Author: Family Fun

For many months, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected and continues to affect every aspect of our lives. It affects how we work, where we eat, how we shop, where we might be able to travel, and how we interact with family and friends.

There seems to be no part of life that COVID-19 has not affected, and that includes families who are wanting to adopt children. Many families have been waiting for years to adopt and the pandemic has presented all sorts of challenges. Adopting a child can be a rewarding and emotional experience for families in the best of times, but a pandemic with stay-at-home orders, school closings, and even travel bans has made the last several months stressful for families wanting to adopt.

It’s estimated that there are well over 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system, who are looking to be loved. For those families wanting to adopt, even during the pandemic, there are many helpful adoption resources for parents and helpful tips to make the adoption process much easier:

Take Steps To Control Anxiety

For parents of newly adopted children in a pandemic, it’s important to remember that there are lots of ways that you and your child might feel anxious. After all, with so much changing all the time, it’s sometimes hard to know what to expect from one day to one day to the next.

As a parent, it’s important to remember that a child’s reaction to a pandemic can vary. With the normal structure of going to school or seeing familiar faces like teachers, kids can grow irritable or clingy. They may have trouble developing routines at home too. The best thing you can do is to be patient and to show empathy.

But it’s easy for parents to become overwhelmed too and thankfully there are many adoption resources for parents available. Helpful resources can give you tips for staying calm, such as limiting media exposure, and reducing your risk of anxiety by washing your hands, and getting enough sleep.

Get Your Home In Order

As a parent of a newly adopted child, there are any number of things you can do to make the most of the time you have a home with your little one.

If you’re welcoming a child into your home, there’s never been a better time to throw yourself into some home improvement projects. You don’t have to renovate your entire home, but with a little bit of know-how and elbow grease, you can transform your home into a welcome one where your new member of the family feels loved and comfortable.

So what do you need to do? It might be a good idea to have local home builders come by and do a home inspection. They can look at everything from your roof, to your foundation, to your basement, just to make sure you’re providing a comfortable home for your child.

It might also be a good idea to prepare your child his or her own room and bedroom. Depending on your ideas for bedroom design, there are many kinds of adjustable beds available to buy that will give your child a cozy place to lay their head at night. If your child’s room has a bathroom attached, you can do some easy bathroom renovation by painting the walls, updating the décor, or letting your child pick a theme to decorate the bathroom.

Allow For Social Interaction

During the pandemic we’ve all becoming familiar with terms like social distancing. But social distancing doesn’t have to, and shouldn’t mean, social isolation. Even if you and your newly adopted child are spending a lot of time together at home because of the pandemic, you should take steps to allow them chances to interact.

Children of all ages crave interaction and attention. If you’re looking for ways for your child to interact with other people, there are lots of helpful adoption resources for parents that can offer ways of doing just that. Your child can meet members of your extended family by writing letters, sending emails, and even doing online video chats on apps like Zoom.

If you have a young child and they’re tech-savvy, one way to keep them connected to family is through social media apps. Programs like Zoom are great for longer video chats, but apps like Facebook Messenger, Tik Tok, and even Snapchat are great ways to send fun, short messages back and forth.

Keep in mind too that interaction isn’t limited to just social interaction either. If you’re looking for ways to keep your child entertained and educated during the pandemic, there are a great many adoption resources for parents that allow for some creative interactions. Many museums around the world for example, offer virtual tours that offer a fun way for your child to learn about history and art. There are also many interactive learning sites that allow children to master basic concepts in math, reading, and science among other subjects.

Don’t Neglect Wellness Appointments

Trying to make and keep any kind of wellness appointments during the pandemic has proven challenging for some people. But if you’ve got a newly adopted child in the family, especially a younger child, it’s important that you try to make appointments for them and keep them.

Everyone wants to make sure their child is healthy and if you make wellness appointments, take the necessary steps to keep yourself and your child safe. Carry sanitizer with you and always remember to wear a mask. If you as the parent lead by example and wear a mask, your youngster will eager to follow your lead.

If you’re wondering where to start with wellness appointments, get your child into see a pediatrician for general wellness, and in to see a specialist in pediatric dentistry, to make sure your child’s teeth are clean. If you’re not feeling great about taking your child out in public for check-ups and appointments, you can always try telemedicine appointments. Still another option is to use adoption resources for parents to track their child’s health progress. You may not be a doctor, but these resources can give you tips on home remedies for sickness and signs to watch for if your child isn’t feeling well.

If you’re going to be scheduling wellness appointments, you need to make sure you have good health insurance. If that’s on your to-do list, check around your local area and talk to different health insurance brokers. Ultimately, you want a plan that works for you and your family, and ensures that your child can get the care they need when they need it. Health insurance brokers can present you with different plans, so that you can pick the one that works best for you.

Create Routines

One of the best ways that adoption resources for parents can come in handy is setting a routine for your child during the pandemic. With so much going on, especially if you’ve recently adopted a child, it can be hard to find a routine that works for everyone in the home. The best thing you can do is create a home environment that relies on routine, regulation, and reassurance.

