A page dedicated to the American family. The home is the most powerful place in our society. Here we build our families, either up or not at all. Our content is focused on making family connections and confident parents.

Family Movie Nights

Movie nights are an easy way to spend time together as a family, whether you are trying out ways to bond or you are as close as the Brady Bunch. My family began movie nights 2 years ago. I was scrolling through social media and came across a clip from “Rookie of the Year.” Immediately, I turned to my husband, showing him the clip, asking when was the last time he watched this movie. We both started listing off movies from our childhood that we loved and had not seen in years. Movie night was born. Our daughter was reluctant at times to watch some of our suggestions but we reassured her to at least try it out and that they were cult classics, so they were not lame Mommy and Daddy movies.

To make movie nights unique and fun, try out the following:

1. Snacks: popcorn, candies, ice cream with toppings, and chocolate. Give your goodies the extra touch by using popcorn buckets/cups or setting up all your selections on the coffee table for grazing.
2. Seating: Create comfy places to watch your movies whether it is on the couch or the floor. Blankets, pillows, robes, fuzzy socks, and forts make for a relaxed evening with your family.
3. Plans: Choose the date and movie ahead of time. Your family will have something to look forward to and everyone can make sure they are free from other plans. Choosing the movie before the night of will make things easier to get started and leave no doubt into what goes on the T.V.
4. Themes: Create a dinner menu that fits the movie you are watching. Pizza for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, 50s style diner food for Back to the Future, or baseball inspired hotdogs and nachos for The Sandlot. You could go as far as dressing up like characters or the style of the decade the movie was released.

Fun with the Family

Fun and laughter make the best times and memories. The family does not have to go out to the newest trampoline park in town or spend a week at an amusement park. Sometimes, the smallest, simplest activities can make for memorable moments.

Here is a list of ideas that are sure to be a hit and easy on the wallet:

1. Nerf Guns: Hide around the house or in the yard and let yourself have fun. Nerf guns take tag to a different level or capture the flag. Boys and girls can play with these toys, plus bonus points for having no age limit. My husband and I have a blast fighting each other almost as much as our daughter likes fighting us. Note: some do sting a bit so be cautious with face shots.
2. Beach Ball/Balloons: These make playing a form of volleyball so easy and can involve the youngest child to the oldest adult. Forming a circle and simply keeping the object in the air can be just as much fun as an organized game. Create a zone to play in or a net with blankets or outdoor objects.
3. Scavenger Hunt: Create your own or find an online option that is filled with items you can find in your home or outside. Take the time to walk around with your family to locate the items, especially if it is outside. Put a twist on this idea, have each family member or kids/parents, create a scavenger hunt for the opposing members!
4. Board Games: Stop by your local thrift shop and stock up. You may be surprised at the retro games you find. We bought a Wheel of Fortune game from the 80s! You can also purchase a new game every so often to play. Board games are great for all ages. If you are playing a game for the older ones in the group, let the young ones run the buzzer or hand out the cards. It’s important to include everyone and work on patience as you wait for your 4 year old to hand everyone a trivia card.
5. Coloring: Little prep time for this one. Set aside 30 minutes to sit together and all color from the same book or everyone chooses their own coloring book. Once everyone is done, write names and dates on the pages to put on the fridge or put in a memory book. Take a picture of each family member with their colored page to put in the scrap book or as a sweet memento.

All parents struggle at times to balance rest or personal time and kids. What you have to remember is one day the house will be empty and you’ll have plenty of time to yourself.