Expensive days out fade quicker than photos ... memories of simple, but special times together with people we love never do .....
Hi Mark,
As a fellow sufferer of depression, I know my suggestion may not be easy to follow, but thought I'd suggest it anyway. . . .
Working with children is my area, and this idea has always resulted in good outcomes.
Allocate each child a set amount of time (1/2 hour to one hour is enough.) Then tell them you will play anything at all that they choose in this time. Set up some guidelines: no money is spent; no-one does anything dangerous or hurtful; and anything else you might need to say.
Even adolescent children are delighted by this, altho' you can expect rolled eyes and "b-o-r-i-n-g!!!" from them (after all, they must look cool, no matter what!!).
If they need some ideas, ideas could include:
suggest making something from Lego or other building sets
playing board or card games
drawing together [do you remember the old game where you draw a head and fold it over so only the edge appears? The next person draws a body, then folds it over; the last person (or first again) draws the legs?? Such a simple activity but loads of fun!]
music making or playing
drama activities - do your kids know how to play Charades?
going for a nature walk together (it is Spring now in the UK, am I right?)
reading together - you read a page, s/he reads a page - or for younger children, you read and they listen.
Kids absolutely LOVE uninterrupted time with a parent - and it is a treat we can so rarely offer them. My children (now in their thirties) still have fond memories of what we called "Family Fun Time".
May your Easter weekend be calm and a time to gather your strength. Every best wish from Nell.
