Dad, What Are We Doing This Weekend?
On any Wednesday "Dinner Night" (It's a divorced parent thing) before a weekend with me (This is a "bonus" weekend, so we have just my two-- again, it's a divorced parent thing) my daughter asks me this same question. I usually give the same answer based on the season and weather)-- we will probably:
- Do some gardening
- Play some tennis
- Take a hike or two in the woods
- Go to the park
- Have a BBQ
- Watch a movie
- Go fishing
My son usually doesn't ask, but always listens intently to the answer. He was quick to remind me that I had promised them "driving" lessons (Ages 13 and 11-- that's the subject of another post).
There are times I feel like the activities director of a cruise ship . . . my wife calls us the "entertainment committee".
We have always filled the kid's weekends with activities-- most free or low cost, all frugal. The kids other parent's have only recently stepped up on the activities (In my ex's case, out of guilt I think). Over the past seven years, there have been very few low activity weekends.
As I thought about it, I was glad my 13 year old daughter still asks-- it means she anticipates, enjoys, and likes the time we have together. In the unusual situation that divorce brings (Not my choice . . . ), I apparently have succeeded in staying close to my kids and have imparted on them that there is plenty to do without throwing money at them (I am definitely not a "Disney Dad", ignoring them and "making it up to them" by taking them to Disney World).
I have often said, I want my kids to remember experiences, not the things they had or didn't have. This is advice nondivorced families should strive for as well.
What are you doing this long weekend?
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Divorce is Not Frugal
Categories: Activities, Frugality, Parenting, Divorce, Free Resources, Simple Living, Personal Philosophy
Tags: Free Resources Frugality Divorce Success Parenting Frugal Activities Simple Living Kids Personal Philosophy
I think the key is to create memories for your children and not just revenue for others. Time spent together doing something is much more valuable than whatever pile of money we might spend.
My recent fishing trip brought back memories of fishing at a small lake in Michigan when I was a kid. These were wonderful times with my family. None of it involved lots of money. And, 40 years later I still have (and use) my old fishing tackle and tackle boxes.
The key to lasting memories and creating a closer bond with friends and family is to be engaged - face challenges, build something, accomplish something. When we overcome challenges together, learn together, have fun together, that builds relationships and memories that last.
And, it doesn't require spending money, just spending time.
Clair
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I have said many tomes before . . . time is the most valuable thing that you can give your kids! When you give them time, you are also giving yourself the gift of their time too.
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