Family fun leads to lasting memories

FUN TIME: It was all go for kids at Sunday's Children's Day. 020314WCSMKIDS5

Here at SKIP (Strategies with Kids; Information for Parents) we love everything about positive parenting.

After we had so much fun at Children's Day on Sunday, we thought we would share with you some more great ideas for having fun with your kids.

Create some lovely memories with your family by remembering to have fun together. It doesn't need to be highly organised or expensive. Spending time together as a family creates a sense of wellbeing and by sharing new experiences teaches our children that we love them and enjoy being with them.

Try some of these ideas:

Write a lovely note to your child and pop it under their pillow or in their lunch box. "Have a special day - Mum and Dad love you heaps".

Have a whole day where everyone stays in their pyjamas!

Have a favourite colour day for each child - with clothes, food, surprises in their favourite colour.

Write messages in code on the fridge door/message board and leave clues for them to decode.

Organise and send a personal invitation to a mother and daughter or son and father event; eg afternoon tea for two on the back lawn.

During the weekend let your children sleep in any room of the house they want to - the lounge, the study, the dining room, or even the hall.

Take them to the beach to watch the sun set or rise.

Make a hut with sheets and rugs and read stories by torchlight.

Go through the family photo albums together.

Draw chalk pictures on the footpath.

Wash teddies' clothes in a bucket and peg them out to dry.

Lie on the grass, close your eyes and listen to what sounds you can hear, or just watch the clouds.

Hope you have lots of fun trying out some of these ideas. For some more family fun, how about visiting the Castlecliff Children's Day and Sea Week Celebrations tomorrow, noon until 4pm, at the Castlecliff Beach and Domain.

SKIP has tips and strategies for parents and caregivers on raising children in a positive way - visit our website skip.org.nz or contact Liza and Lynette on 027 626 1404.