Book of suggestions for magical family activities to make childhood special

[GeorginaA]

Okay, this is a long shot, but I vaguely remember a long time ago (we could be talking a year or more) someone recommended a book they had on family activities/ideas around the year. I have a feeling it was aimed at working mothers or people without much time and it wasn't the usual "make a pumpkin on halloween" crafty activities, but more suggestions for how to make certain times of the year more special and magical.

I remember thinking at the time that's the sort of mother I'd like to be only I just don't have the imagination or creativity for it, and made a mental note to buy the book some time. Only I can no longer remember the title, author or anything else about the book.

Random guesses from members of the audience, please?

um, not

The Children's Year?

If not, still check it out, its good.

actually hang on, thats probably not it, its definately crafty stuff

I don't think so. It does look good though - I'm so uncrafty though, thinks I make fall apart on touch - would that be a hindrance?

I was thinking more of all the things I "forget" to do because of the every day routine. My brain is fried and I can't even think of any suitable examples, lol. A sort of monthly or calendar type guide.

Like (and this is such an unimaginative example, but I'll use it anyway) going on a nature walk on the first day of spring. I'm fairly certain the book was supposed to be more imaginative than that, but does that make more sense as to what I mean?

the book is great for getting a yearly rhythm going. There's another one, called all the year round, and yet another, festivals families and food, which are more about baking/storytelling.

But seriously, the crafts are aimed at children. Like, 8 year olds. Ah gwan.

ah, yes, nature walks. Its a Steinery book, my word they are big on nature walks.

Ok there's another similar series, by Hawthorn press, called Spring, Summer, etc. I've flicked through the Autumn one and its about yep, nature walks, building forts that sort of thing.

It is Steinery though...check thats your cup of tea before shelling out.

this would be a really nice thread to start Georgina .. ideas for mad / daft things that kids just love and find gloriously amusing

You're right - that's exactly what I need - I need to inject more daftness into my life. I find I'm getting too bloody serious as I get older, and I want my kids to remember their childhood as more of a fun, zany time without any clue how to be fun or zany.

Am I a lost cause?

no

now off with you to start the thread please

GeorginaA, are you taking this thread further? Your remark about needing more daftness in your life really touched a chord. I too would like my children to remember their childhood as really special with lots of family traditions and for our family life to be more spontaneous and less weighed down by everyday jobs. Hope you're going to start a thread looking for suggestions and please put it on Parenting where we'll find it easily .

I have done, firemaiden! It's here: Dare to be Daft