Kids can be the most difficult yet the most adorable part of ones family. As parents we have to find a creative outlet for their energy and tap their hidden talents in the best way possible. In the journey of growing up from the toddler years to being a teenager all by yourself communication seems to take a back seat.

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Being parents seems to be one of the most overwhelming jobs in the world today, personally having a career and kids take up most of your time. I feel so divided for the workload I have that the family hobbies seem to be the only outlet when it comes to spending quality time with the kids. If you think that these things that you learn will loose their charm once time passes by, both me and my sister have our kids but still are reminiscent of the hobbies we learnt in around summer. You tend to choose hobbies depending on the interest and the demographic constraints.

In Western world you have many avenues to explore the outer environment with mountaineering and rock climbing; however in India we girls in particular are thought basic knitting, learning new languages and playing indoor games.Think out of the box and you will find many avenues which your entire family will love to spend time in.

We are a joint family, when nuclear families are on a rise even in India people are surprised we still live together. We have four kids in the family, and as expected they come from different age group and have a different take on spending the limited time. The only free time they get is during summer as the workload on today’s kids of studies hardly gives them any time during normal time of the year.

With TV and video games that are the first choice with this generation we need to be creative to try something more fun and engaging. Personally I think video games can be a great way when it comes to bonding with your dad, but they contain a lot of violence which can cause an effect on the tender minds. Finding the right balance should be the right key for choosing a game.

However alluring this idea may sound you will need two important credentials covered

• Choosing a hobby that the entire family is going to love

• The time factor, make time for this activity even if you had to go against all odds (For me this summer cleaning took a backseat on weekends as it was kids time).

What if you have run out of ideas or tired brainstorming a idea that clicks with one and all. I know everyone loves going on beaches or mountaineering for sure so here is your start. In Europe it was fun watching little toddlers having such a great time at the beach building sand castles and collecting shells. I guess water games such as football and swimming is a great hobby for the family. You can have a great eat out in the form of a barbeque teamed with it makes it the best outing ever.

1) Gardening

With summer just round the corner, gardening is a great family hobby that one can think of. I remember my sisters kiddo was so happy to plant her first sapling and she enjoyed every flower that bloomed in it for a long time.

Try out tomatoes, green chilies, peppers anything you like provided you have a huge backyard. This is another great hobby where lessons can be thought to kids and the importance of eco friendly survival can be thought. You can teach them seasons if they are toddlers from a very tender age, and as they grow they will love the beauty of nature and take them into the garden and let them watch the birds and enjoy the gift that God has given us.

2) Cooking

Children love being part of cooking, they love to bake cookies and help with salads during meal times. Engage with them and make them realize the value of family. Lole they say that dinner is a vital part of having togetherness this should be a part of each family hobby as well.

Somehow going out to beaches seems to top my list of what we enjoy as a family on the weekends mostly.

• Long drive: Unless you are in florida or in Miami you will have to drive long enough from the main city to reach a beach and the time in the drive can be the fun time with singing songs

• Long walk down the beach — There is something about the sand and the beach that is just the perfect break you need in the summer. You can just talk or you’re your family know you are there for one another that is a good feeling to count on. These outings just bring and bonds family together.

• Barbeque sizzlers — The family can never say no to them, there is so much on the platter that even the fussiest ones will jump on spending time on the beach.

• A learning experience: For my then one year old, just being there was so exciting and a whole new experience. She just keep gazing the sky and playing with the water. They will enjoy discovering the world around them and it will keep their intriguing minds occupied.

4)Scrapbook Making

Well commuting out may not seem a viable reason for quite a few then the hobby of scrapbook keeping will put those intelligent minds to the best use possible. With a scrapbook you can cut, paste, add stickers, and virtually design any way you like. It is a great idea for all age groups. You can share stories of growing up together in the process of building one and make it a real trip down the memory lane.

5)Painting and Craft: This seems to be one hobby that has not lost its charm over the years, we loved it my kids will love it. This is an age old traditional hobby that most of the kids love you can provide them with great opportunity to explore thier creative selves.

My piece of advice is not to push it if the family does not want to cook or go out hiking if they are too scared to get their hands or bikes dirty. If you know your family well you surely will figure something out.