Image via Flickr by roger_mommaerts

It's probably not a good idea to depend on your memory alone when making out the invitations. You're bound to forget someone, which could lead to an unfortunate family riff. Call extended family members for ideas and suggestions. It's perfectly acceptable to invite close friends of the family, even if they're not blood relatives.

Plan the Menu

There are two ways to feed such a crowd: hiring a caterer, or having everyone bring a covered dish. Bringing the food saves money, and it's a great way to sample Aunt June's world famous chocolate pie, but it's impractical if many people are traveling long distances to attend. If hiring a catering service is more practical, ask for everyone to contribute toward the expense.

It's also a good idea not to forget:

• Drinks and ice
• Table coverings
• Serving utensils and knives (for meat, pies, etc.)
• Food warming stations
• Lounge chairs and blankets
• Plates and eating utensils

Image via Flickr by roger_mommaerts

Enlist Helpful Family Members

There's a lot to do, such as preparing for dishes, silverware, table covers, and addressing invitations. It's not an easy undertaking and shouldn't be assigned to one person. Asking others to help doesn't just lighten your load, it also gives you access to wonderful ideas they might have to contribute. If it's not possible to plan in person, consider using social media or Google Docs to make sure everything's covered.

A successful family get together comes down to how well you plan the details. Here's a list of the little extras that often get forgotten when a big event is underway:

• Napkins and paper towels
• Wet wipes for washing hands and faces
• A guest book for everyone to sign
• Paper and pencils for exchanging contact information
• First aid kit
• Scissors for opening packaging
• Garbage bags for cleanup

Arrange for the Estranged Cousins and Random Extras

Be sure to ask everyone about food allergies, and have a selection of foods for young children (no peanuts, grapes, or choking hazards), diabetics, and others with special dietary needs. It's also a good idea to offer something for the calorie conscious, such as salads and diet sodas.

Above all, make the planning enjoyable. You want to be fully prepared and rested to enjoy the special occasion.

What fun things do you like to do with your family?

Amanda is a freelance writer whom enjoys playing and coaching volleyball. She loves her friends and family including her dog, Charlie; as well as traveling all around the world.

The post Planning a Family Get-together appeared first on Mom it Forward.

Yes, I know kids and cleaning can be a recipe for whining, fights, and eye rolling (mostly from the teens in the crowd) but don’t be too quick to give up. Here are three strategies to get your kids to pitch in around the house.

House Cleaning Strategies

Make it a Game

Turning clean-up time into a game works best with younger kids.

Try these ideas to get your little ones on board and helping around the house:

• Write down kid-friendly tasks on a BINGO card. When your child completes the tasks needed to get a BINGO, they earn a small treat or reward.
• Set a timer and race to see if you can pick up a room before the buzzer beeps.
• Put on some music and have a dance party while cleaning.
• Give kids their own child-sized cleaning tools so they can mop or scrub alongside you.

Remember, toddlers and preschoolers might have difficulty with a vague command to ‘clean up your room.’ Instead, give them specific tasks such as ‘put the books on the shelves’ or ‘place the toys in the toy box.’

Make it a Habit

Cleaning won’t seem so much like a chore if it becomes second-nature.

• Avoid turning your minivan into a storage unit by having everyone in the vehicle carry something inside each time you arrive home.
• Institute a five minute ‘room rescue’ rule before the TV, video games, or other devices are turned on.
• Create morning and night checklists with personal chores such as ‘make the bed’ and ‘put away clothes.’

Make it a Job

Some parents balk at the idea of paying their kids to do chores. After all, you don’t get paid to clean the house.

However, money can be extremely motivating for some kids, particularly tweens and young teens who are ready to shop but have limited earning opportunities. As a compromise, you can split chores up into two categories. For example, your kids may be expected to do some base chores for free, such as making the bed or loading the dishwasher. However, other jobs – perhaps scrubbing the toilet or folding laundry – have a price attached. Once a child has completed their base chores, they can complete additional work and get paid.

