With three boys under twelve, a job and a commitment to physical fitness, taking anytime “off” is not a realistic expectation. That being said, I fully appreciate and understand the importance of being less scheduled – not only for myself but for my kids. So, in an effort to slow down and enjoy some real family time, I have decided to take the weekend off. Here’s my plan.

 

Friday Evening

Disconnect, completely. No smartphones, no tablets, no checking-in, no social networking, no emails. NO EXCUSES!

Play a board game with my sons. Make some popcorn. Laugh out loud…in person, face to face.

Get to bed early. Sleep a full eight hours. Take my little one into bed with me and revel in every moment of his littlehood. His brothers have already grown too quickly.

 

Saturday

Skip hockey practice. Skip the gym. Don’t feel guilty about it!! Enjoy a big cup of coffee with CREAM. Make hot cocoa for my boys.

Take everyone, including our crazy dog, on a real walk. A two hour walk. Appreciate the trees, the birds, the time together. Let the boys stop and play in the snow. Don’t tell them to hurry-up. Build a snowman – build a snowman family.

Get everyone to read a book.

Make dinner together. Make chocolate chip cookies. Let the boys lick the spoon. Let them make a mess.

Snuggle up on the sofa and watch a movie…or a hockey game. After all, we are Canadian!!

 

Sunday

Stay in bed as long as possible. Make pancakes and serve real bacon. Watch my boys smile when they realize they’re getting real bacon! Stay in our pjs until noon. Go play street hockey. Score a goal and fist bump my sons. Be awesome with them. Make a memory they will always carry with them.

Teach them that it is ok to slow down – life shouldn’t feel like a race.