Many of our homes are so comfortable, with so much ‘easy’ entertainment available, we have trouble putting our finger on why we are ‘low energy’ or ‘feeling a little down’. Then we go outside and we feel fresh air! We feel sun! We look at cloud formations! We people watch! Our bodies move!

Also, please note that children who are not very young actually can go outside by themselves. This is a great opportunity for them to feel a little freedom (and that is part of the joy of the experience).

Outside time can open up a whole new world of learning that can be incredibly powerful for children.

At the Joyful Learning Network we highlighted the importance of family dinners in a recent JLN newsletter, but it is worth bringing back as an FTIP because it is so important. Modern life in America is hectic, but setting a standard (or at least a routine) for family dinners can pay off in a number of ways:

- helping create a stable environment for your children
- helping establish a healthy lifestyle
- helping with your child’s health and nutrition
- providing an opportunity for discussion and getting to know each other
- letting your kid/s know that you want to spend time with them
… and so much more.

There are many terrific resources for family dinners, again a few of these are highlighted in weekly wave #5 - check it out!