No matter what age your child is, you need to reassure them that their new home is a safe, comfortable, place of love. By creating a routine—regular mealtimes, regular bedtimes, time each day for learning, and time each day for play—your child will become used to their new environment, and their trust in you will grow stronger. Children thrive on routine, so if you give them a regular routine, you’ll help stimulate their physical and mental growth.

Get Creative

As any parent will tell you, there’s no handbook that tells you about the perfect way to parent a child. That’s true of both biological and adopted children, and it’s especially true during a pandemic. The last several months have thrown countless families for a loop, and parents everywhere have had to adjust to having their kids at home for extended periods of time.

With so many helpful adoption resources for parents, one of the best things parents can do with their adopted child at home is to get creative. If you’re looking for ways to educate your child, look into online resources that teach your children all the essential subjects in fun and interactive ways. If you’re looking to get them away from the computer for a bit, try to find real world ways to apply the things they might be learning about in school.

Getting creative also means finding new and fun things to do outside of school work. It’s easy to plop down and play video games and watch Netflix with your child, but that can sometimes get old. So what can you do? Let your imagination go to work. If you have a young child, dress up in costumes and make up characters for yourselves. If you’re looking for bonding experiences, try building puzzles or playing board games. If you want your child to learn of their new extended family, pull out some photo albums and regale them with stories from your childhood, and about your relatives.

Any parent knows it’s hard to keep a child focused at times, and entertained at others. But if you’ve got a creative mind, there’s never been a better time to get the juices flowing.

Seek Legal Help

Of all the adoption resources for parents, one of the most helpful if you’re looking to adopt is an adoption attorney. From start to finish, the adoption process is guided by all kinds of regulations and guidelines, and everything must be done the right way.

It sounds stressful, but that’s what adoption attorneys are for. If adoption is something you’ve always wanted to do, an experienced attorney can guide you through the entire legal process. For all the complicated stuff, a family law attorney is there to help. If you’re looking to simplify the adoption process, some family lawyers can guide the entire process from start to finish. In this way, this is almost an independent adoption.

What else can an adoption attorney do? Since they’re well-versed in family law, they can almost be thought of as child custody attorneys when it comes to adoption. Many law firms that deal with adoption cases specialize in both independent adoptions as well as traditional adoptions by relatives. These attorneys can sometimes also provide services such as overseeing living expenses and helping a family locate a child’s birth parents. At the end of it, an adoption attorney will make sure no step is overlooked, and that custody of a child is firmly established by the adoption.

Don’t Be Afraid To Seek Help

If you’re considering adopting through an adoption service, one of the best adoption resources for parents are friends or acquaintances who have gone through the adoption process. They’ll be able to offer plenty of good advice and helpful tips you can use as you navigate the adoption process.

Even with so many adoption resources for parents, particularly online, you also should not be afraid to ask for help if you’re the parent of a newly adopted child. Pandemic or no pandemic, it can sometimes be difficult for a child to adjust to their new normal. If you notice that your child shows a pattern of emotional or behavioral concerns, don’t be afraid to seek out the services of a mental health professional. In most cases, you can do telehealth appointments, so that professionals can help you and your child become more comfortable and trusting.

Take It One Day At A Time

Adoption can be one of the most rewarding events in life that a family and a child experiences. While there isn’t a handbook with all the perfect answers, there are plenty of adoption resources for parents as they grow their new families.

By consulting with family lawyers through the adoption process, you’ll be sure that no stone goes unturned as you adopt your child. Once all the I’s have been dotted, you can take time to make changes to your home to accommodate a child and do all that you can to make them comfortable, loved, and excited to begin the next phase of life.

Sixteen-year-old Ayden Hector knows better than anyone what it’s like to be homeless. The Lynnwood resident was couch surfing after being kicked out of a homeless shelter when he was younger. Today, he lives in a duplex with his mother, Marta Orona, his 10-year-old brother, Ruben, and a dog named Riley. Hector said his mom puts on her new clothes and – be it Polo shirts, jeans, or even makeup – before going to work as a nanny, which means that he, at least, gets clean clothes. He still sleeps on a blanket and often has to dig through the couch cushions for leftovers. The Eastside Catholic Academy sophomore said he got interested in helping the homeless when he was in the fourth grade. He remembers once breaking into a homeless shelter and emptying out “two garbage bags full of stuff that was thrown away.” “I was kind of overwhelmed by it,” he said. “I just really learned that just everything we have could be taken away.”

Hector doesn’t know where his goal came from. But helping homeless youth that may be forgotten by society every day has become a point of pride. And it’s something Hector wants to do. About 18 months ago, he, Ayden, and two classmates, Matthew Franke and Paul Taylor, started the Madison Avenue Youth and Family Center, an organization they started through Holy Rosary parish in Everett to provide homeless youth on the Eastside with basic necessities, like food, clothes, showers, and basic education. Their goal, they said, is to achieve some form of self-sufficiency. Hector said that he doesn’t know how long it will take to accomplish, but that it will probably be a couple of years. He said they hope to eventually provide work, housing, school, hygiene products, and a variety of other resources for youth living without stability. They reached that goal in the summer of 2016.

