By Susan Ciancio
When I was younger, kids often lamented that they were bored or that there was “nothing to do.” Today, with phones, social media, and entertaining programming on TV 24 hours a day, kids don’t know what it feels like to be bored. As a result, they are losing the ability to become creative. Even sadder, they are losing the ability to effectively communicate with others.
How often have you gone out to a restaurant and watched nearly every family member at a table bury their faces in their phones? It’s truly a sad sight.
As Ecclesiastes 3 teaches, “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.”
There is a time for enjoying social media. There is a time for texting friends. There is a time for relaxing by surfing the Internet. But we must realize that these times cannot consume us. All too often we see that devices—whether they be phones, computers, TVs, video games, or more—take up too much of our time. They begin to replace people.
As parents, it’s vital that we teach kids that family time is not only necessary but sacred. We know that families are the foundation of society and that children thrive when both parents nurture, support, and educate them. If we allow too much screen time or allow that time to replace conversations—be they fun, serious, or somewhere in between—we are giving up the raising of our children to robots, peers, and movie stars. This is no way to raise Godly, compassionate children who put others first.
So, as we embark on a holiday weekend where families typically have more time to spend together, we urge you to make the most of these fun days. We urge you to do things as a family. Talk. Play games. Take trips. Play sports. Learn about our faith. Pray together.
To that end, we have 11 awesome suggestions for ways that you can combine fun, togetherness, and faith with your children. Try one (or all!) of these. You’ll be amazed at how you and your kids won’t even miss those phones!
Visit a new church in your area
It used to be that all churches had a relic under the altar. Today, not all churches have one. Conduct a little research and find one nearby that has a bit of history, a relic, some beautiful stained-glass windows, or something else unique. Then visit and learn something new.
Learn about a saint
The Culture of Life Studies Program has several lessons about saints. From St. Joseph, to St. John Bosco, to St. Teresa of Calcutta, to St. Maximilian Kolbe and more, our lessons are a great way for you and your children to make friends with the saints.
Have a family game night
Turn off those phones and enjoy each other’s company with a night full of games. Make it even more fun by creating your own game or by fixing a tasty treat such as cookies, brownies, or ice cream. Be sure to discuss the importance of family time. You can even talk about the Holy Family and what they might have done together.
Make cupcakes for others
Baking with family can be a ton of fun! Double your cupcake recipe so you have enough to share with others. Talk about who in your community might need the happiness that your thoughtfulness will bring. You can share them with your parish priest, with a lonely neighbor, or with women at a local shelter for single moms. Decorate them with loving messages.
Go hiking
Hiking is a wonderful way to spend time together as a family. On hikes, you not only marvel at the beauty of God’s nature, but you can have great conversations, laugh, learn, and get some fresh air and exercise.
Enjoy being lazy together
Kids want your undivided attention. Though they may not admit it, they want to talk with you, share with you, and laugh with you. Put your devices away, make a special snack, then create a fort with blankets and pillows, put a blanket on the grass and look at clouds, or lie by the pool or beach and just talk to each other.
Make your own rosary
Have crafty kids? Making your own rosary is a great way to teach how to pray it, but it’s also a great way to help your kids become invested in the rosary. They get to choose the beads, the color, the crucifix, and more. Personalizing it will make it unique and may make them more likely to use and value it.
Go to a zoo
God has created so many amazing animals. Go visit them and talk with your children about the beauty and wonder of a God who cares so much to fill the world with these awesome creatures.
Perform random acts of kindness
Show someone in your family that you value them. Focus on doing a few random acts of kindness each day. Change the recipient of each one. You can even do this anonymously and see if they can guess who did each act.
Paint or draw
Get some watercolors, some crayons, or whatever medium you prefer and challenge each member of the family to paint or draw something they are thankful for. Share with the rest of the family.
Pray!
Prayer is something we should do multiple times throughout the day. But it’s much more poignant when we pray as a family. Take some time each evening to pray. Everyone in the family can lead a prayer and designate it for a specific intention.
There is a time for everything, but we must learn to prioritize. God comes first, then family, then other things. So as you enjoy these days off, take time off from electronics as well and just be present with your family. These are the times your children will remember.