Search Results for: blog shake things up with a day of non verbal communication

The Joys and Challenges of Family Projects

I love family projects—whether it is cookie baking, cleaning out the closets, or other ambitious undertakings, I really do enjoy (for the most part) doing projects with my kids. The truth is, however, it doesn’t always go well and we have had some major implosions over the years when it came to attempting to do family projects. I’ve learned that there are certain things we just can’t do together and that there are certain “arrangements” that work better than others… When my children were little, I used to try to coordinate big group projects for the holidays—jack-o-lantern carving, group cookie-baking, … Continue reading →

Making Changes With or Without Your Family

Sure, it is nice to make changes and try new things as a family, but that isn’t always possible. You may have visions of becoming a vegetarian family or switching churches and find that others within the family unit balk and refuse to participate–or at least to participate willingly. It can take a little tact, care, patience, and planning to make big changes as a group–and sometimes, you might have to just make them on your own! When kids are young, it might be easier to make wholesale changes as a family. The less independent and mobile kids are, the … Continue reading →

Shake Things Up With a Day of Non-verbal Communication

Think that vows of silence or silent weekend retreats are only for monks and holy people? Trying a day or afternoon or weekend of silence as a family can be fun, calming, and a way to focus on each other and be together without the chaos of chatter. Kids and parents can find it fun and challenging to find alternative ways of communicating when talking is out… My kids and I used to have fun with “silent hour” or “silent day” (We also used to have “opera day” but that is for another blog). The goal wasn’t to avoid each … Continue reading →