• Home
  • About
  • As Seen On
  • PR | AD
  • Working Together
  • Event Calendar
    • MamaChallenge.com Calendar
    • Submit Your Event
  • Contact

mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents | Dallas Blog

Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

  • Featured on TV
  • For Moms
  • Food
  • Parenting
  • DFW
  • Travel
  • Tech
  • Health
  • Style
  • Giveaways

10 Ways to Connect with Your Kids Today (and like it)

Yum

September 10, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 19 Comments

Parenting is hard. But sometimes you have to drop the adulting and just enjoy spending time together with your kids. Here are 10 ways to connect with your kids today that don’t require any creativity from you, but will make lots of memories for everyone.

Thank you to Main Event for this collaboration to remind us all that sometimes you need to just Head to Fun. #HeadforFun #EatBowlPlay

A few nights ago while I was working on the computer, my daughter asked sweetly, “can you play Barbies with me?”

I loved her up and repeated by normal response, “not right now, baby…mama’s working,” kissing her sweetly and sending her on her way.


10 Ways to Connect with Your Kids Today (and like it)

After about a week of asking the same thing each time I was on the computer, she finally came up to me as she had been doing and screamed, “Are you ever gonna play with me? I am your daughter!” And proceeded to run away in a teary-eyed fit.

I was totally devastated. I mean doesn’t she know the reason I’m working on the computer is for her and her brother so we can have money to have nice things?

Then I realized…of course, she doesn’t know.

She’s not one of my clients, co-workers, or colleagues. She’s my kid.

What she knows is that mommy says she loves her and if she really loves her, she would want to spent time with her. Instead I’m always doing other stuff like being on the computer, the phone, or cleaning house – and not spending time with her.

While I’m all about responsibility, sometimes you just have to Head for Fun and do something that isn’t anything but just entertainment for entertainment’s sake.

I mean are we working to live or living to work?

Main Event Party

While there are many activities you can arrange to do with them, I’ll be honest, planning is sometimes the hardest part. Where to go, what time are they open, where to park, what to eat, what to pack….you get it. The whole idea is that it’s supposed to be fun time and you went and made it hard. By the time you’ve created your plan for fun, it’s already lost the fun before it started.

However, at Main Event, everything is in one place and you don’t have to plan anything except “let’s go.” With more than 20 locations across the U.S., you always know at Main Event you can head for fun with their Eat. Bowl. Play. mentality, wherever you go!

Main-Event-Bowling

So here are some ideas for spending time with your kids that you can do right now.

10 Ways to Play with Your Kids Today at Main Event

  1. Score a Strike Bowling
  1. Rock it, Win it or Shoot it with Video Games
  1. Light it Up with Laser Tag
  1. Make a Hole in One with Mini Golf
  1. Belt Out Some Karaoke
  1. Play some Pool
  1. Share a plate of Fun Finger Foods – French Fries, Nachos, Tater Tots, oh my!
  1. Get moving with Gravity Ropes and Rock Climbing
  1. Have Fun! No matter what you do – talk, play, or eat, you’ll have a good time together!
  1. Make it a Party! Make it a really big event at Main Event and bring friends and family when you need a destination for a birthday or family get together! They do it all for you!

Main-Event-Connect-Kids

From chef-inspired casual dining featuring American classics, a stand-alone La Bella’s Pizza Café and full bar, to more than 100 virtual and interactive games, state-of-the-art bowling, multi-level laser tag and more, there are so many ways to make memories today at Main Event.

Main-Event

Ready to head for fun? Visit the Main Event website for information about their FREE fun on October 10 for National Head for FUNday at all 27 locations nationwide. (And when it’s free, there should be nothing standing in your way!)

Main-Event

  • Anyone arriving between 8 a.m.-12 p.m. will be given one (1) free hour of bowling (shoes included). Additionally, each guest will receive a free $10 FUNCard valid on game play.
  • $5 Unlimited FUN – bowling, laser tag, billiards & more for just $5 per person/per activity from noon to close.

Go to MainEvent.com to find a Main Event Entertainment Center near you.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Main Event. The opinions and text are all mine.

