4 Ways to Love Your Family without Spending a Dime

While cutting costs and spending less these days is a prudent action, there is one thing that you never need to skimp on – your family. Family is a constant in any economic environment, to be enjoyed and loved for rich or poor. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on lavish vacations or expensive evenings out to enjoy your family time together. Here are 4 creative ways to spend quality time with those closest to you without spending a dime:

Movies – Instead of trekking the whole family out to the latest release in the theatres, try scrounging up your old videos. Just because a movie was made more than a decade ago, doesn’t mean the next generation can’t enjoy it just as much as you did. Recently, I came across a bin of old videos and once I dusted off the VCR, our family re-enjoyed such classics as Back to the Future, Superman and ET.

Family Game Night – If you have a pack of playing cards, you have an endless supply of games at your disposal. Teach your kids some games you used to play as a kid or play their favorites such as Old Maid and Crazy Eights. Several families boast about their family Poker nights with kids as young as four! Dig out some old board games that you've been too busy to play. Make a night of it with popcorn and smoothies. Family game night is one of my kids most treasured events.

Make your own game – Put a further twist on your game playing and let your kids make up their own game. Grab some poster board, colored paper, markers, tape, glue and dice and just let them go. This will keep them busy for hours and then you have the fun of all sitting down and experiencing this masterpiece together.

Dance Party – This is a family treat for all ages. Get out the old records or just turn on the radio, clear a space and dance. My kids and I enjoy the 80s station for our dance party. Have a contest on the craziest dance move, the sillier the better. What fun your kids will have watching mom and dad dancing letting loose and goofy!