In a recent article, we focussed on bucket list ideas for that time in your life when your children have flown the nest. When you finally get your freedom back, you can pretty much choose what you do with your life, finances permitting. However, if you still have kids in tow, you can start a bucket list with your family in mind. You don’t have to tell them it’s a list of things to do before they die – that may be a bit morbid and distressing, especially for younger children – but you can still put together a wishlist of things to do before they hit certain milestones.
Why is a family bucket list important?
- The first reason is bonding time. You only have your children for so long before they have families of their own and live a life according to their adult bucket lists. So, while they’re still young, work together on a list of activities that you can do together, creating those special memories that you will all remember in years to come.
- The second reason is to encourage your children to think creatively. Yes, they will undoubtedly choose Disneyland as a chosen holiday destination, and they will probably pick something along the lines of ‘eat every flavour ice cream’ when you’re talking about new foods to try, but you can try to get them to think out of the box a little in their childhood aspirations. By encouraging them to think about things they would like to do, you are also teaching them that it’s good to follow their dreams and make them a reality. Of course, as the parent, you may also teach them the art of patience, especially if you don’t have the funds to satisfy all their bucket list cravings.
- The third reason is incentive. Summer is coming up, for example, and your children may have plans to sit in their bedrooms during the six weeks holiday, playing video games and watching tv. Your summer plans may follow suit, perhaps a chance to catch up on your Netflix watchlist or to sit out in your garden under the (hopefully) summer sun. That’s fine, but a bucket list can give you all incentive to get out of the house and do something differently with your lives this holiday season, and beyond.
Creating a bucket list
For you, a bucket list would generally start with a piece of paper and a pen. For your kids, you need to be a little more creative. After brainstorming, perhaps with a large sheet of paper and felt tips, you can follow the ideas here, and literally make a bucket list (using pegs and an actual bucket). On the other hand, you (or your children) may have other ideas on how to visually represent the ideas you have all picked, and you should display it somewhere prominently as a reminder to get off your butts and achieve your goals. However you make the list, use bold and bright colours, and have a system for ticking off your aspirations when they have been completed.
What to put on your bucket list
Bucket lists generally consist of places you want to visit and activities you want to try; those new experiences that are once-in-a-lifetime. When it comes to your children, however, you can think big and small. On the smaller side, for example, it may be visit the seaside over the summer, have a water balloon fight, or go camping. If you’re thinking big (and have the money to match), you could include Disneyland as a vacation idea, or take your kids on a skiing holiday in the Andes (we recommend a stay at the Courtyard Santiago Las Condes if you do), or any other idea that your family’s minds can come up with. Be sure to compromise, and make sure the ideas written down are achievable, and something approaching reality.
Final word
While we have spoken about a family bucket list during your children’s younger years, there may be nothing stopping you creating a list with them however old they are. Life is short, so you should fill it with as many precious experiences as you can with your family, and you will all have an enjoyable and fulfilled life in the time you have on this earth. Thanks for reading.
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