5 Things on My New Year’s Bucket List for My Kids

What’s your favorite childhood memory? Mine is probably taking turns rolling down a grassy hill with my cousins. When you’re a kid, the simplest things are often the most interesting and most joyful. Now that we’ve grown up, and we have children, it seems like that grassy hill is part of a different world. Children grow up fast, and the simple things that gave us such joy might seem boring to them. As we herald another year, I’ve created a bucket list for my children with experiences and memories that I want to share with them. Hopefully, they will cherish these moments for years to come.

1. See the Stars

It may seem like the stars are losing energy and getting dimmer each year. This is because of light pollution, i.e., usage of high-output lights all across the city that make it impossible to see the stars in the night sky. In 2016, let your kids experience the stars in all their glory. Take them to a location away from the bustling city—anywhere with a good view of the sky will do fine. It will create a sense of awe for the world around them and make them curious about the stars. As we have a lovely vantage point close to my house with an excellent view of the stars, my kids and I are regular visitors there.

2. Travel

It’s said that travel opens the mind to new ideas and influences a person’s character and ideals. When children are at an impressionable age, traveling can have a profound effect on the way they see the world. I was a young child when I traveled from the big city to a small town, and everything from the open spaces to the friendly people fascinated me. Go to a new state or another country and have your children experience something new. Let them try new food, meet new people, and get immersed in a different culture. What may seem like subtle differences to the older folks will look like a whole new world to the little ones.

3. Create Home Movies

If you’ve ever watched Americas Funniest Home Videos, you know how entertaining home videos can be. These days, since every phone has a fairly high-end camera, you don’t even need a camcorder. Depending on your kids’ ages, there are many things you can do on a home video. It will allow your children to bond with all members of the family. Record a video of your kids with extended family, a day spent with their grandparents, or a day at the zoo with their friends. These memories will stay with them for years and give them a lovely sense of nostalgia every time they see the footage.

4. Visit Museums and Art Galleries

Some of the biggest scientists and artists can point to a single moment in their youth when their interests in a particular subject began. As a child, a visit to a classic car show kick-started my love for cars, and it has grown stronger over the years. You never know where your child’s interest may lead them. As parents, it’s our responsibility to give them every possible opportunity to explore all their interests. I’ve made a resolution to take my children to visit a museum at least once a month.

5. Do Nothing

This may seem like an odd item on a bucket list, but bear with me. When was the last time you can remember spending time with your family without an interruption from the phone, internet, or television? As life becomes more complicated and our attention spans shrink, we find ourselves glued to our phones or computers without giving those around us our full attention. In my house, we have decided to try a “blackout evening:” one night the family spends together without any technology around. What will keep the kids entertained? Bring out one of the old board games, like Monopoly or Pictionary, and let the good times roll.

As your children grow up, the memories you create and the values you instill will stay with them forever. This New Year, create your bucket list and resolve to make this the greatest year yet.

Aradhana is a writer from India. She covers topics concerning parenting, child nutrition, wellness, health, and lifestyle. She has more than 150 publications from reputable sites like Huffington Post, Natural News, Elephant Journal, Lifehacker, SheKnows, and MomJunction.com to her credit. Aradhana writes to inspire and motivate people to adopt healthy habits and live a stress-free lifestyle.

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