Need new ideas for ways to connect with your family and enjoy quality time together?  Here is a list of ideas you can do with your family in the month of January.  

Have a Tea Party!  

January is National Hot Tea Month.  What a better way to remember than to enjoy a tea party together?  Kids tend to like fruit teas best.  Celestial Seasonings make affordable and caffeine free options.  

Don’t have a tea set?  That’s okay!  Use mugs.  Enjoy store-bought cookies or make scones together.  It’s all about how much time you have to put into it.  You don’t have to make everything yourself.  It’s simply about time together.  At the end read the book, Miss Spider's Tea Party by David Kirk or for an educational book read The Boston Tea Party by Steven Kroll.

Teach the kids about Crime

Crime is real and can be scary.  When taught with love and a calm spirit at home you can teach valuable lessons to your children.  January is National Crime Stoppers Month.  Teach your children these lessons.  Finish by taking a field trip to the Police Station.  Teach your children not to fear police, but to appreciate the service they offer.

John Hancock's Birthday

John Hancock was born January 12, 1737.  Hancock voted for, and was the first representative to sign the Declaration of Independence.  Read aloud these two books to the family to teach them more about this Founding Father: A Picture Book of John Hancock by David A. Adler and Will You Sign Here, John Hancock? by Jean Fritz.

Enjoy this site with activities to do for John Hancock’s birthday:

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/socialstudies/american-history/john-hancock/

Chinese New Year!

Don't forget to celebrate Chinese New Year January 23rd!  In 2012 it begins January 23 and is the Year of the Dragon.

Here are sites with ideas to celebrate Chinese New Year:

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/chinese-new-year/

http://crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/chinese_new_year.html

http://familyfun.go.com/parties/celebrating-chinese-new-year-705260/

Enjoy Fresh Pears

Pears are in season still this month. Make some pear recipes like Pear Cake or Pear and Ham Wrap with Curried Mayonnaise.  Teach the kids different types of pears.  Finish by reading this book to the kids: Each Peach Pear Plum board book by Allan Ahlberg

There are five ideas for activities to enjoy family time and connection.  Pick which ones seem like the most fun or the ones that will fit best with your family.  Happy connecting!