This summer have everyone in the family look around the house for a possible family project. Have you always wanted to build a birdhouse? What would add that extra special element to the kids' playroom? Have your children ever pleaded for a playhouse, skateboard ramp or picnic table? As a family, you can use vacation time to have fun and complete a family project.
1. Choose a project. Such as fixing up Dad's clunky first car that has been rusting in the driveway or compiling a family photo album for each member.
2. Work out a budget together. Consider supplies and time.
3. Set specific deadlines. So your project will be finished by September. This is a chance for everyone to learn something new, so assign special jobs.
4. Learn the basics. If you want to add a playhouse, new deck or vegetable garden to your yard, hardware stores such as Home Depot often have seminars to help you get started. Your neighbours might have some skills to swap, too, so ask around if you prefer a private lesson. Whether you choose to take up photography together, learn Spanish as a family or build a computer part-by-part, your kids will go back to school with new skills and fond memories.
Tip: Helping with local charities is another great way to spend time together. Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity or collect donations for a women's shelter or children's clothing drive. Start by cleaning out closets and making a family inventory of things you want to donate – your kids will finally clean their rooms this way!
Learn more with these additional resources:
• Fun Projects for You and Your Kids, New and Revised (The Lyons, September 2007) by David Stiles
• Treehouses and Playhouses You Can Build (Gibbs Smith, 2006) by David and Jeanie Stiles
• Down and Dirty!: 42 Fun and Funky First-Time Projects and Activities to Get You Gardening (Storey, 2006) by Ellen Zachos
• The Get Outside Fun and Learn Project and Nature Book (Southwater, 2006) by Clare Bradley
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