family activities

Though New Year’s Day is past, we still have almost a month until Chinese New Year; and, like many life coaches claim, the entire month of January can be dedicated to starting anew rather than simply the first day. That’s why we still have weeks of New Year’s goodness left to do all kinds of cool things with our kiddos.

Goal Book: A book of aspirations, dreams, goals, whatever—I call mine a Magnum Opus (like Charlotte calls her web in Charlotte’s Web)—it’s both fun to make as well as keep. Sit down with your kids and make a list of ten things you each wish to accomplish this year. They can be silly—make a crown out of aluminum cans, freeze bubbles in midair—or serious—improve your algebra knowledge, get fit as a family. If you’re feeling super motivated, list twenty or more goals. Read more

If you are running out of summer activities to do already—or if you just want something fun to do inside today while it’s so hot outside—creating a secret handshake with your child is a great activity. Not only is it fun and silly, it’s also a great bonding moment between the two of you—not just when you create the handshake but also every time you use it afterwards. Imagine seeing little Jimmy off to college and using your secret handshake before he drives away into the sunset!

Creating a secret handshake is really simple, and you can do whatever you want; just be creative. Here are some tips and ideas if you are stumped (or haven’t had any caffeine yet today): Read more