Good morning!

It’s not too late this season to do something simple and fun as a family. Actually, it’s not too late this millennium to start engaging in ordinary activities with your kids.

We have more technology and options for activities and entertainment than ever in human history. So, why isn’t it making us happy?

All of us are aware of this problem at some level, which might range from a nagging suspicion to sheer terror. As our lives become cluttered with more and more activities, we all realize at some point that we need to slow down and enjoy the moment.

Some parents try to address this problem by creating memories, such as scheduling family vacations or taking a trip for a special event, like a concert or a pro game.

Depending on the schedule and pace of such experiences, taking a family trip might serve as an effective counterbalance for a busy family—or it might just create positive memories of shared experiences together while continuing a hectic lifestyle.

A solution for the rest of us

Not everyone can afford a big trip or take time off from work. That’s okay, especially because finding ordinary happiness as a family doesn’t have to be expensive.

You can create positive memories as a family without breaking your budget or taking huge amounts of time off from work and school. Some of my favorite memories from my childhood include sharing a special meal with my mom, attempting to kick around a football at the park with my dad (he was a farmer and always wore cowboy boots), and goofing around with my brother in our backyard.

What do you do to hang out with your kids?

If you are drawing a blank on what you can do together, here are a few ideas:

• Play together (board games, puzzles, Legos)

• Get out in nature or go to the park (play with your kids on the playground equipment, fly a kite, kick around a ball, play catch, shoot hoops, throw a frisbee, build a snowman, go sledding, walk and talk)

• Have meals together at the same table (you could find ways to make something special out of something routine, like dinner by candlelight, or honor traditions of checking in with each other, for instance, sharing your high and your low from the day and something you learned)

We can all benefit from ordinary happiness from life’s simple pleasures. Think about some things you can do to slow down and spend time with your family and start doing them today!

Warmest regards,

Len

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