More from mamachallenge.com

  • Make Your Birthday a Main EventMake Your Birthday a Main Event
  • Reconnect with Family Fun at Trinity Forest Adventure Park {Special Offer}Reconnect with Family Fun at Trinity Forest Adventure Park {Special Offer}
  • Family Movie Night Happens With NetflixFamily Movie Night Happens With Netflix
  • Smart Choice for Unlimited Phone Plan from WalmartSmart Choice for Unlimited Phone Plan from Walmart
  • Start Your Family Dinner Project with Healthy Comfort Favorites {Recipe}Start Your Family Dinner Project with Healthy Comfort Favorites {Recipe}
  • Making Time for Your UsMaking Time for Your Us

Filed Under: Family, Parenting, Sponsored Tagged With: Main Event

Parenting is hard. Who couldn't use a little help? You've come to the right place. Sign up for our e-newsletter and don't miss anything. Join mamachallenge on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram where we get through it together!
Autumn Rose Reo

About Autumn Rose Reo

Texas blogger, TV contributor, PR pro, and mother of two (including a son with a Congenital Heart Defect) , Autumn Rose Reo is always on the search for REAL SOLUTIONS for REAL PARENTS that REALLY WORK. From parenthood, things to do, reviews, style, recipes and more, she’s always cookin’ up something fun, resourceful and good to know! She’s frequently featured on TV sharing her solutions and in her spare time, she’s helping others promote their business with her own PR shop, The Reo Agency See what she’s burning, party she is planning, or what challenge she is taking on today.

Comments

  1. Avatarsusan says

    September 12, 2016 at 11:57 am

    We love to go out and unplug. For us bowling is such a fun option, and the kids love it too.

    Reply
  2. AvatarJeanette says

    September 12, 2016 at 1:00 pm

    This is such a funny post for me because we just went here over the weekend. My son had a birthday party and he picked this place as where he wanted to have it. We played laser tag they played games we just had a blast. It’s a fun place.

    Reply
  3. AvatarReesa Lewandowski says

    September 12, 2016 at 3:23 pm

    These are awesome ideas to reconnect with your kids. We sometimes let life take over and lose sight that they need our attention just as much.

    Reply
  4. AvatarStacie says

    September 12, 2016 at 5:25 pm

    Main Event sounds like such a fun place. I wish we had something like that close by. It’s been ages since I’ve been bowling.

    Reply
  5. AvatarNancy at Whispered Inspirations says

    September 12, 2016 at 6:11 pm

    Wow, it sounds like such a fun place. I’d love to go one day!

    Reply
  6. AvatarKathy says

    September 12, 2016 at 6:55 pm

    These are all great ideas. I’ve actually been talking to my girls about going bowling. We plan to go sometime soon. We haven’t been bowling in a long time.

    Reply
  7. AvatarLisa Favre says

    September 12, 2016 at 7:35 pm

    This place looks like so much fun! I’d even be willing to go with just my husband!

    Reply
  8. AvatarLiz Mays says

    September 12, 2016 at 8:21 pm

    Wow, Main Event sounds like a ton of fun. There are so many reasons to keep going back with the family!

    Reply
  9. AvatarElizabeth Lampman says

    September 12, 2016 at 8:29 pm

    Main Event sounds like the perfect place to take the kids.I know my kids would love it. It is so important to spend quality time with your kids.

    Reply
  10. AvatarTammi Roy says

    September 12, 2016 at 8:31 pm

    We love to sing Karaoke together. The kids always have a blast belting out their favorites. I will have to see if we have a Main Event near by.

    Reply
  11. Avatargingermommyrants says

    September 12, 2016 at 8:32 pm

    These are great ways to spend time with your kids. Main Event looks like they have everything covered. I know my kids would love to try the bowling.

    Reply
  12. AvatarGabriel says

    September 12, 2016 at 8:56 pm

    Karaoke is a great idea – I love tormenting the kids (and wife) with my singing, this would make it even better! In all seriousness, our pre teens have always loved it when we take them bowling.

    Reply
  13. AvatarMelissa says

    September 12, 2016 at 9:10 pm

    This place sounds like a great way to connect with your kids and share activities you will both enjoy! The laser tag and the karaoke sound they would be so fun to do with your kid!

    Reply
  14. AvatarJody Smith says

    September 12, 2016 at 9:54 pm

    Hard to remember but so necessary to make special one on one time for your kids. Bowling is a geat option and this place looks fun!

    Reply
  15. AvatarAimee Smith says

    September 13, 2016 at 1:32 am

    How fun! My kids adore rock climbing, they would be all over that at Main Event!

    Reply
  16. AvatarJenn Gerlach says

    September 13, 2016 at 3:30 am

    I love finding new ideas for things to do with my kids. My kids are my favorite people.

    Reply
  17. AvatarClaudia Krusch says

    September 13, 2016 at 9:20 am

    We love to go out and disconnect from devices!! For us bowling is such a great option, and my son loves it too.

    Reply
  18. AvatarJanis @MommyBlogExpert says

    September 13, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    I have 4 kids and couldn’t agree more that finding ways to connect with your children is so important. Your post reminds me of how Bowling has always been so fun when we do that as a family together.

