IN Mars Area Winter 2019 | Page 23

SPONSORED CONTENT BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT M oving into the fall and winter seasons presents us with many wonderful activities and opportunities for making memories and creating traditions. From apple picking to pumpkin carving, from hot cocoa sipping to snow angel making, the upcoming seasons provide families time to get close and connect both at home and in the community. While some traditions may be created out of spontaneity, waiting for something to come along may lead to hours turning into days, days into months and months into summer. Pick and plan a “Top 5” must-do list for the season to ensure you don’t lose this opportune time. A major family hike to get outside and see the leaves or a movie marathon where you pick some classics, put on pajamas and enjoy hot cocoa are some ideas to get started. Everybody’s different and the important part is that it’s not the choice, but the intentionality that matters. Time together as a family strengthens family bonds. Laughing, joking, playing and, yes, occasionally arguing, fosters the family dynamic and feel that only quality time can. Here are four tips to create Family Tradition or Memory Making Success: 1. Involve the Kids: In making your list, ask your kiddos (if they’re of the age to be asked) what they would be interested in. Keep their likes and dislikes in mind when creating your Top 5. 2. It’s Not About the Cost: Remember how the cardboard box is everyone’s favorite gift at a certain age? It’s the intention. Not the cash, but the connection. Baking cookies in the kitchen together, or a great board game night can be the highlight of the week when the company is good. SPONSORED CONTENT 3. Go Electronics Free: It’s too easy to focus on connecting to those distractions on the other end of a phone or tablet, so set them aside for family activities. Unless you’re doing a movie night, turn off the TV, put your other devices in a drawer and power up the conversation! Engage in good dialogue and make plenty of eye contact while making memories! 4. Jot it Down: You’re creating your own traditions, but not everything may be a big hit. Be sure to write down the ones that worked and put them on the calendar to plan again for next year. In making these memories a piece of your family traditions, revisit your successes and bring them to the table again and again. At Little House Learning Center, we understand how important making memories can be. As a family outside of your family, we strive to make memories for your child that will last a lifetime, while teaching them the skills they need to enter school. We focus on the whole child, teaching ABC’s and 123’s as well as social and emotional development. From half-day preschool through summer camps, Little House provides a safe and secure foundation for your child’s development and growth. For more information on Little House Learning Center, go to littlehouselearningcenter.com online, or call Jennifer Osterman at 724.776.5583. We hope you choose to join our LH Family! MARS AREA ❘ WINTER 2019 21