There are still a lot of steps to take before they’re in a position to provide more services. Even in the year prior to Bbox, student leaders such as Hector said it’s more than just finding the best private schools around to attend, being placed in one, learning the curriculum, and developing a backpack full of clothes. Some students face more danger, like drugs, than others. Some have parents that can’t afford education, some live with extended family members that simply don’t provide stable living situations. They’re simply unable to provide simple necessities. Hector said that by taking part in Bbox, he’s able to remember that “hard labor doesn’t pay a lot of money, and it’s important to get your education.”

Bbox’s long-term goal is for students like Hector to move out of their mom’s house, or even get their own apartments. The leadership group members maintain their educational goals and are diligently trying to stay away from drugs and alcohol. Hector and the other students helped launch Bbox with the first sale of boxes at the beginning of their freshman year. He said he and the other students who helped run Bbox with him went to their jobs with pride and were rewarded by being able to give back to their communities. “We really pride ourselves on giving back,” he said.

Arts and crafts are instrumental in the development of children. Holiday crafts are fun. They grab kids’ attention while teaching them valuable life skills. Regular crafting improves children’s motor skills, encourages bonding, boosts creativity, and helps children gain confidence.

If you haven’t introduced your children to arts and crafts already, the holiday season is the perfect time to start. Crafts stimulate children’s young minds while getting them in the holiday spirit.

So break out the glitter, red and green construction paper, and festive, sparkly pom-poms. For lasting memories and the best crafting experiences, keep holiday craft projects for kids simple, fun, and lighthearted. Use crafting as a bonding moment. Celebrate the season with these playful, kid-friendly craft ideas below.

Make Unique Ornaments

Christmas ornaments or baubles date back thousands of years. People all over the world decorated the first trees with fruits and nuts until Hans Greiner began making glass baubles in 1609.

Celebrate tradition and add a personal touch to your Christmas tree this year with unique, handmade ornaments. These ornaments not only add a one-of-a-kind touch to your holiday decorations but also create lasting memories for years to come. Get started with these Christmas crafts and ornaments even young children can make.

One idea is festive, pine cone ornaments. The possibilities for this craft run the gamut. Challenge your child to get creative. Purchase fake snow, paints, glitter, small, colorful pom-poms, string, and ribbon, and see what they can come up with. If your child needs more direction, Better Homes and Gardens recommends making whimsical, holiday elf pine cone ornaments. Use a pine cone as the elf’s body. Attach a largen, wooden bead for the elf’s head. Use ribbon or pipe cleaners to make the elves scarves and felt and mini pom-poms to put together small, festive elf hats. Use felt-tip markers or paint pens to draw the elf’s face on the wooden bead.

Whatever way you choose to go, use the project as a learning opportunity. Ask children to identify the color of paints and glitter and ask children to count pom-poms. Make it fun and a seamless part of the crafting process.

Another idea is to purchase clear glass balls and explore the possibilities. Crafts boost children’s creativity. One of the best ways to encourage young children to use their creativity and critical thinking skills is to purchase clear glass ornaments and ask children to fill them. Purchase glitter, tinsel, fake snow, ribbon, artificial Christmas tree sprigs, festive beads, and even flowers to put inside. For truly unique ornaments, head out to your local flower shop and purchase a variety of flowers and/or dried flowers. Place dried flowers inside the clear glass or clear plastic ornaments. Add fake snow or a pine tree sprig to make it extra festive.

You can also craft unique ornaments using festive ribbon and some cookie cutters. For another fun and simple homemade ornament idea, purchase a variety of plastic holiday cookie cutters in fun, festive shapes.

Holiday craft projects for kids do not have to be complicated. In fact, it is better if they are simple. Add an extra something to your tree and make your kids smile with fun, one-of-a-kind Christmas tree ornaments.

Unique Gifts for Grandparents

An important part of elder care is maintaining strong relationships and spending special occasions, like holidays and birthdays, with family. Why not use holiday crafts as an opportunity to make your children and your aging parents happy?

Use holiday craft projects for kids to make fun, homemade gifts for grandma and grandpa — or any other elder relative or aging family friend. Here are a few easy, do-it-yourself ideas.

One DIY project is making easy, color swirl Sharpie art coasters. Start with white ceramic tiles and Sharpies. To make it even more fun, purchase Sharpies in fun colors, like their Color Burst, Electro Pop, or Caribbean Colors sets. These sets include neon, pastel, and metallic colors. Have kids draw on the tile. This is a color swirl project, so encourage kids to color big chunks of the coaster and abstract shapes rather than a particular design. From there, gently drop a few drops of Isopropyl alcohol onto the colored coasters. Watch the colors swirl, blend, and marble together. Once these are dry, adults can add a coat of clear finish spray to make sure the design sets.

