Family Matters: Game Night, Spring Cleaning, & More

Friday, March 18, 2011

Anisa Raoof, GoLocalProv Family Expert

From shamrocks to zeppoles, it's been a crazy couple of days for the kidos. Here's some ideas for productive family time amidst the frenzy.

Kido Tip 1. Join the Conversation on the Providence Public Schools

Join parents, family members, young people, educators, and concerned citizens across Providence to participate in a Parent and Community Forum on the Providence Public Schools on Saturday, March 19 from 9:30am – 12:00pm. Parents and community members will identify and discuss our education priorities, and how can we be better engage in our schools and partner with our schools and the School Department to improve the quality of education for our kids. There will be facilitated discussions in small groups. In addition, Providence Mayor Angel Taveras will outline his education agenda and priorities for Providence public schools and Superintendent Brady will provide the most updated information from the Providence Public School Department. Spanish and Hmong translation services, refreshments, and free child care will be provided.

This free event will be held at the John Hope Settlement House, 7 Thomas P. Whitten Way (off Westminster St.), Providence. Please call in advance to reserve childcare: 401-456-0686. For further information, please contact [email protected] or the PPSD Office of Family and Community Engagement at 401-456-0686.

Kido Tip 2. Clean out the car

Say goodbye to winter and welcome in spring by ridding the car of the ice scrapers and single mittens and restocking it with the essentials for busy families. I stock my car with a blanket for keeping warm on chilly days at the park, Kleenex, wipes, pencils, books/notebooks, extra bags for trash/soiled clothes, small plastic containers w/lid in case someone gets car sick, paper towels, first-aid kit, bottle of water, basketball/soccerballs, reusable grocery bags, and a container of quarters for metered parking. When my kids were younger I also stocked diapers and a change of clothes. For more ideas, read how to make car travel a little easier.

Kido Tip 3. Game Night

Does your family have a favorite game? This weekend we’ll be playing our favorites together. Chess or checkers, Monopoly or Pictionary, or maybe something new. Games can be something to do when there’s nothing else to do, or they can be the main event. Try clearing off the table and make an all-family event of games—if only for an hour or two—this weekend.