STRESS-FREE FAMILY FUN

November’s featured topic at Family Strengths Network’s Beth Ladino Library is stress-free fun for family gatherings. The Library has a great collection of resources jammed packed with creative, inexpensive ideas to make your get-togethers special.

The Library has several books published by Better Homes and Gardens and Betty Crocker. Let’s Make a Memory, by Gloria Gaither and Shirley Dobson is a collection of ideas on nurturing family traditions. These books have lots of homemade gift ideas, too.

Tired of watching the kids fall into a TV/video game induced stupor during vacation? Check out these wonderful collections of unplugged activities: Unplugged Play: No batteries. No Plugs. Pure Fun, by Bobbi Conner; and 501 TV-Free Activities for Kids, by Di Hodges.

Visiting relatives often want to play with your children, but don’t know how to keep them entertained without wearing themselves out. Fortunately, there is 101 Activities for Kids in Tight Places, by Carl Stock Kranowitz. This book is full of music, food, science and craft activities. You can also use this book to help pass long hours on trips, or even in waiting rooms or sick beds.

For those who don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, the Library has recipe books full of traditional and easy meals.

If time-saving and stress-less preparation is what you are seeking, these resources will help organize an especially enjoyable and memorable family together time.