Another DIY project is creating eye-catching, tinted mason jars. Paint the inside of mason jars with a combination of Mod Podge and food coloring. Swirl the jars to marble the colors together. Set the jars upsidedown and let them mostly dry. With the jars still upsidedown, have an adult put the jars in the oven at a low temperature, like 175 degrees Fahrenheit, and warm them up just a bit, no longer than 10 minutes. Then turn them over and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. The jars will come out smooth and polished with the colors perfectly fused together.

Once complete, it is time to add the finishing touches to your gifts. Use custom stamps to make festive, personalized gift tags. Choose a message, like “Handmade With Love,” “Merry Christmas With Love,” or “Made With Love,” stamp gift tags, and ask children to sign them.

Holiday craft projects for kids can easily be fun and multi-functional. Use crafting time to bond, get creative, and make gifts for aging relatives and grandparents.

Designate a Wall For Holiday Painting

Holiday craft projects for kids can be as involved or as simple as you like. If you are all about the holidays, why not really get into it this year? Celebrate the season and encourage kids to practice their painting skills with fun, holiday murals.

This can be as contained or free form as you like. Start with stencils and create simple, solid shapes that children can fill in with interior house paint. Use painter’s tape to create solid, cookie-cutter-esque outlines, like outlines of Christmas trees, stars, Santa, reindeer, and snowflakes. Use red, green, blue, silver, and gold paints to fill them in.

If your child is an artist, encourage him or her to paint whatever they like. Lay down a tarp, cover furniture, and use painter’s tape around the trim. Open up the blinds to give your child natural lighting while they paint.

If your children’s mural isn’t picture-perfect — or if it simply doesn’t make sense year-round — don’t fret! Painting over a mural is relatively simple. Purchase your desired paint and use a roller to apply two to three coats over the mural until you can no longer see it. Use a paintbrush for the small spaces near doorknobs and trim.

Creations For Parents To Enjoy

Holiday craft projects for kids are a great way for children to show their parents how much they love them. This Christmas, get together with kids to craft unique gifts for their parents. For gifts that wow, consider creating a timeless gift. For parents, any keepsake crafts are generally a win. Think crafts that use children’s handprints and cast toddlers’ or young children’s handprints into stone, paint, or any other medium for years to come. Cast children’s handprints in salt dough and paint it, or have children dip their hand in paint and carefully place it onto fabric or paper to frame later. There are even several printable, handprint poems available online for kids to dress their project up.

Another timeless gift starts with exploring parents’ interests. The best holiday crafts for kids are truly personal ones. Ask kids to make a list of their parents’ likes and hobbies, and use that list to brainstorm craft ideas. For example, if a child’s parent likes to go hunting, help them make camo socks and shirts for them to wear while hunting. Use camo fabric to create a sign for the parent’s bedroom. Cut the fabric out into your desired shape, like a deer, or the parent’s name or a word, like “Family.”

Creating recycled art magnets is another fun project to tackle. Use a large, circle hole punch (or cut out circles by hand using safety scissors) to cut circles out of children’s drawings. Layout flat, glass marbles. Apply clear glue to the flat end of the marble, and then apply one of the cutout circles. Adults, finish up the project by letting these dry, then use strong glue to adhere magnets to the back of the glass marbles.

Handmake Holiday Jewelry

Holiday craft projects for kids do not have to revolve around glitter, paints, and construction paper. Think outside of the box. Try crafting one-of-a-kind projects, like holiday jewelry.

Team up with kids to make reindeer bell necklaces, wreath bracelets, holiday-themed hair accessories, Christmas button earrings, and more.

When possible, keep kids’ projects simple. Go to the craft or jewelry store and purchase green and red beads, miniature bells, and red ribbon for Christmas wreath bracelets. Use peppermint candy beads and sparkly white beads to create a Christmas peppermint bead bracelet, or help children string bunches of red and green beads or red and green buttons onto earring hooks for festive, holiday-themed earrings.

Make Something For Your Pet

This Christmas season, do not forget about one of the most important members of the family — your family’s pet dog or pet cat. It is entirely possible for holiday craft projects for kids to be cat or dog friendly.

To keep your dog happy this season, help kids make homemade dog treats, craft DIY sock-and-ball toys, or homemade sock catnip toys. For dog treats, first find a healthy dog treat recipe online — with a little bit of research and digging, your homemade treats can be markedly healthier than the treats you find in the store. Have kids help you stir in the ingredients, and, once the dough is complete, use holiday-themed cookie-cutters to make the perfect Christmas dog treats.

A sock-and-ball dog toy is deceptively simple to craft on your own. “All you need is a sock and a tennis ball. Place the tennis ball inside the sock and tie a knot,” One Green Planets writes. For a variation, use an old T-shirt. Wrap the ball inside and braid the ends.

For a simple, sock catnip toy, cut old socks in half. Use clean socks and, for extra colorful toys, ones with fun patterns. Fill the sock with catnip, tie the sock, fluff out the ends to look like a fish’s tail, and add a smile and button or googly eye to make the sock into a fun fish for your furry friend.

