Isn't it nice to share things with your family? It's a way to learn about each other. And, what better way to learn about each other than sharing hobbies? This is a time to truly learn about each other while learning something new in the process. This week, let's talk about sharing hobbies on family night.

Each week, one family member could share one of their favorite hobbies. This is a wonderful way to keep kids busy during summer vacation. They can spend time making handouts for other family members and creating presentations. They can present their hobby in any way that they choose. They may choose to show other family members step by step or rent DVDs and borrow books from the library to help explain their hobby.

One important rule to remember is that there must be enough supplies so that everyone can learn the hobby together. For example, if one child is showing how to do beadwork, they would need to have enough beads, needles, and string for everyone to make their own project. Another rule is that all family members must participate, even if it seems a little silly for them to do so. This means that dad must make girly crafts and mom must learn a new sport, if that's what a family member is teaching that week.

What type of hobbies can you show? There are a number of different hobbies families can teach each other.

Sports such as golf, martial arts, etc.
Crafts such as beading, quilting, crocheting, etc.
Cooking Methods such as grilling, bread making, candy making, baking, etc.
Arts such as painting, pottery, etc.
Collecting coins, stamps, etc.

Another fun thing to do while sharing hobbies is to plan a menu around that week's hobby, even if it's not a cooking method. For example, if someone is teaching painting, why not serve Italian food, since some of the greatest artists were Italian? This family night activity really is fun and it's a great way to show kids that you really do care about their interests. Everyone will enjoy sharing what they love with those that they love.

Though fast food is often blamed for obesity and parents are urged to keep their children out of the drive through and to make home cooking a priority, there's still something to be said for a fast food meal. In fact, teaching children to eat in moderation at a fast food restaurant, and to view fast food as a special treat instead of a daily indulgence, has its benefits. Making a family outing to a local fast food establishment once in a while can be a learning experience for children, as well as a fun treat.

Select fast food restaurants carefully.
Select the fast food establishment you want to share with your children carefully. Not only should you consider what you have nearby, but think about their menu options and the layout of the restaurant, too. A fast food restaurant with a playplace is a great idea, and allows kids to burn off some energy. Some restaurants offer milk, apple and carrot sticks, grilled chicken instead of fried, or a variety of other healthier choices for both parents and children. Select a fast food restaurant that meets these requirements for a healthier and more enjoyable experience. Pick a restaurant within walking distance, throw on your running shoes, and make the whole evening healthier.

Find a reason to visit a fast food establishment.
After a first dentist's visit, after putting on a brave face for shots at the doctor's office, to celebrate the first day of summer vacation, or to break up a long car trip are all great opportunities to make a trip to a fast food restaurant. These don't necessarily set up fast food as a special treat, but they don't make it a common, everyday occurrence, either. Don't make a big deal out of a fast food restaurant, but show your children that there are much better ways to eat through your own activities.

Make positive meal choices.
The occasional Happy Meal is hardly going to make children obese or raise their cholesterol. But it can't hurt to make good choices while you are at a fast food restaurant, too. Select milk for the kids, instead of soda. Let your children see you choose a salad instead of a triple cheeseburger. Indulge in french fries if they're your favorite, but order a small instead of a large. Making positive choices for yourself and your children when you do choose a fast food restaurant shows them that it's okay to eat healthy when you are out.

Making a family outing to a local fast food establishment once in a while can be a learning experience for children, as well as a fun treat. Showing your children how to indulge in fast food the right way is a valuable lesson.