It’s Friday!

Friday is probably the most loved day of the week.  It’s the start of the weekend, The end of the work week (for those that don’t work on the weekends). Historically the day that many choose to unwind after a long week of work.  It is also the day that most couples choose as date night.  Flower, movie, and restaurant sales all rise on Friday night.  Dance clubs are full, and Bars and grills are all welcoming to people looking to simply relax and unwind.  For me however, Friday means something else.

Ever since my daughter was a baby,  Friday night has been our night. Then when my son was born, we brought him into the fold.  From the time they stopped Screaming bloody murder as soon as mom walked out the door,  until today Friday has been reserved for my children and me (occasionally we let my wife join the fun).  Today, the tradition of Friday night is more than just another day to unwind It is a time reserved for a date night for the entire family.

Since most of the week is spent, running too and fro; getting to den meetings, soccer and volleyball practices, and the like,  time spent in each others company, is severely limited or hindered to say the least.  It is only makes sense that the end of the week is spent, playing with the kids,  building Lego’s, watching movies, or even having a dance off with their dancing game on the Wii. Last week we spent the evening having a breakfast cook-off (Move over Waffle House, here come the Stokes Kids).

When we think about date night we tend to focus on the relationships between couples.  Although that relationship is highly important and while I agree that couples need to enjoy that time alone; the same holds true for the entire family.  Family’s also need to take a moment to date each other as well.  Early on in our marriage, we discussed having days that we will date our kids, swapping occasionally so both children will get time to alone with both of us.  As they are now old enough to enjoy such outing, I look forward to enjoying this great way to talk, and stay engaged in the lives of your children.

Building these types of traditions however, is not only reserved from Friday nights.

Dinner time is another great time to date your family and to stay connected.  After asking my wife how her day went during several dinners,  It didn’t take long for our children to catch on and say, “Daddy don’t you want to know about my day”  and thus started another tradition that kept our family engaged!

Our time is and our attention is often scattered in many directions.  All too often, it is not focused on what matters most.  Many people have referenced the saying ,On their death beds, no one wishes they wish they spent more time at work.   It’s Friday, spend the time now with the ones that count!

Question! What is one thing you enjoy/enjoyed (parents with children who are out of the house can answer too) doing with your children?

Books

Boys should be boys! by Dr. Meg Meker

Strong Fathers Strong Daughters by Dr. Meg Meker