Designate A Craft For A New Family Member

Are you, a loved one, or a close family friend expecting? Remember, holiday craft projects for kids can be meaningful and poignant, too. Help your child connect to the new baby by encouraging them to make a fun, festive gift for him or her.

For these projects, use a little bit of common sense. Leave potentially sensitive items, like nursery bedding, to mom and dad. Many parents do not want extra items in the crib.

Make simple, baby burp cloths. Have kids help you pick out festive and/or fun fabric patterns and cut squares out of the fabric. Use some socks, stuffing, and buttons to make a fun sock animal for the new baby, like a sock monkey or raccoon. This project requires some sewing, so young children will need your help with this one.

Make Decorations For A Family Gathering

Put those kids to work. Holiday craft projects for kids can be useful, too. Have kids help you make festive decorations for your family’s next get-together.

Whether this gathering will be in your home or at a private hall with a dance floor rental, kids can easily help out either way. Create paper streamers using red and green construction paper, cut out paper snowflakes, or string together popcorn for fun decor and a timeless, age-old tradition.

The holidays are right around the corner. Get your children in the spirit by tackling fun and accessible holiday craft projects for kids. Use crafting time as an opportunity to make ornaments, gifts for friends and family, family keepsakes, and festive decor. The bonus? Children will pick up new skills while crafting, skills like problem-solving, counting, recognizing colors and shapes, and more.

Winter break is the perfect time to rest and relax from the stress of everyday life. Cuddling up on the couch with hot cocoa watching holiday movies may get boring after a while. There are plenty of family activities that can keep you from getting bored to make the most of your winter break. Use the winter break to take advantage of everything life has to offer. Here are the top things for you to add to your family’s winter break checklist.

Improve Your Home

One of the main things you may want to include on your winter break checklist is finishing the much needed repairs around your home. Weather strip windows and doors and have an audit performed to look for energy leaks. Insulate the attic and exterior walls. Change the filter on your heating system. Update cabinet and door hardware in your kitchen and bathroom.

You may want to hire professional home improvement services to take care of some of the bigger jobs. Most people typically have their roofs inspected in the spring and fall. If you haven’t done so already, you may want to have your roof inspected during winter break if the weather is clear. Check your home for water leaks and hire a plumber to make the repairs. Have a landscaping service remove any dead trees and get your lawn ready for spring.

Deep Clean Your Home

Another thing you may want to add to your winter break checklist is deep cleaning your home. Tackle the tasks you normally don’t get to such as wiping down ceiling fans and cleaning vents. Have the kids handle easier tasks such as dusting and vacuuming. Clean and disinfect all commonly touched surfaces, including electronics. Scrub down bathtubs and showers and clean behind your fridge and stove.

You may also want to tackle carpet cleaning before the holiday dinners and parties. Wash the walls, baseboards, and ceilings first to get rid of any grime before the carpet cleaners arrive. You may want to have your upholstery cleaned at the same time as well. Clean your mattresses thoroughly to get rid of dust mites and prevent the need for bed bug removal. Go through your closets and donate or sell things you no longer need or want.

Check Your Family’s Health

Checking your health insurance coverage is another item you may want to add to your winter break checklist. Make sure you have all the coverage your family needs, including vision and dental coverage. You may want to consider enrolling in a different plan before the new year arrives. If your children go away to college and they are under your insurance, you may want to double-check that there are network providers in that area. You may also want to look into short term disability and life insurance to cover your family during unexpected circumstances.

The winter break is also an excellent time for all your family members to get an annual checkup. If you don’t have a doctor, you can look for a family medical practice online. Speak with a nutritionist about how you can prepare healthier meals. Find ways to stay physically active during the winter with outdoor activities the whole family can enjoy. Try fun things like sledding, ice skating, and skiing.

Clean Your Vehicles

Another task you may want to add to your winter break checklist is getting your vehicles cleaned. You can either wash and wax them by hand as a family or drive through the local car wash. Ideally, you should wash your car about every 10 days when the temperature is above 40 degrees. You can add baking soda to the soap and water to help dissolve dried road salt that can rust your vehicle. Clean the undercarriage and get into every crack and crevice.

Clear out any debris from inside your car and wipe down all surfaces. You may want to spot clean the upholstery, especially if you have kids. Place thick towels under the rubber mats to help soak up moisture that can ruin the floor of your car. Make sure you dry your car completely after washing. Finish by re-waxing and sealing all surfaces.

Check Your Animal’s Health

Your winter break checklist should also include checking your animal’s health just like you and your family members do. Your pets should have an annual checkup through professional veterinary services. The veterinarian can check your pet for potential problems that can flare up during winter, such as arthritis and immune disorders. During your appointment, you can ask for recommendations on how to keep your pet healthy all winter long.

The cold weather can pose serious health risks to your pets. Limit outdoor exposure as much as possible and consider having your pet wear a sweater to keep them warm. Check your pet’s paws on a regular basis for cracking or bleeding. Wipe their paws, legs, and belly off completely after being outdoors to get rid of any harmful chemicals they may have been exposed to. Make sure they have plenty of access to fresh clean water and avoid overfeeding.

