Blast From the Past: Top 5 Ideas For Retro Family Fun
iPads, iPods Wii’s and Xboxes. These are the tools of the trade if you’re a child between the ages of two and 12. Let’s not forget the plethora of other choices that exist for our kids in this digital age. A click of a button provides immediate gratification for the bored younger set. Downloading is part and parcel of the childhood experience in 2011.
Yet, there’s something to be said about the Jurassic Age of family fun. Way back in antiquity, families actually sat down together and interacted in ways that seem to be lost in this day and age.
It would likely do all of us parents well to just, well, slow down a bit, and kick it old school with the kids. We may all be very surprised at how much we could appreciate a good old-fashioned evening of fun.
Following are some ideas for some retro family fun that both the kids and the parents can enjoy:
1) Family Game Night – The caveat is that there is to be no digital component as part of these evenings. Tried and true board games, such as Monopoly, Scrabble and good old-fashioned card games will keep both the kids and the parents on their toes and engaged.
2) Family Movie Night – Sure – lots of families already do this, but it’s usually a forum to watch the latest blockbuster or children’s 3D animated special. While both of these choices are, admittedly engaging, you might be surprised at some of the jewels of the past that are out there. Perhaps a “Family Movie Night” where some of the lasting children’s classics are viewed and discovered in the comfort of the family room or den. After all, “there’s no place like home.” Some examples of classic children’s films can be found here.
3) Technology-Free Entertainment – What did families do before the advent of digital entertainment? Well, in addition to board games, there was a lot more time spent outdoors. “Go out and play” was the mantra for many parents and the kids did just that – they went out and played. While we may be in a more cautious time, and parenting has taken on a more protective tone, there is no reason that families cannot revisit the tried and true activities that moms, dads and kids have enjoyed over the years. Consider getting “back to basics” in a manner of speaking and take a weekend off from digital entertainment. A family soccer or baseball game, a trip to the zoo or a picnic in the park is a great way to reconnect and have fun.
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