Weekends have always been special times for our family. I'm always home with the twins during the week, but they don't get to spend much time with Jon on weekdays, so they're always thrilled when they wake up and "daddy's home!"
We've been going to brunch every Sunday morning for almost two years now. We choose a new restaurant each week, try (usually) fantastic new foods, and have the opportunity to explore a different part of the city afterwards. We've made it a habit to order 3 entrees and then split everything 4 ways. I've never really thought much about it, but recently a server we had commented that she'd never seen a family share like we did. Personally, I love the sharing aspect of it, plus it's always nice to try a variety of flavours, and the kids get to sample things they might not have chosen.
***These are not my pictures, but we have eaten each of these things. Yum!***
For the past several months, Jon and I have also been making a conscious effort to spend some one on one time with each of the twins. I love the relationship that they have with one another, and the way that they relate to others as a dyad, but I also think it's important for them to develop a sense of comfort and efficacy on their own. It's interesting to see how their behavoiur shifts when the focus is solely on them.
Toward this end, twice a month we take the twins on individual "dates" (each kid gets one date with each parent every month). We've done all sorts of things: gone to concerts, played at the park, watched the sailboats, ridden the train, spent time at the library, gotten cupcakes, explored street fairs, etc. and the kids usually have ideas about what they'd like to do. It's nice that we live in a city with so much amazing free stuff to do! I've been trying to take more advantage of that lately!
I'd be very interested to hear how other families make the most of their time together. How do you reconnect? What are your family rituals? Hopefully one day, these moments will be the memories our kids remember most fondly about their childhood. And perhaps, if we're really lucky, they'll become traditions that are passed on for generations!
1 comment:
I love both of you rituals--that food looks to die for. Another reason to come visit you all in Chicago! We are inspired by your 1:1 dates and plan to institute a similar program here--I know the boys thrive on individual attention and are far too often lumped together in our daily lives. We do a lot of different things to connect, but I can't think of something we do rhythmically. I'm going to have to change that because I think traditions are so important and grounding. Thanks for making me think before 8am today.
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