Friday, September 3, 2010
Putting Family First
I have had this idea milling around in my head for a while - this picture that I can't seem to shake...so I have decided to try and put it into action. I want to start a Family Meet Up group here in my home town. A place and time to gather with families that are striving for the same values that I am.Mission Statement:
Families First Meet-up is a group of families that are striving to give their children an old fashioned childhood. We believe that it's important to make time for family at home and out in the world. We grew in a time where bikes were a precious possessions, meals were eaten together and the family was a unit. Childhood is a precious commodity that should be cherished but in today's society it is being wasted on video games, tv and cell phones. Let's make time to turn back time. FamilyIS the new black.
Once a month members would get together for group activities such as:
Bike rides
Visiting local parks
Hikes
Game/Movie Nights
Tennis games
Picnics
Every month the Mom's and Dad's would take turns with a night out. All Mom's would meet up a local restaurant for a night out - the next month the Dad's could do the same.
4 times a year - we could participate in service projects as a group - like forming a team for Relay for Life, March of Dimes or community clean up.
Every group activity would have a "fee" - I was thinking of asking for $2.00 donation for each family member that attends - saving this money up for December and using it to purchase toys for Toys for Tots.
But am also giving thought to asking for other things in order to participate such as:
2 cans of food for each member that participates to be donated a local pantry.
Personal Care items, bag of clothes or toys for local women's shelter.
1 bag of trash picked up from around our home town per family.
September Family Meet Up
For the first activity I am going to try a bike ride. We have a park that has a 1/2 mile track that I think would be perfect. We could let our kids ride with parents stationed around the park for encouragement and making sure that everyone is following the rules. Making sure that the kids know that it's the ride that's important not who is in the lead or has done the most laps.
I have asked Hubby to contact a few police officers to come out and teach us about the reason for bike helmets, bike safety and encouragement.
I need to get together a first aid kit.
In preparation
I think the most important thing I can do is teach my kids to ride a bike. I have done this in past summers with our oldest...but since we live on a very sharp hill - it's never been something that we did on a daily basis.After Av's piano lesson in the morning we are going to walk our bikes down the hill to the park and put in some practice time. I am really looking forward to seeing my kids flying by on their bikes.
What I am not looking forward to is the complaining - I hope the learning process is better now that they kids are all a little older and seem to have what it takes physically to be able to ride a bike.
I am going to try to remain positive through all the I can't's and It's too hard's - and know that once they finally get it - that they will never forget it.
At least that is what I am hoping as Hubby and I bought bikes too!
What do you think? Am I forgetting somethings? An activity that you can suggest?
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This is a FABULOUS idea! Why can't you live in NJ, or us in OK? We would totally do this with you!! Maybe we can start something virtually between fellow bloggy families? Bloggers give back?!? I'd totally get it all together with your help!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! I can't think of anything you've forgotten. Good luck with the bike riding lessons! My 7 y/o got a new bike for her bday and now I've got to get out there and teach her how to ride it. =)
ReplyDeleteYou come up with the best ideas!
ReplyDelete