101 Things You Should Do Before Your Kids Leave Home

101 Things You Should Do Before Your Kids Leave Home

101 Things You Should Do Before Your Kids Leave Home

101 Things You Should Do Before Your Kids Leave Home

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Overview

101 Things You Should Do Before Your Kids Leave Home is packed with ideas and advice designed to help parents prepare their children for life out in the world, while making sure that both parents and kids enjoy every precious moment. From staging a food fight to serving in a soup kitchen, from planning a "tour de neighborhood" bike race to telling family stories, some suggestions are fun, some challenging,and others practical -- but all will inspire parents with ideas for family time before their kids leave the nest.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780446554541
Publisher: FaithWords
Publication date: 12/14/2008
Sold by: Hachette Digital, Inc.
Format: eBook
File size: 56 MB
Note: This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

David Bordon and Tom Winters were the project managers who working with freelance writers and designers packaged the book. David lives in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Tom lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Read an Excerpt

101 Things You Should Do Before Your Kids Leave Home


Chapter One






1


PLANT A FAMILY TREE

Our kids grow up so fast. In a mere cosmic blink, they're adults ready to launch out into the world on their own. A wise parent must search out opportunities to instill a sense of family-a tight circle in a wide world, a bond they can always depend on.

That can be as simple and beautiful as planting a family tree. Involve the whole family in the task of choosing a location for your tree. That might be your own yard, a park, or even a public roadway. Make sure you select a place where you and your family will always be able to visit your tree.

Once you've found an ideal place, ask a professional to advise you concerning the type of tree that is best suited for your area and climate. Make sure the chosen location has the right amount of sunlight and room to grow. Then pile everyone into the car and go together to bring your family tree home.

Encourage each person to take a turn with the shovel and throw in a handful of dirt when the tree is in place. When you've tamped it down, take hands around the tree and offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for your family-who you are and what you will become. If possible, take pictures of your family around the tree each year. It's fun to compare later pictures with those of your kids encircling a wobbly little stick.

God so values the concept of family that He instituted it way back in the Garden of Eden. In spiritual terms, He calls us His children, part of His own eternal family. Before your kids sprout wings and fly away from you, give them a symbol of your family's strength and commitment.








2



OPEN A SNOW-CONE STAND

What's better than ice water on a blistering summer day? Shaved ice soaked in thick, fruity syrup. Yum! The classic snow cone is a hot neighborhood seller on warm afternoons. Let your kids set up shop. Maybe they'll even make some spare change. Before breaking into business with your children, remember the snow-cone motto: flavor matters.

That means your kids have some big decisions. Will they opt for grape, cherry, lime, strawberry, orange, or raspberry? With a little Web hopping, you can come up with strawberry kiwi, root beer, and winter watermelon. Check out The Canning Pantry at www.canningpantry.com and look over their luscious shaved ice flavors.

You can purchase a stand or build one yourself if you're so inclined. Even if it's a simple tarp, the stand should have a roof to prevent overexposure to the sun. And make sure you're always supervising for safety's sake.

Going into the snow-cone business will teach your children a powerful truth. God gives everyone different likes and dislikes, interests, and abilities. One child may be all about scooping, another completely absorbed with pouring on the flavors. Another may be gifted at marketing and slogans. If so, let your artist make signs that are colorful and easy to read. If one's skill is sales, put the convincing spokesperson up front to pull in the crowds. Should one shine at customer service, have him or her serve up neat snow cones with a big paper napkin.

Every child can pitch in. No shirkers and no exceptions. Working together to open up a sidewalk snow-cone stand provides a great lesson in business management and serving others-skills your children will appreciate long after they leave home.






3

TEACH YOUR KIDS TO WRITE "THANK-YOU" NOTES

Once upon a time parents promoted an unwritten rule: You can't play with a new toy until you write a "thank-you" note. That may seem archaic to those unfamiliar with such civility, but it was a great way to get children to pause for a moment of gratitude before enjoying the rewards of a loved one's benevolence.

Thank-you notes don't have to be long, complicated affairs. A child need only mention the fun and/or informative elements of the item and how grateful he or she is for the gift-giver's kindness. If a child is too young to write, you can be their scribe-and encourager. Put some kisses and hugs at the end for the younger kids or let them add some of their art work. Older kids should be encouraged to add a few loving words, and that's really all there is to it. Simple, but effective. The effort's as good for the child as the person getting the note.

The Bible tells a story of ten lepers who were all healed by Jesus. Nine ran on to family and friends, delighted at their good fortune. Only one stopped to say "thanks." It's an important lesson. We constantly enjoy God's gracious gifts and frequently forget to offer thanks. Still He continually showers blessings upon even those who don't recognize His goodness.

In truth, it takes such a small effort to show appreciation. When children write a note of thanks, they pull back on the urge to expect the world or the World Maker to cater to their personal wish list. Inborn greed gets a kick in the seat when kids learn to give thanks where and when it is due.






4

SAIL OVER YOUR HOUSE IN A HOT-AIR BALLOON

101 THINGS YOU SHOULD DO BEFORE YOUR KIDS LEAVE HOME Imagine sailing high above the trees and rooftops-you and your kids, as free as birds on the wing. It's an unforgettable experience that will trigger fanciful memories for a lifetime. This favorite of fun lovers around the globe has another important benefit: it provides a unique perspective on life. As you float high above, earthbound images blur, imperfections vanish, little troubles fade. From your lofty perch, you see only ordered streets, neatly appointed lawns, and beautiful blue bodies of water. You could even say that it's a God's-eye view!

