A Family Calendar - A Year of Fun

by Lauri Griffin | More from this Blogger

22 Dec 2006 02:09 PM

My friends know that when I say "I put it on my calendar" that means I'm committed to be being at that event or activity unless someone gets sick. They laugh at me when I say "I do what my calendar tells me to." I'm only half way joking, though. I can't hold all the appointments, after school activities, and carpool schedules in my head.

It's time to pick out a calendar for next year. I spent some time online browsing calendars for 2007. I love beautiful calendars, pictures of mountains and impressionist paintings and photos of wonderful travel destinations. But that isn't the kind I get.

Because what we need is a calendar with lots of space for writing. Five peoples schedules need lots of blank writing space.

What does any of this have to do with fun? We schedule doctor appointments and dentist checkups, and teacher workdays. We make sure those happen. We write them down, and we show up for them.

I vote that we schedule in some fun too, that we write down fun dates, and make sure those happen. So while you are copying over the school schedule and orthodontist appoints, schedule some fun, too. At least pencil it in. When would be a good time to go to the zoo? Throw in a few picnics-if it rains you can have an inside picnic, or reschedule. How about planning for a weekly game night or movie night? Or a monthly craft day. Maybe a few hikes, or a trip to the duck pond. Roller skating. A camping weekend. A dinner with friends. All of those things that we want to do, and mean to do, but never seem to get around to doing.

Have a family meeting and brainstorm more fun ideas for the upcoming year. And enjoy picking out your family calendar. Here's to an extra fun new year!

Ideas for Fun:

Our Top Ten Family Activities Some Twists on Family Movie Night The Stress of Single Parenting

Learn more about Lauri Griffin

Lauri lives in Colorado with her husband and three sons. Amidst all the laundry and packing of lunches, she tries to keep parenting fun.

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