Tuesday, September 11, 2007

The Sunday Jar

Remember Sundays when you were a kid? We had some wonderful traditions (caramel popcorn and family movies at Grandma's), but there were lots of things you couldn't do. Lots of them.

We came up with a way to focus on the things we can do and still keep the Sabbath holy - The Sunday Jar.

On each folded paper square (made with scrapbook paper) is a suggestion. In our family, the kids get one Sunday a month (each) to pick from the jar after church. That's our family activity for the day. It has helped us to build memories and enjoy Sundays more.

We also have quiet time each Sunday. (It's really Mom and Dad nap time) The kids stay in their rooms for an hour and do something quiet (read, draw, stitch, etc). The time starts over if they get loud (rarely happens).

Here are a few suggestions to get you started on your own Sunday jar:

*Watch a family movie (you know - the camcorder films)
*Invite another family over for dinner or dessert
*Go on a family walk - notice God's creations
*Play a game together as a family (we have several Sabbath type games)
*Make caramel popcorn
*Go for a drive in the mountains
*Read together from a chapter book
*Write in our journals
*Write letters to grandparents, missionaries, or servicemen & women
*Make cookies for someone special
*Put together a care package (extra food, letters, comfort items)

This is a Works For Me Wednesday post, for other ideas, visit Shannon at Rocks in my Dryer or see my other tips:

Brand Loyalty
Family fun
Math is fun

Kids in the kitchen
Behavior incentives
Road trips w/kids
Longer lasting cut flowers
Job charts
Kids' snacks
Sensory garden
Traveling w/baby

9 comments:

JP said...

What a wonderful idea! Thank you for sharing it with us!

Anonymous said...

what a clever idea, thanks!!

Karla Porter Archer said...

this is so smart!

Thank you!

Blessings,
Karla

Reighnie said...

We have quiet time everyday after school for the kids to unwind. It too starts over if they are making too much noise.

Anonymous said...

This is a superb idea! I can't wait to make our own jar. Thanks!

Montserrat said...

I like the idea of the quiet time starting over if they get too rowdy. We'll have to try that!

Elizabeth-W said...

I am totally digging the quiet time thing. :) It could last a couple hours at least....!

Anonymous said...

I love the Sunday jar idea. We'll be adopting that one, too.

We have quiet time every day. Sometimes multiple times a day, if I'm really lucky. ;)

Ice Cream said...

I love this idea! Thanks for sharing.