by Nikki Willhite
Once upon a time,
families enjoyed being together...
The only millennium bug of significance this
year (to me, anyway) was the flu bug. I was very sick for a long period of time.
I tell you this not for sympathy, but to explain this article.
When I was finally able to at least sit up, I
watched television. It's been a long time since I've seen so much television. I
found myself watching a lot of very old shows.
Watching those shows really got me thinking
about our families and what has happened to them. Once upon a time, families
enjoyed being together. They would listen to the radio together, or gather
together for music or games. Meals were special occasions, with everyone
helping. Families worked together, and they played together.
When a child misbehaved, as punishment they
were told, "go to your room". What a joke that is now. Kids go into their rooms
with their own televisions, computers and electronic toys, and consider it
torture if they have to come out and be with the family.
What a shame. However, we don't have to
be that way. We don't follow the world when it comes to handling money. and we
don't have to follow the world when it comes to family togetherness.
I believe the key is to start early. Your
children are not going to start enjoying being with you when they are older if
they have not done it from a young age. Doing things with your children does not
have to cost a lot of money. You can do things that are both meaningful and
within your budget.
I would suggest that every parent spend 30
minutes each night with their children reading to them. Read a wide variety of
material. If you are religious, strengthen them with stories of faith.
When there is good family entertainment on
the television, watch it with them. Yes, I'm sure that there are other things
you would find more entertaining, and it is a sacrifice. Be willing to make it.
Help your children to learn to appreciate the
simple pleasures in life and they won't become the spoiled kids begging for
every new toy on the market.
Let them learn to enjoy stores, fresh cookies
hot from the oven, and sitting on dad's lap while he tells them a story. Pull
together as a family, and your children will be more respectful to your needs.
They will turn off lights, brush their teeth to avoid cavities, take it easier
on their clothes, accept hand me downs more readily, etc. I know that it is
another challenge to take the road not taken by most people, but it brings great
blessings into your life.
Enjoy your children while they are with you.
Blink your eyes, and they are out the door.
About the Author: Nikki Willhite, mother of 3 and an interior design
graduate, has been writing and publishing articles on the topic of
frugal living for over a
decade. Visit her at
www.frugalhappyfamilies.com
- where you will find hundreds of frugal living tips and articles. Frugal
Happy Families- more than just money! Article first published at
www.allthingsfrugal.com