Are you as 'un-fun' as me? Here's help

Sarah A. Reinhard: she looks pretty fun right?

I don’t think anyone would acuse me of being adventurous or creative, but I can say with certainty that I’m usually overwhelmed and often clueless.

For those and other reasons, I’m excited to share a guest post today from Sarah A. Reinhard, author of the newly released “Catholic Family Fun: A Guide for the Adventurous, Overwhelmed, Creative, or Clueless.”

Sarah’s book is a fabulous resource for moms like me: ones who remember a time when they *used* to be fun, but not-so-much anymore.

Don’t get me wrong, I *like* fun. I’m up for fun as much as the next gal, but sometimes I need that little push—a simple reminder—that fun isn’t just for kids, it’s important for us grown-ups as well.

No matter how your family defines fun, Sarah’s book offers a jillion ways you can have fun together, from scavenger hunts in the great outdoors, to arts and crafts, to what sounds like an insurmountable task: making a *family rosary* fun. (Did I mention she’s tested the activities with her own family?)

To help narrow down some of the best choices for your gang, at the beginning of each activity, she provides how much prep time is needed, the duration of the activity itself, and what you can expect to spend (if anything). She also suggests “faith angles” for activities you may already be doing together, like going out to eat, or visting the library. These tips allow you to sneak in little faith lessons when it otherwise may not have occurred to you.

Enjoy Sarah’s post below on perseverance in seeking out fun, no matter how “un-fun” you’re feeling some days. Then click here and buy her book. Then get out there and have some Catholic family fun!

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Try and Try Again: Keeping at the Family Fun Thing

by Sarah A. Reinhard

I fail. A lot. Especially when the word “family” is combined with the word “fun.” Add “Catholic” to the front and you not only have a great book but also a bit of a nightmare for me.

So how is it that I came to not only author a book (with a subtitle that explains at least four of my personalities), but also to convert to being a huge proponent of this thing called “Catholic family fun”?

It has to do with that failure I continue to experience. With failure comes a need for encouragement, for support, for motivation. You can do it! You know how I know that? Because *I* can do it.

It’s easy the first time. It might even be easy the second time. But at some point, I assure you, there will be something that flops. You might not want to call it a failure, but you’ll know that sinking feeling, that observation that things could have gone better, that discouragement that  comes from a few frowns and maybe a few tears.

Next time, try something simpler. Next time, have them pick what you do. Next time, pray an extra Hail Mary to fortify you.

This idea of family fun isn’t new. This idea of integrating our Catholic faith into everything we do isn’t original. Somehow, though, we all continue to look for a magic answer, as though we can make their Friday nights flutter with giggles and delight.

It’s no small thing to raise a family. You’re sure to have your hard times, and I know you want to have some good times. Don’t give up! Try and try again. Lean on God and know that if anyone’s cheering for you, it’s him!

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Sarah Reinhard writes about marriage, motherhood, the Catholic faith, books, and life on a farm at her blog: www.snoringscholar.com. She is also a frequent contributor to other blogs, podcasts, and websites such as: Catholic Mom, Faith & Family Live, Catholic Foodie, and Catholic Writers Guild. Sarah lives in central Ohio with her husband and their three children. To buy her book “Catholic Family Fun: A Guide for the Adventurous, Overwhelmed, Creative, or Clueless” click here!

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