    Reply
  19. AvatarAmy Desrosiers says

    September 13, 2016 at 3:07 pm

    These are great ideas! I feel like somedays I do not spend as nearly as much time as I ideally would like to with my kids.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Meet this Mama: Autumn Rose Reo

Autumn Rose ReoGet REAL Solutions for REAL Parents that Work! From recipes, things to do, parenting tips (and fails) and how to cope with everything in between, she'll share all the best ways to take on your (mama) challenges... https://www.mamachallenge.com/about/

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Best Wine is Clean-Crafted: Directly Delivered

Save on Fun All Year Long! Code: MAMACHALLENGE

Tres Leche Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon Whip

Best Slow Cooker Recipes for Back to School

SHOP MAMACHALLENGE!


More TV Segments Not To Miss

Hostess with the Mostest: Macaroni and Cheese Bar

Hostess with the Mostest: Macaroni and Cheese Bar

Fresh Start on Laundry: Managing the Load

Fresh Start on Laundry: Managing the Load

How to Tye Dye with Food Coloring

How to Tye Dye with Food Coloring

You’ll LOVE This!

logo
Food Advertisements by
MamaChallenge.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Pictures Say a 1000 Words

Fancy Schmancy. This month’s @torchystacos Taco Fancy Schmancy.

This month’s @torchystacos Taco of the Month is this beut: she’s full of eggs, smoked salmon, pickled onions, capers, chopped dill, and the herb cream cheese. And yes she’s fancy but oh so good and worth the splurge.

Paired with a side of queso and change out the chips for chicharrones with that white queso (and maybe a Paloma), and you’re golden. 

#torchytacos #salmon #tacos #paloma #fancy #torchys #dryjanuary #dill #salmon #dfweats #dallaseats
Who doesn’t like chocolate? But what if it’s Who doesn’t like chocolate?

But what if it’s truffles made with avocados past their prime? 🤢? Don’t knock it until you try it #recipeontheblog

Today on @wfaagmt I shared how to make the most of those leftovers and old vegetables and fruits! The kitchen smells so good with an apple tarte tartin, truffles, potato chips, broth, banana bread, and this cilantro green sauce! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Taken from @beardfoundation:

INGREDIENTS

1⁄4 cup red wine vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1⁄2 cup fresh cilantro stems (from 1 bunch of cilantro)
1⁄2 cup olive oil or neutral oil, such as organic canola or grapeseed
1⁄2 tsp ground cumin

DIRECTIONS

In a blender or the mixing cup of a small food processor or immersion blender, combine the vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper. Swirl a few times to dissolve the salt. Add the stems, olive oil, and cumin — puree. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

#wfaa #tv #recipe #goodmorningtexas #chocolatetruffles #dfwinfluencer #dallasblogger #eatwell #dfw #momblogger #healthylifestyle #wholefoodmethod
Kept and Queso may sound a lot alike, but I don’ Kept and Queso may sound a lot alike, but I don’t think that’s the way it work...🌯

Today was a busy one: getting ready for the week and getting prepped for a tv segment (tomorrow on @wfaagmt, so I had to call in for reinforcements. While I may be on the no-carb wagon, the rest of the fam wanted something different -  fresh, full of flavor and delivered fast...enter @savageburritos!

Made from the @unclejuliosmexican family, this ghost kitchen delivery service offers specialty burritos, bowls, salads, the holy trinity (queso, chips and salsa) and even dessert - all to your door! 

Find ‘em online and find out why you’ll go savage for more! And thanks @savageburritos for such great service! 

#savageburritos #savageburrito #unclejulios #texmex #dfweats #mamachallenge #dallasfood #dallasmoms #dallasinfluencer #dfwblogger
Nothing like trying to eat healthier and your kid Nothing like trying to eat healthier and your kid surprises you with an over-the-top hot cocoa in bed.

...But at least she put it in my @shopcarrieelle mugs.

I’m wondering if this was my first teat of 2021.
Hoping to make 2021 a lot brighter. ✨ Happy New Hoping to make 2021 a lot brighter. ✨

Happy New Year’s Y’all!

#ArlingtonTexas #ArlingtonTx #dfw #nye #lonestarnye
Consider 2021 the light at the end of the tunnel. Consider 2021 the light at the end of the tunnel.

We’ve been working to squeeze in all the celebrations this week before it’s time to work out all the tears, wine and carbs 2020 brought. 🍷 🥖 😭 

What’s your NYE plan? And most of all what’s your last cheat meal? 

#dfw #nye #newyears #covidchristmas2020 #dallasinfluencer #dfwblogger
The 80s are coming back in full force...but does m The 80s are coming back in full force...but does my visor match my mask? 😱

Actually my #OOTD is part of our equipment to take down aliens in London circa 1984 at @electricgamebox, the new immersive gaming experience @grandscapetx. Opening December 24, it’s the perfect way to spend some family time TOGETHER, hear a bada$@ soundtrack (hello, 80s!?!) and burn calories (don’t worry about those extra cookies!)

