Challenge Myself: Day #74 Using Imagination In Playtime

Today is Day #74 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is to ask each child to make up a game for the family to play.

The book says,

Kids are so imaginative that if you give them a big box, some wooden spoons, and a few stuffed animals, they will use the items to create and imaginary world with themselves as characters.

Help them turn on their imaginations. Ask each child to make up a new game for the family to play together.

If there are too many games for one afternoon or evening, give each child a special night on which his/her game will be played.

Have fun, get into the role that's created for you, giggle along with them, and feel the loving bond between you growing.

Kids have a great imagination so make this real fun family time!

Just For Today: I am grateful that I still have an imagination at my age!

pic found @pinterest
From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #73 Your Undivided Attention

Today is Day #73 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today, give ten minutes of your time and undivided attention to each family member.

The book says,

Some days, it seems that everybody is clamoring for your attention. But when it comes to family members, it's important that you give it to them.

Ten minutes often is not enough to really get started talking, but it shows your loved ones that you care deeply about what troubles them and that you want to help.

Even if your help is just listening to them vent, do it.

You can always set aside another ten minutes to continue the discussion at a later time.

Consider the alternatives. Brushing them aside for more urgent matters sends the wrong signal.
Make time for loved ones before they leave your nest. Isn't it true that you are happiest when you know that they are happy too?

When all the kids were home making time was very hard to do. They have left the nest. It's just me, the hubby and our dog now.

Just For Today: Making time for the hubby is my top priority!

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #72 The Family Historian II

Today is Day #72 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is to make video record of older family members sharing memories.

Now if you've chosen your family historian or you yourself want to take on the challenge of this part there are so many ideas. From scrapbooks, to albums and now to video recording all of your memories!

The book says,

Before a parents, grandparents, great aunt or uncle gets any older, ask him or her to join you for a videotaped chat. Make it informal and begin with easy questions that can serve as points of departure into his story.

When were you born?
What town, village, or city?
What country?
Who were your parents?
What kind of work did they do?
Then ask open-ended questions. Tell me about your earliest memories?
What was life like for you growing up in your town?

Ask questions about certain periods in his/her life such as preadolescent, teen, young adult, middle age and golden years, for example.

Long after they have passed away, you can relive those moments and feel joyful that you took the time to make the video.

I shared in the other part of the Family Historian that this is something I am interested in doing with my father. His father and many relatives were born in a tiny little part of Virginia called, Coal Mine that isn't even on the map. Daddy has many memories of his family who lived there.

There is a family cemetery there on one property that I want to visit as well.

Just For Today: I am feeling Blessed Today that I still have my parents in which to do this challenge.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #71 The Family Historian

Today is Day #71 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is to create a multigenerational scrapbook detailing your family history.

The book says,

Are you the keeper of family photo's?

Why not create a scrapbook with your children and spouse to trace your family lineage and document births, deaths, marriages, and other important events?

During this process, you can teach your children about their ancestry, perhaps inspire one to write a report on a famous ancestor, or learn about vital health history.

A scrapbook can contain pages with old letters, documents, deeds, and other keepsake documents.
You'll not only have hours of fun working on it and sharing it with relatives on celebratory occasions and holidays, you'll feel a sense of pride and joy at knowing the details of your family's lineage.

Back in the 1990's I started researching some of my family history on my dads side. My paternal great-great grandmother was an American Indian who was born in Virginia. I became interested in learning more about our family heritage and the culture.

My grandfather on my dads side are from a very tiny little town in Virginia. Daddy loves taking us through there when on the road traveling. He can remember so many memories about his family living there and remembers just about where all of them lived.

He is getting up in his years and I want to take another trip there and video tape his accounts so that we are able to share these memories.

Just For Today:  I am grateful for the memories!

pic from: Family Tree Quotes
From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #70 Setting Boundaries With A Curfew

Today is Day #70 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is about one of the boundaries that every parent should set for their teenagers. That is to set and enforce an age appropriate a curfew. for your child/children.

