Quality time with the family trumps more time at the office. Here are a few ideas for making it happen.
We talk a lot about business in this weekly note, but business is a distant second (or should be) to family. We all know the old saw: at the end of life no one ever wishes they could have spent more time at the office.
If you’ve got kids, grandkids, or even nieces, nephews or cousins that you’d like to spend more quality time with, but aren’t sure what to do, here are a few ideas for you. My wife gave me a little book for Christmas called “88 Great Daddy Dates” that has some really good ideas for “fun, easy and creative ways to build memories together.” Though the title says Daddy, these dates can be enjoyed with any relationship, young or old.
Most of these are pretty obvious, but they take time – quality time and undivided attention. Here are some of my favorites:
A Walk in the Night – Bundle up, grab a couple of flashlights, make a Thermos of hot cocoa and hit a local park for a walk when it’s dark. Sit down and listen to the night sounds, look for stars and talk about the surroundings.
Mad Libs – Buy some inexpensive mad libs books for kids, go to a favorite burger place, and take turns filling in the blanks of these stories. The twists and turns are fun mental gymnastics, and you never know how the story will turn out.
Count Your Blessings – Thanksgiving Day has come and gone, but the gratitude should stay all year long. Go to your favorite dessert place, take some index cards, and as you’re enjoying your treat, write down on each card a person or thing you’re thankful for. Share them and discuss them.
That’s Amore! – Create your own pizzeria at home, complete with table settings, menus and order tickets. Have all the ingredients on hand and make custom, creative pizzas together.
Rise and Shine – Get up extra early one morning, bring your favorite donuts or muffins (and coffee!) and drive to a spot with a great view of the sunrise. Enjoy breakfast and the light as it begins to fill the sky.
Other tips for having successful dates: build excitement and anticipation; no phones; scrap or adjust a date that isn’t working; listen, talk, and enjoy the moment. Simple stuff, but oh so important.
Have a great week and a Happy New Year!
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