Family bonding is something of a unique thing these days. Bonding these days usually consists of looking down at the phone 90% of the time. If someone wants to talk, they send a text. I am sorry, this is not bonding with the family. Bonding with the family consists of actually doing quality things with your loved ones.

Still confused?

Thought some of you would be. Here is some fresh ideas and tips on how to spend some quality bonding time with your family, without breaking the bank. So, put down the phones. Turn off all notifications, including texting and open up your mind.

1) Let’s do some cooking! It;s not that unusual. This is a great way to keep the kids occupied. It’s a great way to encourage some real conversation. It’s also a good way to get those great family secret recipes. I mean, you are going to get them anyway. Why not learn them now. This also builds love and shared emotions. Family cooking is a good way to get to know your loved ones a little bit more.

2) Maybe create your own family scrapbook day. What else are you going to do with all those memories? It’s a good way to walk down memory lane. You can look through the old pictures, rekindle some of those old memories you forgot about. Put them all in a scrapbook, as you go along. This way you can keep them for years to come. When it’s some rainy or snowy night out, you can pull them out. This is also a great way for your kids to learn about their past and where they came from. If your kids don’t know where they came from, things like their past, how can they move on to their future properly?

3) Take some time and walk along a countryside path. I say this, if there’s one around you. Taking a quiet walk down any quiet path, with your family at your side, it’s a great way to bond. You can talk about old times. You can smile at the funny little mishaps your older sister has. It’s all good. It’s all in fun. Just remember to do this on a sunny day. Doing it on rainy day, it can really do a number on your mood.

4) Take a trip to the movies. Now, movie prices might have gone up since you were a child, but the kids prices should be good. Pick a movie that the whole family want to see and go for it! If you have to, pick two movies. This way the family can split up and still get the same enjoyment.

5) Like idea number 4? Well, here’s an even better solution, especially for those who don’t like to go out. Pick a few movies and rent them. Even better, go to Netflix and watch them. I am sure many of you can pull up Netflix on your PC or your t.v.
You can binge on movies for most of the night. Just get the popcorn going. Get some sodas. You are good to go!

The post What is Family Home Evening appeared first on The Home Spun Life.

1. Keep your doors locked at all times.

Many times, a simple door lock is a deterrent. Thieves who aren’t intent on doing a lot of hard work will sometimes check the doors to residences. If your door is locked, they’ll simply move on to the next residence, looking for a door that’s unlocked. Try and teach your children to lock the door, and if you and your children have separate schedules, make sure they have copies of the house key as well.

In addition to making sure the doors are locked, make sure there’s no easy access through the windows. This could mean locking your windows if you’re by the first floor or a fire escape, or just reinforcing your windows so nobody can get in or out.

2. Invest in home security signs and alarms.

Many people have found that simply having a sign and warning about home security is enough to deter thieves. Others have found that the process needs to be more stringent. Investing in a home security alarm is really important, and a great deterrence. If anything does go wrong, the company is notified and can notify you as quickly as possible.

3. Consider getting a dog.

Consider getting a dog as a family pet. Dogs are a great deterrence to thieves and would be robbers. If you do choose to get a dog, make sure that you put up signs and warnings that you have a dog.

Studies have shown having a sign warning you have a dog is almost as effective as having the animal. The dog doesn’t have to be a guard dog, almost any dog is a deterrent. Make sure to get a dog who is good with kids if you have kids.

4. Teach your children about “stranger danger.”

It’s highly unlikely someone will walk in your home and kidnap your child. Often, your home is a safe place. Make sure, however, that your child knows which people are your friends.

Make sure that your child knows that they can come to you if they have any questions. Make sure to tell your children that if they see anyone entering or exciting the house that they don’t recognize to tell you immediately. Keeping your family safe is important, and educating your children on how to stay safe is also important.

5. Don’t live in fear.

Although our world can be dangerous at times, it is important to remain calm. It is important to follow basic safety techniques and procedures. Doing these will ensure you and your children are as safe as you can be.

Conclusion

There are some very easy tricks that you can do to keep yourself and your family safe. If you follow these tricks, you should likely have no problems.

The post Keeping Your Family Safe appeared first on The Home Spun Life.