If you are anything like me, you’ve been anxiously awaiting the day when you can put away your shorts and sundresses and live in cozy sweatshirts and leggings for the remainder of the year.
That time is here, my friend! It’s cozy season!
Bring on the soups and chili.
Give me all the predictable Hallmark movies and Halloween candy.
Meet me at the pumpkin patch with a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Let’s go!
While everyone may not prescribe to “basic fall aesthetic” like me, you have to admit, the autumn season brings A LOT of opportunities for family fun.
I always look forward to fall festivals, going to the pumpkin patch, making special treats like pumpkin bread or apple pie, and decorating my house for the season! It’s the familiar things that build every year and bring great comfort.
And it’s not about the activities, it’s about who we are doing the activities with.
Enjoying time spent with my family is one of my top priorities when summer turns to fall. However, if we aren’t intentional, it will be Christmas before we know it and we’ll miss the opportunity to fill our children’s memory banks with the warm, autumn memories that we want to cherish forever.
Now is the time to start thinking about what you’d like to experience with your family for the rest of the year.
Here are some tips and ideas to keep family connection top of mind now that we are moving into autumn:
- Brainstorm some activities that you want to do. Call a family meeting to discuss ideas of what everyone would like to do over the next few months. Let everyone share their ideas and preferences for activities. (BONUS TIP – make this extra special by setting out special autumn treats like Reese’s Pumpkins or bake a loaf of pumpkin bread!)
- Make a list of all of the activities that your family would like to do. Put the list somewhere public where everyone can see it. If possible, make sure to include at least one idea from everyone on the list. (BONUS TIP – I’ve created an ‘Autumn Family Experiences Checklist’ with pre-filled out ideas if you need a little help getting started. I’ve also included a blank template that you can fill out. Click here if you’d like to download it for free!)
- Make a plan for when you’ll actually do the activities. Get your planner out and block off time for your activities. Don’t forget to check your town or city’s calendar to see if there are any festivals or activities coming up.
- Build the anticipation. Anticipation builds enthusiasm! When something is coming up, tell your family how much you are looking forward to doing that particular activity with them. Bringing your children into your anticipation helps set their expectations and sets everyone up for success! (BONUS TIP – Tell them stories of how much you loved doing x,y, or z during this time of year when you were a child. Children love hearing about what you were like when you were their age.)
When you make spending time together a priority and build anticipation, it’s amazing how the atmosphere in your home can shift.
It doesn’t matter if you plan out five or fifteen things to do as a family during this season. What matters most is that you are present and available for your children and they know that you are looking forward to spending time with them.
This could be the very best autumn season your family has ever had, not because you did the most extravagant things, but because you fully enjoyed the time you spent together.
Psalm 127:3 says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
Now go fill those memory banks!
Consider a few extra resources:
