Family Night

We've started a new tradition in our household. It's family night!!!!! Yesterday was the first one and it went swimmingly. I've attempted to do similar things in the past but it never really worked into the routine well and the kids would rather have a friend over or go to a friends house than spend time with their boring old mom. Sundays seemed the obvious day to do it but things always come up, weather it be friends or family in town, work or one of the kids activities. I thought Monday night would be a great solution because I usually have Sun and Mon off and we can relax and do fun things in a clean and tidy house. I won't be distracted by things that need to get done.

The kids are growing up so fast and I find myself in regret every day for the time I've missed while being a single parent and working all the time( if I'm not at work I'm working around the house). I see them a lot but I feel checked out, like I'm going through the motions. Were around each other but I'm not engaging with them enough. So instead of going another day regretting the time I don't spend with them, I decided to just set aside one day after school where I'm just there with them. Not on the phone not cleaning the house not on the computer, but present. I had to remind myself that their still here now living with me and we have some more years left before they leave me and go to college. Stop regretting and do something!!!!

The first family night went like this. I went to the library before I picked them up and got a book that I can read aloud to them. Bedknob and broomstick was the choice. I also got a movie we could all watch together. Summer of the Monkeys. The kid's got home, I annouced family night. Kiah was really bummed because she's signed up for a photography class at the boys and girls club on Mondays. I told her "sorry honey but family night is more important than photography" Once I told Taj that I got some of the pillsburry easy bake halloween cookies that I have never bought and would never let them have, he was very excited for family night to begin. The kids did their homework while I baked the cookies, emptied the dishwasher and made chilli and cornbread. Kiah tried to turn the TV on to watch netflix and I stopped her and diverted her to the halloween decorations while we waited for Taj to finish his homework. We then watched the movie together, then I read aloud to them and before I knew it, it was bed time. Quite simple but we were together the whole time. I think it will make us closer as a family if we can do this no matter what!!!! At least once a week. The key is that we are spending the eavening TOGETHER!

Next family night I think we'll cook something yummy together and maybe play a board game. I know it sounds exciting but you can't come. It's family night.