Bucket lists typically consist of things that we would like to do in our lifetime. While we tend to think of bucket lists as something that is thought of and carried out by an individual, compiling joint bucket lists as a family could also be fun and very exciting.
Compiling a joint bucket list with your family can give the different members of the family the idea that you are interested in spending time together and that you wish to have fun and make memories with each other. It can also pass on the message that the dreams and wishes of the different members, including young children, are valid and that they can be given a voice when planning family activities. In this blog, I wish to share some suggestions with regards to how you can go about making this family bucket list with your children.
- Decide if you would like to choose a theme
Will this bucket list consist of things to do during your children’s holidays, or maybe things that you would like to do with your family before the children turn a certain age? You might opt to choose a particular theme for your bucket list, however this is not necessarily the case.
- Create the list
Have a conversation as a family about what a bucket list is, and why you think it might be a good idea for you to do this together as a family. You could decide to make a joint family bucket list straight away. However, you could also ask each family members to start by individually making their own list of top five things that they would like to do with the rest of the family. The list can be very varied; ranging from indoor activities, a picnic or visiting somewhere in particular.
- Share your ideas
If you decide on making individual bucket lists with the top five ideas, you can then share your ideas with one another. Each family member can go through the ideas that they have listed down, and also explain why they would like to share these experiences with the rest of the family. Following this discussion, compile all the ideas as one list.
- Plan your first adventure together
Choose your first activity, and plan ahead for it as a family. Talk about the things that you will need for your adventure. If we involve children in making plans, they will potentially feel a sense of ownership and responsibility, meaning they will more likely experience appreciation for the activity.
Rebecca Cassar is a Family Therapist practicing the Systemic Approach. She specializes in offering therapy to families, couples and individuals who are experiencing distress in their relationships. She can be contacted on rebecca@willingness.com.mt or call us on 79291817.