Although it may mean more work upfront, teaching your kids good cleaning habits can save you time in the long-run. In addition, it instills a good work ethic that reaps benefits far beyond your sparkling kitchen.

How do you involve your kids in the household chores?

Jess Katsma has owned a house cleaning service for over 10 years. She works with great families who actively involve their children in keeping up a home. She has seen firsthand how rewarding the effort to involve the family is, for both the parents and children. Jess writes about more experiences on her site Less Mess With Jess.

The post Chores: 3 Tips to Make Cleaning a Family Affair appeared first on Mom it Forward.

This month we are sharing our Family History ebook with our community. In the eBook, we have included a few printables for family dinner discussion cards. These fun cards will help spark conversation around the table. You can can print them off and store them in a cute glass jar. Read one or as many as you want in one sitting. Once you start this fun habit you will be amazed at how much more of an effort you will make to have family dinner together. Just think of all the fun you will have getting to know each other better.

How Do I Download?

To download this free printable simply subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here.

Do you have favorite family recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation? Our family has a favorite sugar cookie recipe that my grandma created. I love thinking of her when I make these delicious cookies with my kids. I want my family to know that it is her recipe, and that she loved making them with me when I was little. There is a Family Recipe Printable in the Mom It Forward Family History eBook that can perfectly capture these precious recipes for now and years to come. To receive a free copy of this printable and all of the other printables in the Family History eBook, subscribe to our free monthly newsletter.

Featured image from Flickr

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Research on Educational Programs

PBS Kids offers many wonderful educational programs and recently posted on its website a three-part report from the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. The study researches the impact educational programming has on school readiness and early literacy skills, and its long-term benefits into adolescence. (Source: www.pbskids.org). I like that this study can provide educators and producers of these educational programs with a more comprehensive understanding of what is needed in educational television to support the development of language and help increase literacy in children.

Educational programs that have been developed with the intention of instructing viewers have been found to successfully impart academic information and support a child’s school readiness and early literacy skills according to the report. (Source: www.pbskids.org). Literacy is the ability to read and write. Many of us grew up with Sesame Street and other educational programs that helped develop these important skills; one of my favorite programs as a kid was The Electric Company!

The report goes on to explain that educational television for pre-school and early elementary aged children are most successful when the kids are interested in the topic. One of the programs we found really fun is the new show by PBS Kids, The Kratt Brothers, that showcases the brothers' adventures on land and in the sea. We had a chance to review the program prior to launch, and we must have watched it no less than 15 times in a week. It was the show my daughter requested every night prior to going to bed. She really responded to the interesting storyline and fun facts about sea creatures. My daughter also enjoyed watching the cartoon version of show where the brothers tried to help save a puffer fish.

As a mom, I feel good about these programs that provide interesting facts about the world around us and help with my daughter’s reading and writing skills. It is all about moderation of course, but to have these educational programs available that support learning and can be used in conjunction with other tools makes for a well-rounded learning experience, and the occasional break for moms!

What are some of the ways you teach the importance of literacy in your home?

References: PBS Kids website http://pbskids.org/read/research/television.html

Photo courtesy of Flickr

Melissa Northway, M.S., is a children's picture book author and mom to a feisty redhead who is her inspiration for most things. Her award-winning book Penelope the Purple Pirate teaches kids the importance of having adventures while at the same time treating others with respect and kindness. Melissa recently created a lifestyle website called dandelion moms that showcases women and their dreams and voices - along with recipes, beauty and fashion tips, and always a fun giveaway. You can read Melissa at www.melissanorthway.com and www.dandelionmoms.com and follow her at @melissanorthway and @dandelionmoms.

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How We Did It

1. Have a Challenge

We started out our trip by giving each of our kids the challenge to find something creative and funny in the store. We were in stitches as each of our kids came up with the funniest items.

2. Make It a Friendly Competition

Thrift stores have some of the craziest clothing items and we all had fun trying to outdo each other. Check out this Noah's Ark vest; it is screaming at you to take it home! Are you looking for a basketball? Boise State has you covered in this store. Maybe you need the perfect wind breaker and life vest.