Growing up my parents set our curfew as 9 PM on school nights and 11 PM on weekends. This was adjusted a little bit due to teens with jobs and also for summertime.

For my own kids my parents curfew worked for us so I used my parents protocol for my own kids.

The book says,

Challenge Myself: Day #69 Family Game Nights

Today is Day #69 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is to pick two days a month to have a family game night.

So, what are waiting for? Get out the board games!

The book says,

Spend time with your family playing board games or other types of fun activities that stimulate your children's imaginations.

Many studies support the premise that children thrive when they are in a family that spends quality time together.

Their bonds to each other and their parents are strengthened as well as their sense of identity and belonging.

And you may find that you enjoy the time together just as much as they do. It's just another way to build happy relationships.

Our kids had a blast playing Monopoly. Of course we always had the sad looser in the family who if that child wasn't winning he likely tossed the board and all of the pieces across the room.

It was then we talked about winning and losing. No one has to win every game. Everyone has pride when they win, but it is also about good sportsmanship when playing and in the event that you lose. It isn't the end of the world.

Just For Today: I will congratulate the winner of tonight's game!!!

I Found A Helpful Link for Parents:

Win Some. Lose Some

pic from: Jar Of Quotes

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #68 Family Projects II

Today is Day #68 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is a project that will allow anyone of any age to be creative. Open up your creative mind!

The book says,

Here is yet another project that kids love to do. Get the whole family involved in making a card for that special birthday gal or guy.

A sheet or two of colored paper, paste, scissors, colored pens and some magazines are all you need to make a great, personalized birthday card guaranteed to evoke smiles of appreciation. Find birthday greetings on the Internet of make up your own. Use magazine images or words.

You may decide that making a card that says exactly what you want is way more fun than perusing dozens of cards on a store shelf.

Oh, and since it costs nothing when you already have the materials on hand, you have another reason to smile.

I myself love DIY Projects. I found a link for making gifts and who doesn't like getting a gift that was handmade?

The holidays seem some time away, but will be here before we know it. I like making some special "gifts in a jar" around the holidays.

Just For Today: Opening up my creative mind.

Here is a couple of links of Interest:

43 Creative DIY Gift Ideas
Holiday Gifts in a Jar Ideas

And in case you missed the first part, here is the link to the first part of, Family Projects

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #67 Healthy Family Competition

Today is Day #67 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is competing in the family.

The hubby was very competitive. He played church league softball for awhile in his younger years. The kids saw his competitive spirit and often challenged him. Back then the kids had a Nintendo, but they still went outside to play.

The book says,

Challenge Myself: Day #66 Family Projects

Today is Day #66 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is to spend one hour working on a family project, or an arts and crafts.

What child doesn't like this idea?

Back when my kids were growing up we sent them to Vacation Bible School. Not just Bible School at our church, every church here in town. They loved the crafts and projects and for a time our house displayed macaroni picture frames and birdhouses made with popsicle sticks.

The book says,

After the dishes are done and the homework has been put away, turn off the television and turn on your creativity.

Get out the craft box and create something fun, whimsical, or beautiful with your kids.

Quality time with your children is never wasted. They need time with you to feel loved and wanted. Instead of allowing them to sit in front of the television and get bombarded with undesirable messages, establish an hour of family fellowship, and watch them thrive.

I've made homemade play dough for my grandson. You don't have to be artistic to be creative. If you have young children Lowes and Home Depot have projects for young children also.

Also if you live local don't forget the Be-Hive for kids 13 and under. Visit their webpage @ Be-Hive
The Be-Hive is great family fun. They do arts and crafts as well as learn fun and exciting things.

Just For Today: I will close my eyes, breathe and allow for some creative ideas to flow into my mind.

Here is a link to some kids project ideas:
23 DIY Projects For Kids

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #65 Family Treasures

Today is Day #65 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is about making time for family and about gathering family treasures.

