From About.com
The holidays are over, rain and snow is here to stay, but that doesn’t mean it’s time for winter blues. I love to surprise my kids with Family YES nights, simple changes to the expected routine. Even in their teens I never had a single child try to escape from a family night; I have even overheard phone calls rescheduling plans for after our time together. We are going to start sharing some of these family activities ideas as a regular blog feature, starting with a winter beach party.
YES Spaces LLC
I start every Family YES night by posting a sign in the front hall of our house announcing the event, what time it starts and what to wear. I never give details about what we will be doing – occasionally I give out secret tasks to individual children but no one knows the whole picture. It keeps everyone guessing and when they are guessing they are interested!
For the beach party pick a night when you know there are no practices, classes or games to interfere. Post a time and tell everyone to dress for the beach!
From Beach City Surf
The key to a successful YES night is to keep it simple. If it stresses you out it won’t be fun for anyone.
From Phillzgrill
For beach night try putting out fixings for shush-kabobs (like the recipe from Phillzgrill) and let your family skewer their own dinner. Everyone gets exactly what they want and less work for you! Grill them on the stove, or my husband has even been known to kick on the BBQ and grill in a raincoat.
From RelaxedPolitics
Add some tropical flair with a simple straw and orange slice, or go whole hog and add the always intriguing umbrella; even if the drink is simple OJ.
Layer brightly colored beach towels as table decor and bring out the picnic ware or use paper plates to keep clean up easy.
From Bambooandtikis.com
It will feel just like you are eating at the beach!
After dinner watch a favorite family beach movie like Soul Surfer, or if you have girls DVR a couple episodes of Gidget, my 11 year old loves her! Or better yet head to a local indoor pool – they won’t be expecting that. But if you go to the pool EVERYONE gets in the water – even if you are not bathing suit ready. Your child doesn’t care about your thighs, she cares about your arms supporting her and your smile encouraging her.
So dive in, and create some great memories! Share your stories or ideas with us and we will post some of them (with your permission) on our YES Spaces Facebook page.
If you want your home to say YES! every time you walk in contact us today!
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