You've got to love this bobble head toy. Do you like my surprised look? Don't try this trick with a hula hoop at home. Match maker, match maker find me a match.

We found the perfect wedding vail with a classic fake floral arrangement. We even had a hockey playoff in aisle 5. And last but not least, a Frankenstein jacket for your next date; you have to practice the face to go with the jacket.

3. Take Pictures

As much fun as we had at the store, I think we had even more family fun once we got home and looked through the pictures. We laughed to the point we were almost crying. We relived each moment and found so many more things that were funny that we didn't see the first time.

A simple trip to the thrift store turned into an unforgettable afternoon with the cousins. And the best part is we didn't spend a dime!

What fun things do you like to do with your kids that doesn't cost a lot of money?

Jill Greenlaw has a banking background. She gave that up 17 years ago when she got married and started having kids. She loved being a stay-at-home mom while raising her four beautiful children. Jill is now working for the Mom It Forward team as their Community/Sales Manager. She loves her job. Her interests include camping, motorcycling, boating, photography, reading, cooking, and traveling. Put her in flip flops anywhere warm and she is happy.

The post Family Fun: Entertainment at the Thrift Store appeared first on Mom it Forward.

Today I am sharing some of my favorite things for families to do this spring.

Springtime Family Activities

1. Build a Nest - Finding nests in your yard can be inspiration for a simple nest building craft.
2. Take a Nature Walk - Create a family nature bag with simple items to keep kids engaged in exploring nature.
3. Visit the Local Farmer's Market - Let kids get involved in the grocery shopping at a local farmer's market.  By giving them a specific task or letting them choose meal ingredients, they get more invested in dinner.
4. Take a Road Trip - Beat the summer travel traffic by hitting the road early this year.  Traveling off-season can be an adventure all in itself.
5. Play Outdoor "I Spy" - Playing a simple game of I Spy can open the discussion with your kids about what is all around them.
6. Create a Resurrection Garden - Start a family Easter tradition with this precious miniature garden.
7. Decorate a Bird House - Using things picked up around the yard, your family can welcome home spring birds with a bird house makeover.
8. What to do on Rainy Days - Just in case the spring weather isn't cooperating with your outdoor plans, a great list of rainy day family activities might just come to the rescue.
9. Celebrate Daylight Savings Time - This silly family bedtime story is the story behind the fidgety little hour that goes out to play every spring causing trouble with our clocks.
10. Staycation Ideas for Spring Break - Staying home this spring break can be a fun with these simple ideas to vacation at home.

Whatever your family decides to do this spring, make it a celebration!

What is your favorite family Springtime activity?

Holly Homer is the mom of three boys and passionate about play.  She writes about kids activities at Kids Activities Blog and a mom blog, June Cleaver Nirvana.  She believes that kids shouldn't have all the fun...motherhood should be fun too.

She also can be found on Twitter as @Texasholly.

The post 10 Springtime Family Activities appeared first on Mom it Forward.

5 Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day in Your Community

There are tons of free events that can entertain every member of the family. Here is a list of five ideas for how to rediscover your town.

1. Valentine's Day Breakfast

Celebrate Valentine's Day as a family by making heart shaped waffles, French toast, or pancakes using either a heart shaped waffle iron, cookie cutters, or pancake molds. If breakfast doesn't work for your family, try doing the same thing with sandwiches at lunch. Also remember, if Valentine's Day falls on a day that isn't good for your family (i.e a work or school day), then choose a day closest to Valentine's Day and celebrate it then.

If you are inclined, you can have simple inexpensive gifts sitting at each person’s plate or better yet, place them in a large white Valentine box in the center of the table with strings or ribbons attached. Have a string lead to everyone's plate and after breakfast or lunch is over, let each family member pull out their gift. Remember to try and keep the gifts simple and inexpensive so you don't get stressed out over trying to find time to buy and wrap the gifts. The dollar store is often a good place to find simple inexpensive gifts.