The book says,

Challenge Myself: Day #64 Communicating

Today is Day #64 of our NarAnon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today- the next time you don't see eye to eye on a subject, write your significant other a succinct message clarifying your point of view.

The book says,

The next time your spouse tunes a deaf ear to your point of view, try a new strategy. Write him/her a succinctly worded note. Resist the urge to name calling to point out a stubborn streak, or threaten.

Instead, create a lens for him/her to see your position on the subject.

Argue your point without finding fault with him/her as a person. Show respect for the others point of view, but reveal why you've arrived at the opposite conclusion. He or she is not the enemy.

Tackle the problem, not the person, and you may find that the other isn't all that attached to their point of view after all.

Apply the same strategy to talking with the other person and you may find they are listening.

Our boys were all three teens at the same time. I know when they were all home they used to do little things that made me a little mad for instance shaving. They would leave those little hairs all over the place in the bathroom. In the sink, around the sink and on the floor. Tired of cleaning up after them I started leaving post it notes on the bathroom mirror asking they clean up the shaving mess.

Another note I left a lot was one above the kitchen sink that read, "If you are standing here and there are dirty dishes in the sink, please wash them."

When the kids were home we had a rule that nothing was too big to talk to us about. The same applied to us, the grown ups in the home. The hubby and I have always talked. Now, many years ago we worked opposite shifts at work and it was hard. I often left notes for the hubby of Things To Do. We always make time to talk.

Just For Today: Keeping the lines of communication open with my family.

I found a couple websites:

How To: Communicate With Children
Effective Communication With Your Spouse

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #63 Resolving Conflicts

Today is Day #63 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is about helping to resolve conflicts.

The book says,

Three basic mechanisms for dealing with conflict are avoidance, accommodation, and collaboration. Use conflict resolution techniques on a regular basis when you are dealing with family conflicts and disagreements.

For example, when you are putting masking tape on the floor of the family room in order to separate your children from each other because you can't stand their incessant arguing, do so with a calm, thoughtful, and respectful demeanor.

Show them what courtesy, kindness, empathy, and understanding look like. Listen to both sides and demonstrate your desire for a constructive solution.

It may be necessary to restate their problem, paraphrasing it in their own words so both of them are satisfied that you truly understand.

Impress upon your children your desire that a solution can be found. At all times, speak calmly and avoid being confrontational and aggressive. When the optimal solution is found happiness and peace will again prevail.

One of the biggest mistakes I made with my kids was when they had problems and came to me instead of helping them resolve their problems by showing them the ways I always became chief problem solver in the home.

My kids are adults now and have problems solving their own problems.

As an adult I have found it doesn't get better. Right now I have some things going on around me. 

Just For Today: I will not give power to my own conflicts right now.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #62 Family Grievance

Today is Day #62 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is about family grievances and conflicts.

The book says,

Let each person in your family know that you care about the problems he faces and the issues he may have with you or other family members.

Set aside time each week to air family grievances. Avoid allocating blame and instead identify the problem and encourage discussion aimed at finding possible solutions.

There may be solutions that require sacrifices to be made by the individuals involved in the conflict. For example, a fight between siblings over a last piece of cake might necessitate dividing the slice between each child so each gets less but both get some.

By airing grievances and discussing options, you will be demonstrating conflict resolution, skills- a great real-life tool for your children and other family members to have.

When the kids were home we had a family night each week to set and talk. Now that it's just the hubby and I we talk daily. It is very rare that we have any grievances.

Just For Today: I am grateful for a peaceful and happy home.

From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #61 Teaching In The Kitchen

Today is Day #61 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is out teaching young kids the responsibility of cooking.

As a matter of fact even little kids love helping out in the kitchen even if it is to stir a spoon.

The book says,

Ever too tired to cook? Encourage each family member to choose one day each week to prepare the family meal. Be graceful and supportive if you are presented with a stack of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Get children an age-appropriate cookbook and help them make some recipes. Even little children as young as four and five can prepare food.

