Every couple of years a new idea or term comes out for how parents can spend more quality time with there family. I heard an interview with someone who is promoting an idea called, "Slow Parenting."
If my parents were alive they would smile at this term saying that is exactly what we did when raising our children.
For past generations who were not competing with computer games, texting and social networking, slow parenting was the norm.
When I was young there were few organized sports for girls, and boys played shorter than now, seasonal sports. In summer it was little league baseball. Games were scheduled during the week and it was not unusual for parents not to go to every game.
There were not endless weekend tournaments and sports camps. At most, kids went to scouting camp for a week and perhaps church camp for another week. Whatever the kids did, there was always plenty of time left for family outings.
Nowadays with work, school, sports, organizations, electronics, more specialized camps from computers to theater, there never seems to be enough time left over for the family to be gathered together at the same time in the same place unless they are sleeping.
At best, one or two weeks is penciled in, after parents and childrens schedules are consulted and reworked, for the family to take a trip together. And with the economy still as uncertain as jobs, for many families long trips are off the table.
Financial uncertainty is stressful but may be one of the reasons slow parenting is making a comeback. Without a lot of disposable income families discover that simple activities without all the bells and whistles can actually be fun and great for family cohesiveness.
Instead of taking two weeks for a trip and going separate ways for the rest of the year make a pact to take those 14 days for family day trips. Since these are for the family, let each person plan some of the outings.
Where can you go? For younger children it can be as simple as finding frogs and pretty stones at the edge of a river. Or looking for bird nests and wild flowers on a hike.
Search the internet for places you can go to see how something is made. If the company makes food or candy you will probably get a free sample at the end of the tour.
You might be surprised at how many places within a reasonable driving distance have special activities for children, especially in the summer at a low or no cost to participate. Check out your state parks. Most of them have great summer programs for families.
After you have done your planned activity find a place for your picnic lunch. The same food you eat at home always tastes better on a picnic and will save you money as well. If you have time, stop at a park or go to the beach.
You might even want to leave the everyday distractions at home and have a no texting or computer games pact. Make the most of your family outings. Your slow parenting might not be at the speed of turtles, but it is a start.
Febe VanZanten, teacher, coach, parent, grandparent http://picnictoday.com, twitter: Picnic_Today Blog:PicnicToday.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Febe_Van_Zanten
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