The economy has hit the nation hard. Families are having a hard time paying the bills. People find it very difficult to even find a job to pay those bills. With all the financial stress, people are spending less and less. The average family with an income of two parents is trying to save every penny. In the process of saving and not spending, children suffer. Children feel that there are not enough activities for them because almost everything requires money. Families don’t go on vacation like they used to. Children are faced with talking on the cell phone, playing video games, spending more time browsing the Internet. Parents are at the breaking point of the financial struggle and do not know what to do to bring the family back together. There is hope for the family. In this economy, families think they must have a lot of money to spend time together. This is not like this! You just need to get creative and come together. Gather the family and plan. Be spontaneous! Be positive! Let everyone gather their ideas and have fun doing it. This will bring the family together tonight!

Be creative! There is much that families can do together despite the current economic downturn. Families can join. They can plan different activities that don’t require a lot of money. In the warm and sunny months, instead of cooking indoors, families can go to the park and cook on the grill. This does not require money. It requires food, fun, and laughter! The second thing a family can do is have a “family night” once a week. On this night, the family can spend time playing board games, watching a family movie, or just talking about different things. Tonight can also be a night without computers, cell phones, or video games unless you play them together. This can be a family night full of fun and excitement for the whole family. Kids will love it! They can even share the funny news with their friends. A family can also go out for dessert after dinner one night. Buy a dollar ice cream cone for the whole family and sit in the parking lot of your favorite fast food restaurant and just enjoy each other’s company.

Spending time together shouldn’t be hard work. It also doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. This financial decline causes many families to divide rather than unite. Money is what keeps the family balanced or destroys it. But the bond, the love and the laughter should keep the family growing and strengthening. Don’t let money drive a wedge between you and your family. Spend as much time together as possible. Single families can also incorporate many activities with each other. Two are needed in the current household, but single households can join as well.

It really doesn’t take much to enjoy each other’s company. It just takes determination, the will to do it, and creativity. As your children grow up, they will never forget all the fun things and the good time together. This is what children remember the most. It’s not about how much money you spent on them. It’s how much you spent with them. Sit down with your family and schedule your family nights. Schedule the menu and budget for the night. Enjoy each other’s company. Love much. Laugh often. Hug all the time. Always show your love.