When our kids were living at home we would spend one evening a week together taking a break from homework and extracurricular’s to do enjoyable activities, or learn something new.  Doing this kept us close and brought a sense of belonging.   One of my favorite activities (besides the whipping cream fight) that we did regularly was breaking out our journals for what we called “How well do we know you?”     There is something that lights up in kids when they think someone wants to know about them.  Plus, it’s pretty interesting to find out how little we might know about the people we live under the same roof with.  Each person was asked the same questions, and we wrote down our answers in our individual journals.  Sometimes we only accomplished 2 questions, we did whatever we had time for.  The best part of this activity was the sharing at the end.  The reactions were so insightful and even hilarious at times.   Try it with your family!  You’ll be surprised what you’ll learn, and the bond that you will feel.   Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Sample questions:     What is your favorite color?     What is your favorite food?     If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Why?     If you could choose your name what would it be?     What makes you afraid?    What makes you happy?     Tell about a time you felt confident?     What is your dream occupation?     If a chef cooked you a gourmet meal, what would it be?     Where would your go on a dream vacation?     What one thing can you do right now to make your life better in the future?     What makes you cry?     What is your favorite TV show?     Write a funny memory from childhood.    When was the time you laughed the hardest?     When were you the most scared ever?     What is your favorite smell?     What trait do you hope to pass on to your kids?     What makes you believe in God?   What is your favorite flower?     What is your favorite animal?     What is your favorite movie?     What is your favorite children’s book?     If you could pick an era to live in (past, present, future) what would it be? Why?     What is your favorite time of day?     What is your favorite subject in school?     What is something you have been taught by someone you admire?     What is your favorite holiday?     What is your favorite sound?     What is your favorite sport to play?     What is your favorite sport to watch?     If you could meet anyone alive or dead, who would it be?    Characteristic of a future spouse?     What is your favorite state?     What is your favorite cartoon?     Who is your favorite Winnie the Pooh character?  Why?     What is your favorite number?  Why?     What is your favorite season?     What is your favorite memory of your mom?     What is your favorite insect?     What is your favorite memory of your dad?     What was your favorite family vacation?     Describe your favorite article of clothing, past or present?     Tell a favorite childhood friend memory.     What is your favorite memory with a sibling?     What is your favorite bedtime story?     What is your favorite quote?     What characteristic do you admire most in others?