Get Ahead on Holiday Shopping

What winter break checklist would be complete without a little holiday shopping? The winter break is the perfect time to stock up on any last minute gifts. Whether you decide to head to the jewelry store for a diamond necklace or to the local candy shop for some sweet treats, you can find something each family member will love. If you hate the crowds, you can find plenty of great deals online. Keep in mind that you may have to opt for expedited shipping to make sure your gifts arrive on time.

Last minute holiday shopping doesn’t have to be a stressful event. You can make holiday shopping fun for the whole family by making a day of it. Spend the day exploring the shops and then go for a nice family dinner to your favorite local restaurant. Go shopping in a big city and explore the sights along the way. Finish the day off by cruising the area at night gazing at all the Christmas lights while sipping on hot cocoa.

Try New Foods

One fun item you can add to your winter break checklist is trying new foods. You can experiment making your favorite comfort foods more nutritious by adding healthier ingredients. For example, you can swap out your carb loaded pizza crust for a broccoli pizza crust instead. Trying new foods can be hard if you have a picky eater. You can try sneaking in kale to salads and smoothies without anyone being able to notice.

Involve the kids in planning and making family meals with you. They can learn valuable skills and may be more willing to try new foods they made themselves. Keep it simple and experiment with one new food item each week to add variety. The winter break is also an excellent time to catch up on some baking. The sweet treats you bake can be an enticing reward for trying out a healthy new food item for your picky eater.

Keep Up with Educational Learning

Even though they are away from their school for academics, it’s important for your kids to keep up on their studies during winter break. It is also an excellent time to start getting ready for the spring semester. Many teachers often post their syllabus or required textbooks so you can have an idea of what to get a head start on. You may even want to take some winter classes at a local community center as part of your winter break checklist to learn a few new skills. The winter break is also a good time to get an internship so it won’t interfere with future studies.

Education for your family doesn’t have to be restricted to book learning. Look for ways to help keep their minds engaged by participating in educational activities. Spend time at local museums or attend concerts in your area. Find new hobbies you can engage in together such as learning how to play an instrument or starting an indoor garden. Download some online learning apps and games that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Go on a Road Trip

A getaway is another fantastic item to add to your family’s winter break checklist. Going on a road trip can open everyone up to new cultural experiences and see the world while staving off boredom. You don’t have to travel far to have a great time. You can explore nearby cities in your state or book night at a themed lodge that offers plenty of family-friendly activities. Make it an opportunity to go see other family members you haven’t seen in a while and spend quality time together.

While you are on the road, make sure to take plenty of pictures and make a family scrapbook of your time together. Ask family members to pick one special thing they would like to see or do and then make it happen. This can make everyone feel included and spark some creative ideas you may have never thought of before. Instead of giving gifts to each for Christmas, you can choose to spend the money on taking a family vacation to somewhere nice instead. Your family can create lasting memories that can be better than some quickly forgotten items from the store.

Have a Family Games Tournament

Make your winter break checklist fun and games by having a competitive tournament or two. You can make your family game tournament anything you want it to be. You can compete against each other with card or board games or go head to head with a challenging video game. Compete against one another in singing or dancing competitions. If you need help with some family game night ideas, you can find plenty of fun activities online.

To make things fair, have everyone vote on the activities to be included in the tournament. Make sure to have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand to make it feel like a party. You can expand the fun by including neighbors or friends in on the action. Create a family scoreboard with a whiteboard or poster board to help you keep a visual track of wins and losses. You can even make your family games tournament more fun by creating a crown for the winner to wear at the end of the night.

Spend Time Volunteering

You may want part of your winter break checklist to include ways to give to those who are less fortunate than your family. With the kids out of school, you can spend some time volunteering in your community. There are many organizations that need help, especially around the holidays. You can volunteer at a food bank or serve holiday dinners to those in homeless shelters. You can research charity organizations in your local area online to see who needs volunteers.

Kids can donate old clothes or toys they no longer play with local shelters to share with kids who may not receive a Christmas gift this year. You can also create Christmas cards to send to sick children in hospitals or the elderly in nursing homes who may not be able to spend time with friends and family. Your family can adopt a soldier and send a care package to them overseas. Visit an animal shelter and help take care of the animals. You can even host parties where guests can bring an item for your family to donate to someone in need.

Your family’s winter break checklist is a perfect way for you to find ways to spend more time productively together during the winter season. You’ll not only be productive, but you’ll also be able to create memories you can cherish forever. Use these ideas as a jumpstart and add more items as you see fit. Your checklist is only limited by your imagination. Make the most of your winter break by getting started on your checklist today!

Updated 09/14/22

Divorce is stressful for adults but even more for children. They find it confusing and complicated. Adjusting to new realities is an uphill task. It is worse in cases with long-drawn court battles and nasty litigation exchanges with children caught in the middle of the crossfire. Working with divorce mediators is highly advised to neutralize the impact on children. Mediation removes obstacles allowing couples to have a quick divorce that is less painful and more amicable.

