VIDEO! How I teach kindness (and have fun) at the dinner table

Looking for ways to have fun at the dinner table with your little ones? Want to encourage kindness, sharing, and gratitude while enjoying family time? If so, you will love our game called "What I like about you..." During this game, each person tells another person 2 things that they like about them.  It's a simple game but my kids LOVE it (and so do I)! 

Another way that we make dinnertime fun is to use the

special plate.   

We use this special plate all the time and I love the way that my kids get excited about it!  We often take turns and give it to guests that we have for dinner. I think it's a great opportunity to teach manners, gratitude, and kindness while spending quality time with each other!

OK, now it's your turn! Tell me fun things you do at your dinner table! Can't wait to hear!

4 Ways to Make Family Movie Night a Blast

 

If you're like me, one of my favorite family activities is to have family movie night.  What I like best about family movie night is the excitement and anticipation around it.  I want my children to look back and remember these times fondly so I try to make it fun!  Here's how I do it...

1.  Let your kids pick the movie
Of course, what else but Frozen!? Who doesn't want to watch Frozen?! What a great movie that even adults will enjoy!  You can buy it here on Amazon for $20.00 or, of course, find a Red Box machine near you!  If Frozen isn't your top pick, here are some great ideas for family friendly movies from Parenting Magazine Best Movies for Families.

2.  Build excitement
 Let your kids pick the movie and watch the trailer online.  Find out some things about the characters and ask them questions about what they think will happen in the movie.

3.  Make a cool snack
I like to make a snack that fits the theme (ice cream for Frozen for example) but you don't need to go crazy.  Popcorn is always a hit!

4. WATCH the movie.  No, really WATCH the movie.  Put your phone away and be present.  Engage in the movie and engage in your child's life.  You'll be glad you did.