Fun things to do for families
It can be a chore for parents trying to come up with new and exciting things to do as a family during the year.
With technology playing such a huge part in people’s day-to-day lives, communication lines are sometimes blurred.
Morrinsville Community House wanted to be part of a shift in the way families spend quality time together.
They have just launched the 52 Whanau Nights booklet - practical and fun activities to do with kids or as a family.
The booklet is full of ideas about things that can be done with the kids or as a family at no or at a very low cost.
Some of the activities included in 52 Whanau Nights are: Ping Pong Soccer, making Newspaper towers and especially for the summer months, making a water slide.
Not all the games are suited for everyone or for every age of each child so parents are advised to choose what is most suited to their family.
At the end of the booklet there is a challenge to come up with more ideas.
The original 52 Whanau Nights Activities Book editor Dave Tims, still holds a weekly whanau night with his own children.
The family tries to make sure the phone and TV are turned off, so they can spend quality time together.
He recommends initially giving a whanau night a go for a month and not to give into any initial complaints because if all goes well, everyone will get to a point where they don’t want to miss a whanau night.
Community Partnership Developer Roslyn Nancekivell said Morrinsville Community House was very kindly granted permission to adapt the booklet by Tairawhiti Men Against Violence.
‘‘The organisation does a great job helping to spread the message of a violence free community,’’ she said.
‘‘It is hoped that everyone that uses the book enjoys the activities and shares some of them with others.’’
For more information and to get your free copy of 52 Whanau Nights, contact Morrinsville Community House on 889 5355, email mvcomhouse@callplus.net.nz or check out their website: www.morrinsvillecommunityhouse.org.
Morrinsville Community House would also like to hear your feedback, to see if the booklet has been helpful.