Show them how to wash berries and grapes and break off pieces of bananas. and then demonstrate how to stir in some fruit yogurt as salad dressing.

Train the whole family so that the next time you are too tired to cook, you can relax and check the family schedule to see who's turn it is to cook.

This is a great idea. I remember when my own kids were younger and started showing an interest. My daughter once threw in two added cups of sugar into the oatmeal cookies.

Allowing them to help somehow gives them a feeling of being needed and of purpose of helping.

Of course this like the chore chart and is age appropriate. My kids are all grown up but they love to cook and create their own recipes. Use this to teach your kids early about healthy eating habits by making healthy snacks together~

Always supervise when the stove and oven is being used.

Just For Today: I am remembering the simple little things in life that bring joy.

Betty Crocker Fun For Kids Recipes

pic from: This One Site
From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #61 Teaching In The Kitchen

Today is Day #61 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is out teaching young kids the responsibility of cooking.

As a matter of fact even little kids love helping out in the kitchen even if it is to stir a spoon.

The book says,

Ever too tired to cook? Encourage each family member to choose one day each week to prepare the family meal. Be graceful and supportive if you are presented with a stack of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Get children an age-appropriate cookbook and help them make some recipes. Even little children as young as four and five can prepare food.

Show them how to wash berries and grapes and break off pieces of bananas. and then demonstrate how to stir in some fruit yogurt as salad dressing.

Train the whole family so that the next time you are too tired to cook, you can relax and check the family schedule to see who's turn it is to cook.

This is a great idea. I remember when my own kids were younger and started showing an interest. My daughter once threw in two added cups of sugar into the oatmeal cookies.

Allowing them to help somehow gives them a feeling of being needed and of purpose of helping.

Of course this like the chore chart and is age appropriate. My kids are all grown up but they love to cook and create their own recipes. Use this to teach your kids early about healthy eating habits by making healthy snacks together~

Always supervise when the stove and oven is being used.

Just For Today: I am remembering the simple little things in life that bring joy.

Betty Crocker Fun For Kids Recipes

pic from: This One Site
From the book: Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #60 Chores: Early Teaching Tool

Today is Day #60 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is about teaching a child with chores. 

The book says,

Recipe For A Happy Home

Today was the last Live Happy exercise and challenge on Building Strong Happy Relationships. The next exercises are about Building Strong Happy Family which I am excited about also. I found a Thirty Day Marriage Challenge for anyone interested.

50 Pieces of Advice About Love and Relationships

Also here is a good read for Finding Love In Sobriety

We on this side of the heroin know that you can raise your kids in a happy home and do what is right and they can still make wrong choices. We the parents however still beat ourselves up wondering what went so wrong. I know we used to do that all the time.

pic from Always Happy Day
The Live Happy Challenges are from the book written by Meera Lester, Live Happy

Challenge Myself: Day #56 Effective Listening

Today is Day #56 of our Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is about listening when others are speaking.

The book says,

The art of actively listening means to be totally engaged when someone is talking to you. When you truly make an effort to understand others, they appreciate it. Consequently, your relationships with them are strengthened.

Make sure you truly understand what your friend tells you by repeating his words back to him or her. 

You could start with, "I want to make sure I understand what you're telling me."

Express your understanding of what he or she is saying and if it isn't right, the person will correct you. Listen without judging. Be fully present. Pay attention.

Your relationships will be stronger and happier as a result of your effort.

Just For Today: I will listen.

From the book: Live Happy

The Family Rules For Happiness

There are just a few more exercises in the section of Building Happy Relationships in the book, Live Happy. The next section of exercises in the Live Happy Challenge is about Building a Strong Happy Family. I am excited about the next section of challenges.

Heroin and this addiction has torn many families to pieces so I am excited about the section on Building Strong Happy Family.

pic from: Happiness Quotes