole family. Try to spend more time doing activities and talking with one another than you normally do. Minimize screen time for the whole family for one week.

As a family, pick one or two nights that week that will be your family game night. Let the kids and adults each choose a game and then have everyone play together. Don’t forget the popcorn!

Another fun idea is to have a “Kid’s Day.” If you have ever seen the movie Yes Day, that is a fun movie but not what I would suggest. Rules need to be in place! A kid’s day is the idea that your kids can choose one or two activities for the family that day, with boundaries you set, and you follow through on what they would like to do and even what they would like to eat for the day. This is a fun way to see what your kids enjoy, and you could even have them work together to pick one activity and one place to eat, bonus points for good teamwork. 

Every evening share your peaks and valleys (or highs and lows). What was a peak (high) part of the day and a valley (low) part of the day? Use this as launching point for a family discussion and a prayer time together about your day, including the peaks and valleys. 

These are just some ways to capture time with your family this spring break. Let me know what you try and how it goes. I hope you enjoy the break and time with your family.