(Yes, we said this was the week of Gigantic Great Giving here at Today
is Fun. We're not trying to do a bait and switch here. But we think
this activity is perfect for a day like today. We hope you don't feel
cheated.)
Not to be preachy or new agey, but . . . here's a very positive and
actually quite fun game that you and your kids can play every day in
the car.
As you drive your kids around, look out the windows of
the car and try to spot passers-by. Once somebody is spotted, you guys
"God bless" them. For instance, "God bless that guy with the
briefcase" or "God bless that lady with the red sweater."
That's it. That's the activity. But as you'll see, there's
something incredibly fun about it. And everybody will feel good doing
it.
Part of the trick here is not to make judgments on the
people you see. For this activity, *everybody* you see deserves your
good wishes, no matter what. You absolutely don't want to say "That
guy looks really weird. God bless him," or "I don't like the way that
lady looks, but God bless her anyway." As you can see, those
statements aren't exactly very positive. Only construtive statements
are allowed here.
After you guys God Bless somebody, you can follow up with "I hope he (or she) has a great day."
(If
for any reason you're uncomfortable with the words "God Bless," we're
certain you can find some suitable substitute for your family.)
This game works particularly well on the way to school or early in
the morning. It sets a nice, constructive tone for the rest of the
day. And wishing everyone well will make you guys feel great about
yourselves and the rest of your day, too!
So see if this works for you and your kids. Have fun, and in the immortal words of Tiny Tim, "God bless us, every one!"
| ages 3-12, good for the car, |