A petition for divorce must not adversely affect your children’s lives. You must deliberately co-parent and be civil with your ex-partner for the sake of your children. Seek personal growth and self-improvement activities even after a simple divorce process devoid of drama. It will help you and the children. New parenting dynamics after divorce are draining. It is okay to seek professional advice when it’s too much for you. Strengthen the relationship between you and your spouse after an uncontested divorce to benefit your children. Do activities together. Attend school functions, movies, trips, and picnics, and show interest in your children and their issues. Make visiting your new place feel at home and teach them new skills when they visit. Best of all, provide child support to ensure their lives are uninterrupted.

Dealing with the stress and pressure of a divorce is never fun or easy, but with a professional Charlotte law firm on your side, the entire process can be a lot less stressful. These local legal experts can walk you through the entire process from start to finish. They can help you get everything ready to file for the divorce, present your case to the judge, and help answer questions about after divorce mediation what is the next step you need to take.

Before the hearing, they can help get all documentation and request in order. During the hearings, they will fight for your rights and ensure you are not being taken advantage of. And after filing for divorce, they can give you pointers on what to do and how to protect yourself and your assets. They can also answer any questions you have during the procedure as well, such as: am I divorced or single once everything is finalized and can you divorce for free?

So, find your local family law experts and get the legal help and support you deserve and ensure your rights are protected and that you get a fair hearing!

Going through a divorce is not an easy process — it’s especially difficult for young children. They may feel torn, anxious, and sad as they go through this dramatic life change.

However, you can make the transition easier by bonding with them. If you wish to learn more about bonding with your children after a heart-breaking divorce, continue reading to learn about activities to do with your kids. You’ll also learn how to handle this new lifestyle of yours as you have children who are depending on you — now more than ever.

Learn What Their Interests Are

If you wish to bond with your child, you’ll have to put some effort in and learn what their favorite things are. Find common ground, and you’ll always have something to talk about. Not to mention, your child will appreciate you trying to learn more about who they are.

They are never too young to notice something like this — so make them feel special and ask questions. When they speak about something that intrigues them, ask several questions, and remain engaged. If they’re passionate about golf, maybe you can talk about the top golf simulators together.

If your child refuses to talk, don’t force them to make conversation. They’re likey processing the divorce at their own speed. Just pay close attention. What music do they play in the car? What kinds of stickers do they have on their lunchbox?

If they are a bit older, what kinds of topics do they talk to their friends about?

Remain Civil With Your Ex-Spouse

Before learning more about activities to do with your kids, understand the importance of remaining civil with your ex-husband or wife.

Speaking poorly about your ex-spouse in front of your child can be traumatic for them. Regardless of the state of your relationship with your ex-husband or wife, keep this in mind if you wish to build a better relationship with your children.

Look Into Self Improvement

Read some books on self improvement so you can become a better version of yourself post-divorce. This, in turn, can also help you become a much better parent. Start with literature on relational intelligence. This category of self improvement is best described as how you process your personal relationships with the people in your life. Working on this aspect can help you become more understanding and empathetic — all traits that can help you in every aspect of your life, from parenting to dating, as well as your work life.

Personal development can also include :

• Eating healthier
• Exercising more
• Learning to be more productive

Next, lets talk about activities. Learning more about activities to do with your children is important to keep them entertained, but you also want to make progress as a person after this difficult time in your life too.

Play Their Favorite Video Game With Them

Kids these days are all about playing their favorite video games for hours. It’s a great way to unwind after a long day at school. Not to mention, many of these games encourage creativity and imagination. Take the popular world building game, Minecraft. Players as young as six or seven can build anything their hearts desire.

To ensure a speedy loading time and high quality graphics, look into Minecraft server hosting services. Since this game is meant for people of all ages, you’ll easily get sucked in too.

Set out snacks, make sure their homework is done, and have a great time building a fantastical world from the comfort of your living room.

Learn More About Their Interests on Social Media

Aside from video games, kids are also invested in certain social media influencers. There are several online in various niches, from comedy to beauty. Offer to watch the influencer’s videos with them so the two of you can bond over your child’s passion.

If you’re looking for low energy activities to do with your kids, this one is perfect.

Seek Advice When it’s too Much to Handle

No one ever said divorcing your spouse would be easy. If you’re struggling to bounce back right away, seek divorce advice from a qualified expert. Friends and family may have their own input, but it’s best to seek a professional’s help as anyone else may be biased towards the situation.

Post-divorce therapy can also help you transition into this new life of yours by teaching you new coping mechanisms.

Watch Their Favorite Disney Movies With Them

Disney is one of the purest and most exciting parts of any kid’s childhood. Therefore, offer to watch their favorite Disney movies with them if you’re looking for more activities to do with your kids. If you’re not on a budget, perhaps take them to one of the happiest places on Earth. Disneyland is fun for kids of all ages. Adults can also have an incredible time there.

Just because your child is growing up in two different households, doesn’t mean they should miss out on life’s most special moments. Take them out for a spin on the Mad Hatter’s Teacups, or buy them one of Disneyland’s most famous treats — a dole whip or Mickey Mouse shaped pretzel!