2. Free Outdoor Concerts

There are lots of free outdoor and indoor concerts perfect for the family performed all year long. If it’s an outdoor show, turn it into a picnic, bringing your favorite holiday treats and a big blanket for the family to snuggle up on and enjoy the show. Dress the family up in a Valentine’s Day or winter theme; this could be a great opportunity for some family photos.

3. Pet Adoption Center

If you don’t think volunteering at a soup kitchen is right for your family this year, perhaps spending a day playing with cute animals can tempt your children out of the house. Take the whole family and help one of your local pet adoption shelters for a day. Often, holidays are the biggest times for adoption, so these places could use all the help they can get. You can share the Valentine's Day spirit with some animals in need.

4. Open House Museum Days

Many museums have a once-a-month free day where anyone is welcomed to explore their exhibits. Take the whole family to the local science museum or an interesting and interactive art exhibit. You never know which annual tradition will inspire your kids to become anthropologists, artists, or marine biologists.

5. Other Free Events in Your Area

If you type “free events in …” and the name of your town on a search engine, you will get plenty of links to great local places to check out. One website I like is called Citiesonthecheap.com. This website posts hundreds of ideas on how to get out of the house with your family without breaking the bank.

These are just a few ideas for how to get the family out of the house, but there are many more. When your kids grow up, they are going to remember the fun times you shared with them, not the things you bought for them. So go find a new tradition to share with your family this year.

What are some of your family's favorite Valentines traditions?

The post Valentine’s Day: 5 Fun and Free Family Outings for Valentine’s Day appeared first on Mom it Forward.

Tips for Making Family Memories That Include Your Teens

Olympian and mom, Jennie Finch, on behalf of Shout^®, encourages families:

We all have our favorite TV shows, iPad apps and video games that can easily occupy weeknights.

Make a commitment to take at least 30 minutes each day to unplug the whole family from their favorite gadgets and spend some quality time together doing a fun and creative activity.

Below, I have included some great tips from my recent interview with Jennie where she shares ideas for creating fabulous family moments with her children.

1. What are your top five tips for having creative family bonding time? (Bonding time that brings out everyone's creativity?) Lighten up and have fun! Make sure everyone is involved and yes, that means parents! Anytime we as parents can try to relate and make it around the kid’s/tween’s/teen's interests, it’s that much easier to get them to indulge in some family fun! Anytime you can include physical activity and being outdoors, it makes it that much more enjoyable for all. Don’t worry about the messes, family time trumps any messes made.
2. During the tween years, what are tips for getting kids/tweens to unplug and interact with the family? Games and crafts are always a great way to bring out the creativity in everyone. Let the kids decide and figure out what the plan is for your family fun night. Dinner time can be a fun event, let your teen decide the menu or even do the cooking! Yes! It will require patience and you can count on messes, but Shout^® has you covered! Create activities that involve talking. Communication (not through or with technology) is so very important.
3. What are your favorite indoor activities to do as a family in the winter time? Go back to their childhood. Engage in classic activities like hide and go seek, fort making, or art projects like cut-out crazy snowflakes and Christmas trees, construction paper chains to countdown until Christmas, or homemade cards. If the weather does not permit outside play, get out a board game, or better yet, make up a brand new game with items around the house. You can write down the rules on a dry erase board as you go and the whole family gets to be inventive and resourceful with playtime! The key to involving teens is to have them help you create the game, the rules, run the show, and be as involved and bought in at the outset as possible.
4. What are your favorite outdoor activities to do as a family in the winter time?  Encourage the whole family to go outside and get dirty! Fresh air is invigorating and allows children to run freely without the worry of knocking over breakables or bumping into furniture.
5. What are the top three criteria you look for when considering family activities (e.g., creativity, physical activity, educational)? Anything outdoors and when the entire family is included equals fun: playing sports together, climbing trees, and riding 4 wheelers. What is most important is creating activities that let your kids' imaginations run, make sure they are moving, and most of all, that ensure everyone is having fun!

What is most important is creating activities that let your kids' imaginations run, make sure they are moving, and most of all, that ensure everyone is having fun!

