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10 Minutes Peace

    by Susan McGrath

18 Things To Do Before Your Child Turns 18
Date Posted: June 2, 2007

We've seen the top 10 lists and the 101 ways to (whatever). This list is a bit different. Some of the ideas flow from wonderful memories I have with family members, a few are things that never quite got finished and some are wishful thinking. Don't worry, even if your "child" is over 18, you can still do any or all of these things and have a blast!

The whole point of these memory-makers is that you do them together - that means with your child. Do not send them off on an adventure while you stay home to clean the house. (It's tempting, though, I know!)

1. Visit a President's home. (Of the United States, that is.)

2. Take a family portrait. (Yes, some of us put this off hoping to reach optimum weight and hair color and never get around to it.)

3. Complete the baby book. (It struck a nerve with me too.)

4. Raise a pet. (Your child gets to choose, even if it's a python.)

5. Plan a dinner party. (Complete with formal table settings, flowers and everyone dressing up.)

6. Memorize a bible verse. (Jesus wept does not count.)

7. Attend a concert by your child's favorite band. (Don't let your child see you put in the earplugs.)

8. Sing around a campfire. (The songs can be corny, it's a campfire.)

9. Pick apples. (From a tree, not a bin in the grocery store.)

10. Research the family tree. (You don't have to go back too far, but share an interesting story from your grandparents.)

11. Pray at bedtime. (This might even turn into a habit.)

12. Watch a sunrise. (It can be out the window as you snuggle in bed if you prefer not to drive up a mountain at 4 a.m. in 40-degree weather.)

13. Plant a tree. (Preferably on property you own.)

14. Build a sand castle. (Backyard or beach - it doesn't matter.)

15. Volunteer for a charity. (You might be surprised at how hard your child can work.)

16. Paint a room. (Choose the color together.)

17. Attend a concert by your favorite band. (Never mind what your child thinks of 80s music!)

18. Go canoeing. (If you're both inexperienced take plenty of life vests and plenty of pictures.)

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Biography Information:
Susan McGrath is:

a recovering journalist trying to encourage others and glorify God through writing;

living the small-town life with husband Tim and sons Lincoln, 12, and Sawyer, 6;

completing a few put-off writing projects while using chocolate for therapy.