If your children are Disneyland fanatics, consider looking at properties near the park so you can have a blast with them every summer. Vacation homes for sale near Disney also have various other perks. You won’t have to spend thousands of dollars on resort fees every time you want to travel to Anaheim. Not to mention, you can also rent it out as an investment property when you’re not using it. After all, Disneyland is busy year-round. Above all else, this will be one of the most special gestures you can do if your child loves the magic of Disneyland.

Provide Educational Field Trips

If your child is struggling in school — which is quite natural if their parents are going through a divorce — make learning fun again with educational activities to do with your kids. While going to Disney is a fun experience, it’s not quite an educational outing. Instead, try taking them to a science or kids museum so they can get a better grasp of what they’re learning about in class.

Strengthen Your Relationship With Your Ex-Spouse

Regardless of who has custody of the children, it’s important that your kids spend time with both of their parents if you want them to grow up well-rounded. Therefore, it’s imparative that you stregnthen your relationship with your ex-spouse.

Try following some of these tips if you wish to build this relationship.

• Don’t use your kids as leverage when arguing.
• Don’t bring up old drama during family gatherings.
• Learn how to co-parent sussessfully. This may take time and patience, but you must never use your child as a messenger.
• Keep an open line of communication open between you and your ex-spouse.
• Always put your kids and their feelings first when making decisions.
• Wait to introduce a new partner to your ex-spouse and children.
• Refrain from using harmful language when speaking to your ex-spouse.

Get Involved in Your Child’s Favorite Sport

Aside from video games, social media, and movies, your children should also be incredibly active throughout their childhood. Therefore, find a sport that you both love. Select activities to do with your kids like dancing, football, softball, tennis, or even weightlifting.

Sticking with a sport also allows your child to learn more about remaining disciplined.

You’ll also learn more about their interests this way.

Make Jewelry Together

If your child loves to accessorize, consider creating custom jewelry with them. If you’re looking for activities to do with your kids that allow you to stay home, opt for this choice.

Attend Their School Events

If you wish to bond with your child, and display your interest in their lives, attend every school function and event when you can.

Whether they just played a fantastic game of football, or belted out the best note in the school play, make sure to celebrate them afterward.

Make Them Feel At Home When They’re Visiting Your Place

If you don’t have sole custody of your children and they are only able to visit once a week, ensure that your place feels like home too.

You don’t have to plan activities to do with your kids every hour of every day. Sometimes, they just want to relax, so make sure you have their favorite snacks in stock.

Show Interest in Their Issues Too

Don’t get too caught up in your own problems involving therapy and divorce mediation.

It’s easy to forget that sometimes children can have problems too. This can range from bullying at school or homework stress.

Don’t talk down to them and make them feel as if their issues are invalid. Sure, they don’t have to worry about paying bills or hitting work related deadlines. But these struggles feel real and important to them.

Learn the Difference Between Bribery And Building Relationships

Understand the difference between bribery and building a genuine relationship. While you may be tempted to spoil your child and buy everything they ask for, don’t let them take advantage of you. They will appreciate you being an active parent more than a new pair of shoes anyway.

Often, engaging in activities to do with your kids will help strengthen the relationship more than taking them shopping every time they visit.

Lend a Hand at Their School

Join your child’s PTA committee at school. You’ll be helping make decisions that can affect their day to day life in class. It’s also a great way to spend time with your child while they’re at school.

Ask For Time Off Work

If you’re struggling to find time in your schedule for your kids, make time. Ask for a few weekends off from work if you have to.

Continue to Take Family Vacations

Depending on your relationship with your ex-spouse, this tip may be hard to implement. If both parents are on good terms, organize a family vacation with both parents. You may have to take a few more precautions. For example, you’ll need to book separate hotel rooms or flights. But your child will appreciate having both parents in the same room.

Teach Them New Skills

Looking for more activities to do with your kids? Teaching them new skills is a fantastic way to infuse learning into your quality time with them. Try anything from this list for a fun and educational time.

• Teach them a new language — perhaps one that pertains to your family heritage.
• Teach them a new instrument like piano, guitar, violin, or trumpet.
• Teach them a new sport.
• Teach them how to rollerblade.
• Teach them how to skateboard or ride a bike.

Read With Them

Any child will enjoy reading if they learn to appreciate the activity when they’re young enough. Go to the library together and check out books that center on their interests.

For example, they may love reading and learning more about dinosaurs, pirates, or princesses.

You may be surprised at how much of a bookworm your little reader is.

Go on a Hike

If your child isn’t sporty, consider going on a nice hike together. Camping is also a wonderful way to bond with your children.

Closing

When going through a divorce, it may seem like you’re losing your grip on everything that matters in your life. However, try your best to push these negative thoughts away. Your children are also going through this with you. They may not make it obvious, but they are also hurting. Remind them how much they mean to you daily. Implement more activities to do with your kids. It’s also important to show them how much they mean to you. By implementing these tips, you’ll bond with your children and foster a close-knit relationship, even after the divorce.