What are you going to do?

It was a cool January morning when my oldest son and I bundled up, loaded up his truck, and headed to a local lake. The sun was up but not sweltering (a blessing in Florida). We tried at two different lakes but had no luck catching any fish. We did catch a lot of conversation, though. He talked about school and friends. I mostly listened and asked the occasional question. I wouldn't trade that two hours for anything, though.

Here's most of our current game stash:

Spending time with our kids, uninterrupted, is precious for everyone. Our kids will always remember it and it gives parents a good opportunity to get a glimpse into our kids' lives. Sometimes that glimpse is just a new interest or something funny at school. Every bit helps when it comes to connecting with our kids!

Friday is a great time to start planning one thing you will do this weekend to connect. Even if you don't have kids of your own, maybe you have a niece or nephew - I'm sure they would love to spend time with you! You may want to plan a family event, or something one-on-one with just one child, if that works for your family.

Your "do something" doesn't have to be a fancy affair. And maybe fishing or board games aren't your thing.

Here's a list of some ideas to get you started.

• Watch a show or movie together. My kids and I have a couple of shows we watch when we can steal an hour or two.

• Garden together. My mom and I bonded for years over this activity.

• Bake, cook, grill something together. Another bonding experience with my mom when I was a young girl.

• Grab a coffee at your local coffee shop.

• Go fishing.

• Go swimming.

• Take out or rent a kayak or canoe.

• Take a tour of a local attraction - be a tourist!

• Play tennis - or baseball - or frisbee.

• Go for a walk.

• Have lunch at a restaurant.

• Play a game. I made a post late last year with some good game choices. Check that out if you are at a loss.

• Go visit a local park and be kids again at the playground.

• Plan for summer activities.

• Color together.

• Draw with sidewalk chalk.

• Ride bikes.

• Read together - even older kids enjoy reading books they remember from when they were little.

• Take a prayer walk through the neighborhood - start with yours.

• Put up hammocks and find cloud formations.

I hope this gets you off to a good start. It really doesn't matter what you do - just plan something and then DO IT!

Here are some communication keys:

• Let your child know you'll be doing something.

• If your family shares a calendar, make sure it's in there so it's an actual "event."

• Don't invite anyone else - this is time for family.

• Don't force conversation. Silence is okay. Some people, especially guys, DO things side by side and have periods of silence.

• When your child says something, listen.

• Resist the temptation to coach, lead, or lecture. It's about being together, not giving a lesson.

• Ask questions, and try to keep them open-ended. I'll ask things like,

• "What happened next?"

• "What did she do when X happened?"

• What did you think about that?"

• "What would you have done in that situation?"

• "How do you feel about that?"

• "What do you think about that?"

• The answers to the questions are important, but not THE most important thing. Your goal is just to learn about your child. That's it. No lessons or lectures!

• If you're shocked, hide it. Sometimes they say things to see how you'll respond. Take it in stride and be shocked later with your spouse behind closed doors.

• Finally, lead by example - turn your phone on silent and don't check it or get on social media. Pictures are okay, but that's about it.

Most of all, HAVE FUN!