Hot-air balloon rides were once a delight enjoyed only by the most daring, but now they are far more accessible. You can soar into the clear, blue sky at county fairs, fund-raising events, and balloon festivals. In many places, it's as simple as checking your local yellow pages or the Internet. You can learn where to get a balloon ride, how balloons fly, or how to become a balloon pilot. You should also know that such life-lifting adventures are often available to anyone willing to volunteer as part of the ground crew. Ask the balloon owner if you and your kids can have a trip to the clouds as payment for your labors.

A family hot-air balloon ride may seem like an extravagance when you're working hard to put food on the table, but it's one that may be worth digging down deep for. Before they leave home, your kids will have a priceless illustration of how God can lift us high above our problems and carry us on angels' wings through the toughest moments of our lives.

(Continues...)



Excerpted from 101 Things You Should Do Before Your Kids Leave Home by David Bordon Tom Winters Copyright © 2007 by Bordon-Winters LLC. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

Table of Contents


Plant a Family Tree     12
Open a Snow-Cone Stand     14
Teach Your Kids to Write "Thank-You" Notes     16
Sail over Your House in a Hot-Air Balloon     18
Share Family Recipes     20
Check Out Life-and Faith-in Other Lands     22
Build a Birdhouse and Wait for Them to Come     24
Make Your Kids All Home-Movie Stars     26
Laugh, Cry, Dance, and Sing-in Front of Your Kids     28
Say It-"Kids, I Made a Mistake."     30
Soap Down Your Car-All Hands on Deck     33
Watch the Sun Come Up-or Go Down!     34
Treat Your Kids to "Only Child" Dates     36
Be on the Lookout for a Double Rainbow     38
Teach Your Kids to Change a Diaper     40
Conduct a Laundry Seminar     42
Show Your Kids That "Old Folks" Don't Bite     44
Thank a Soldier     46
Go to a Museum-Let the Kids Choose Which One     48
Join a Parade     50
Spend the Night in the Zoo     52
Stand Together on the Edge of the Grand Canyon     54
Invite a Dog, Cat, Guinea Pig, or Bird to Share Your Domicile     56
Take a Virtual Vacation to Istanbul-or Wherever!     58
Invite theNew Family on the Block Over-and Let the Kids Cook     60
Have a Talk About Death and Heaven     62
Sing the Family Song-Over and Over and Over     64
Make Every Family Affair a Photo Op     66
Run Through the Sprinklers-Fully Dressed     68
Find Out What Your Family Values Are     70
Get Elbow-to-Elbow over a 1000-Piece Puzzle     72
Hug Your Kids Until They Let Go     74
Make a Big Production!     76
Conquer a Mountain     78
Dance Together in the Ocean Waves     80
Explore the Backyard with a Magnifying Glass     82
Pick Up Trash in a Park     84
Serve in a Soup Kitchen     86
Practice the Art of Praise     88
Take It to the Lord in Prayer     90
Conduct a Workshop on Car Maintenance     92
Plant a Garden and Tend It Together     94
Throw a Dart at a Map     96
Strike Up a Family Band     98
Dig for Dinosaur Bones     100
Start a Pillow Fight     102
Teach Your Kids to Love God-By Word and Example     104
Explore the Fine Points of Financial Management     106
Say "I Love You" with Words     108
Find a Church and Stick to It     110
Ride over the Falls Together     112
Round Up the Family for a Reunion     114
Speak a Foreign Language at Meals     116
Collaborate on a Family Memory Book     118
Talk to Your Kids About Sex, Drugs, and Alcohol     120
Ride a Roller Coaster Side by Side     122
Read a Classic Novel Aloud     124
Attack Family Chores with Teamwork     126
Waterproof Your Kids     128
Lie Back on the Grass and Examine the Clouds     130
Find a Joke and Tell It Until Your Kids Beg You to Stop     132
Teach Your Kids How to Ride Out the Storms of Life     134
Stage a Controlled Food Fight     136
Pile Up the Pillows, Dim the Lights, and Watch a Movie     138
Plan a "Tour de Neighborhood" Bike Race     140
Choose a Favorite Sport and Attend All the Games     142
Two Words-Diet and Exercise     144
Walk in the Rain with One Umbrella     146
Embrace a Poem Together     148
Teach Your Kids to "Be Quiet and Listen"     150
Do Silly Serenades     152
Take a Nighttime Stroll Through the Galaxy     154
Remind Your Kids That Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness      156
Teach Your Kids Good Study Techniques     158
Have a Family Pen Pal     160
Make Personal Triumphs a Family Affair     162
Dive with Sharks-in a Cage, of Course-or Swim with Dolphins     164
Camp Out in the Wild!     166
Instill a Passion for Thriftiness     168
Dig for Clams and Steam Them on the Beach     170
Foster Family Friendships     172
Help Your Kids Identify What They Do Well     174
School Your Kids in Ways to Manage Conflict     176
Write a Letter to the Editor-Signed by the Family     178
Plan a Family Talent Show-and Invite the Neighbors     180
Get Creative in the Kitchen     182
Teach Your Kids Organizational Skills     184
Let Your Kids Know You Will Always Be There for Them     186
Fly High with a Kite     188
Preach the Gospel of Manners & Etiquette     190
Trace Your Child's Silhouette     192
Save the Environment     194
Model the Value of Hard Work & Self-Discipline     196
Have a Paper-Airplane Flying Contest     198
Mold Footprints & Handprints     200
Create & Bury a Time Capsule     202
Pitch a Tent-Indoors      204
Organize a Search for Teddy Bears in the Dark     206
Make a Swing for Even the Oldest Kids     208
Tell the Family Stories     210
Put a Premium on Peace     212
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