For more ideas, check out our new eBook: "Get Active: 31 Family Fun Activity Ideas, Small and Simple Ways to Stay Active and Play Together."

How Shout^® is Helping Families Bond

To encourage families to take a fresh look at their daily routines, Shout^® developed the “Reprogramming America for Fun” App on Facebook.

Upon log-in, the app integrates each user’s name and profile photo into a short, personalized video all about seizing the moment, setting you free to start living out loud and having fun, without the worry of getting a little messy—try using the App once you have taken holiday photos to see how your personalized video changes & highlights all of the fun times you had.

What tips do you have for unplugging and building family memories, especially when teenagers are involved?

Giveaway

Giveaway Requirements

All entrants much complete both requirements to be qualified for a chance to win this giveaway:

1. Go to the Shout' Reprogramming America Facebook app (http://on.fb.me/PIsrLv) and click on the Get Reprogrammed button to create your own custom “Reprogramming America for Fun” video.
2. Leave a comment on this blog post answering the question, "What changes will you make to seize the moment (even if it means getting messy) and live life out loud?"

Giveaway Terms

One winner will be chosen using random.org. Giveaway closes at 5 p.m. PT on Monday, January 28, 2013. Click to see the official terms of this giveaway.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Shout^®, an SC Johnson Company. All opinions, tips, ideas, and information, including information included in the eBook referenced in the post, are my own.

The post How to Make Memories with Your Teenagers {Giveaway} appeared first on Mom it Forward.

Use the fun “fill in the blank” printable above to help your kids set goals for the upcoming year. Help your kids make resolutions that are healthy and helpful for their age and abilities. When setting your own personal resolutions, try to keep them balances across all areas of your life. Think of different goals for your body, mind, heart, and spirit.

Click to download the New Year's Resolution printable.

If you have an animal lover in your family, this is a must-do. Take the family to your local zoo, throw on some pedometers, and learn about the different animals and their habitats. Print the Zoo Bingo printable above to take on your animal adventure. After your trip, ask you kids about their favorite animal and compare steps on your pedometers to see who walked the farthest.

Click to download the Zoo Bingo Printable.

Get your kids to help you plan your dinner menu for the week. This printable will help you choose healthy options to keep your kids healthy and strong and teach them about the different food groups.

Click to download the Meal Plan Printable.

For more printables and winter activity ideas, check out our Family Winter Activity Ideas eBook here.

What activities do you like to do during the winter to keep your family active?

The post Downloads: Winter Activity Printables appeared first on Mom it Forward.

5 Tips to Having a Successful Winter Outing at the Zoo

Going to the zoo in warmer weather may not require that the kids bundle up, but it is the busiest time of the year for zoos. Winter months are far less busy and offer some great perks. Here's some ways to have a successful winter outing to the zoo:

1. Bundle up. Make sure that everyone is wearing their warmest clothes: winter coats, scarves, gloves, socks or warm wool tights, and hats. Being cold, no matter the activity, isn't fun for anyone.
2. Research winter animal habits. Animals have different habits in the winter than they do in the summer. Get your kids excited to learn what's new at the zoo from the last time they visited. While there, call out the differences to make the experience as educational as possible.
3. Look up admission rates and hours ahead of time. Zoo hours may differ in winter and summer months. Go online or call your local zoo to inquire. Also, at our local zoo, the rates drop $2 per person in the winter months. Take advantage of savings by going in the winter months.
4. Go on a family photo walk. Give everyone in your family their own camera (phones work great!) and go on a family photo walk. This works great at aquariums, farms, or zoos—any place with fun photo opps. Check out these instructions for ways to have a successful family photo walk.
5. Play zoo bingo. Download our free printable, part of our "Get Active: 31 Days of Family Fun Ideas" eBook, which focuses on getting the family out and active during the winter months.

Click to download Zoo Bingo Printable. Subscribe to our weekly eNewsletter for more winter activity ideas and printables.

What winter weather activities do you like to do as a family that help you get out and get active?

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