Family Fun Night

The other night we had what we like to call "family fun night".  It usually consist of getting together to interact with each other, doing something we're all interested in, then watching a movie, and making some sort of treat together.  I enjoy the idea of this, but I tend to forget the motto of the night.  It becomes anything but fun at moments to be constantly on my toes trying to make sure everyone in the house is having a good time, to clean up after everyone, to not get on the computer for the entire night, & to keep behavior in check all at once. By trying to keep order I loose sight of the purpose.  Which is for us all to go to bed feeling content with our weekly event of coming together & building memories.  Family fun night is important to me, I just wish I felt comfortable enough to let go so everyone, including myself, could enjoy themselves more.

My main concern about our "family fun night" is if Ashton, my son, is getting the real family time he needs as example in life to what family time is supposed to be like.  While I have a well behaved son I'm constantly trying to correct him in hopes it will benefit him in the long run.  I hope eventually he will have an appreciation of this & not resentment towards my constant nagging.  If there were only some way to go through life letting happiness be the most important thing of the day, not responsibility.  I don't have the answers for everything I'm in question of & doubt I ever will, but I think that if you are aware of your uncertainties you are at least on the right track to figuring them out.  As long as I feel, at the end of the night, when I tuck him into bed that I've done my best with him that day, then all should be good.  But I find myself feeling doubt of how he perceived his night.  If he enjoyed himself or if he went to bed feeling overwhelmed by my corrections of his behavior.

Point is- having a good time with your children & quality time are 2 different things.  I want my son to enjoy himself and his childhood, but at the same time make sure I'm doing my part to keep him on his p's & q's.  The beginning years of a child's life make them who they are.  So I am reminding myself of what you've heard so many times before, that children need us to be their parents, not their friends.  You can be the good guy without sacrificing what you want to instill in your little ones.  I hope you'll do your part parents, even when you're unsure sometimes. Do what you instinctively know is best for them!