Going out for a family date night
How do you make family nights work for the whole family – so you all enjoy the time you spend together?
1. Involve your kids in the conversation. We chatted about the birthday party they had been too – what they liked about the child whose birthday it was, what makes someone a good friend, and then it went on to what sort of birthday party they would like to have. Florence held most the conversation but the boys certainly chipped in with lots of comments (aged 2yrs). Pick a subject your child is interested in and ask them about it, whether its books, trains, Tv program, school, sport, the weather………… “What did you enjoy doing today?” “Tell me about school this week, who did you play with?”
2. Take colouring or activities for them to do whilst they wait for their food. Our kids are still pretty young and so dont understand why they have to wait for their food (usually they come to the table once the food is ready). To combat the craziness we arrived pretty early, and then they had activities to keep them busy. The restaurant we went too gave them a party pack, with colouring pictures, a little sweet (which we managed to keep for dessert), and book, but if you are going to a restaurant that isn’t geared up to kids – just pack a few books, pens paper, sticker books. Obviously if your children are older this isn’t necessary, but our boys are still a few years away from that, and it meant we could have a drink without having to say no to lots of things.
Family date night at home
Don’t want to head out? No worries – here are some home ideas.
1. Have a games night . Granny came to babysit our friends kids for the weekend. They had a picnic next to the fire followed by games – the kids thought it was the best thing ever!! A board game, drinks and popcorn and you are away. Our favourite games: Hungry Hippos, Jenga, Scrabble, Connect 4, Uno, Sorry, Screwball, Kerplunk
2. Outdoor cinema – I can’t wait to set up a projector, get some blankets and watch a christmas movie outside (its summer here in December). But to keep it simple, a family movie with popcorn, & drinks is a lot of fun.
3. Cooking Together – making pizza/ wraps / fajitas / ice cream toppings / brownie’s / icing biscuits. Getting kids involved in the cooking you will be amazed about the veg they eat if its on a pizza ?
4. Night Out – cinema / theatre / night tour at the zoo/ walk around the neighbourhood in your PJs with torches.
What are your favourite things to do as a family? How do you make it easier to eat out at a restaurant with young kids?
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