Happy 2007! Thanks for kicking off the New Year with the Houston Family Fun newsletter.

What does the New Year bring to your family? Many parents tell me they don’t make traditional New Year’s resolutions because they simply don’t have time to make or keep them. I understand. But instead of deciding not to make one at all, consider making these achievable goals to help you and your family refresh and renew in 2007: 

1. Spend more time on yourself, and
2. Dedicate a few hours each month on trying a new activity with your kids.

Here’s how. Spending more time on yourself sounds like a great idea, but how to squeeze it in remains a struggle for most of us. What if you spent 20 minutes each week just on you? After my daughter goes to bed, I can usually find 20 minutes one evening and you probably can, too. Alternatively, try waking up 20 minutes early just once a week to determine if that works better for your schedule. If your children still nap, use 20 minutes just once a week to rest, refresh and revitalize. As the kids at the playground tell me: “You can do it!”

Now, what should you do with your 20 minutes a week? Don’t waste it. Here are some suggestions to get your own ideas flowing:

• Read in peace and quiet.
• Paint your nails.
• Nap or lay in a hammock. (Hey, Houston’s winter weather often allows this.)
• Send a friend a hand-written note or call a friend, saying you only have 20 minutes but want to catch up.
• Look up a good movie for your next date night.
• Schedule lunch with a friend, your mom or dad.
• Go on a walk.
• Plan a romantic meal for two and mark the date on the calendar.

With an action plan in place, let’s move on to dedicating time to exploring Houston with the kids. We all are interested in spending quality time with our families. Unfortunately, the house needs cleaning. The yard needs constant work. Mouths need feeding. Our lists go on and on. What if you dedicated one weekend morning or afternoon to family time? If you can afford more time, great but don’t overburden your family running from activity to activity. Trust me. I’ve tried it until I wore us all out. Maybe the first Saturday of the month, your family enjoys breakfast at a favorite restaurant. One Sunday afternoon, gather the troops to tackle a local adventure that’s new for you all or revisit a favorite.

By breaking it down into just one afternoon a month or 20 minutes per week, your goal becomes more attainable. More importantly, you dedicate quality time to your family and still find time to refresh yourself. With 2007 just beginning, use this opportunity to start anew. You and your family will be glad you did.

What Will You Do Next Weekend with the Kids?

Looking for a great way to jumpstart the New Year? The 2007 edition of 100+ Activities for Houston Kids is now available in local book stores and at www.TellYourTale.com/Kids for $14.95. In addition to seasonal and year-round activities, the new edition also includes a chapter on family-friendly restaurants throughout the Houston area. This book can be used year after year to find fun events for your family. Order yours today!

The Perfect Calendar for Houston Families

If you’d prefer a chronological listing of kids’ activities happening in Houston this year, I have the answer for you. The 2007 Houston Kids Calendar is a downloadable booklet that features a date by date account of family-oriented activities and events in our area. For only $10, you gain instant access to this valuable tool for spending quality time with the children in your life. Because this booklet is specific to the 2007 year, you can start using it immediately. Download your copy and get busy.

Art Mix Spices Up Kids' Creativity

If you’re looking for an indoor activity that motivates the kids to move away from the TV and computer, try the Art Mix Learning Center on West Alabama near Kirby, inside the loop. Children enjoy painting masterpieces on kid-sized easels, reading about art and culture, creating collages of various materials, and so much more. Best of all, Art Mix allows adults to register their kids for regular classes OR enjoy a drop-in and play option for only $10 per hour. One rule: if your child is not potty-trained yet, you’ll need to stay to help him/her. (It worked for us.) This is a wonderful activity for elementary school kids enjoying a winter break from school. Don’t let their brains turn to mush. Help them create works of art instead. Read my online review with photos of our fun at Art Mix.

Unleash the fun!

Megan F. Salch

"The Kids Activity Queen"

www.TellYourTale.com/Kids