Before you go: 

🕹Have a team name ready

🕹Wear tennis shoes, no hats or hair bands, and comfortable clothes. 

🕹There’s a locker to put your bag in if you need to drop it off!

🕹Safety is #1: Masks are a must, no contact and you’re the only ones in your game room! 

🕹The experience is an hour so be ready to move bc you will! 

Swipe to see our score and family photo (emailed to you after your experience!)

Thanks for some pre-Christmas fun Electric Gamebox! (Partner)

#dallas #dfw #dfwinfluencer #dallasblogger #dallasmoms #dallastexas #electricgamebox #covidchristmas #2020 #openingsoon
❄️ I’m dreaming of a White Christmas... We ❄️ I’m dreaming of a White Christmas...

We normally head to the mountains at Christmas time, but this year we’re just happy to celebrate Christmas healthy and together with lots of wonderful trips around home including to the @gaylordtexan. So we broke from our matching plaid instead with this mom/daughter snowflake set from @shinestythreads. Most their stuff is exactly what you need to dominate the Christmas sweater game, our little bit of cheesy (cue “Let it Go...”) but came out too sweet not to share. (When they’re this age, you take it when you get it!)

Shinesty is the resource for all the holidays apparel and even does free returns! Save their page for when you need to be the talk of the party (online and in person.) 

🎄And for details about the @gaylordtexan Lonestar Christmas like this week’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Brunch, head to the blog (and remember the code REO gets you a discount on some of your activities!)

#shinesty #snow #dfw AD #gaylordchristmas #gaylordtexan #visitgrapevine #dallastexas #dfwinfluencer #dallasbloggers #matchingoutfits #snowdfw #somuchchristmas
One other thing came out of #2020 besides drive-th One other thing came out of #2020 besides drive-thru margaritas...I had time to enjoy wrapping my gifts! 

While we had a minor Santa disaster yesterday, I devised a mom save and moved on to the wrapping paper! I even made my Christmas tags with my @Cricut to match my white & silver snow theme! 

Do you theme your wrapping? What was this year?

You finally can get yours or stock up on accessories now at 50% off now with this link or download the LIKEtoKNOW.it shopping app to shop this pic via screenshot. http://liketk.it/34fvi #liketkit @liketoknow.it 
 #StayHomeWithLTK #LTKhome @liketoknow.it.family @liketoknow.it.home
...Hold your horses! 🐴✨🎄 I love celebrati ...Hold your horses! 🐴✨🎄

I love celebrating our holiday traditions, but this year we made a new one! I’ve always wanted to see Christmas lights by carriage ride and this year we made it happen by surprising the girls! 

We spent the night looking at beautiful houses, drinking hot chocolate under the blankets and hearing some of the best commentary from the girls!

🐴 There are several different carriage ride companies (we used Whitehaven Carriages) that drive through Deerfield and Highland Park with multiple types of carriages (there’s even a Cinderella) for varying prices starting around $175+. 

🐴While rides reserve quickly, you might be able to find some after the holidays! If not, put this in the calendar for next year because it’s a must do!

(I’ve shared some of it on Instastories!)

#dfw #highlandpark #dallasbloggers  #christmasdecor #horses #chriatmaslights #dallas #dfwevents #dallasinfluencer #dfwinfluencer #christmastradition
Just ONE more day! The countdown to Christmas may Just ONE more day!

The countdown to Christmas may be a week away, but @thecroods New Age is available by demand tomorrow! 

The kids have been so excited about this debut and have decorated for the occasion with their goodies from @dreamworks! 🎁 (Partner)

#CROODSNEWAGE #dreamworks #thecroods #giftideas #dfwinfluencers #dallassocialinfluencers #movie #fandango #momlife #sloth
🎶I’m dreaming of a white Christmas...🎶 . 🎶I’m dreaming of a white Christmas...🎶 

...to drink that is, The Dude style. Picking up last minute gifts, I took a brief break at @lockwooddistillingco. They have a great holiday cocktail list and if you’re lucky, you’ll find some awesome gift baskets under their Biggie & Snoop Christmas tree will make everyone happy for Christmas (twofer!)

Whatever you do, don’t leave without a bottle of the Bourbon Creme or Cinnamon Rum to make it through the holidays (who needs eggnog when you can drink this?)

#lockwooddistillingco #biglebowski #dfw #richardsontx #dallastx #holidaydrinks #dallasinfluencer #dfwblogger #whitechristmas #giftidea #biggie #snoop
#MomTruth: What are you buying and wrapping yourse #MomTruth: What are you buying and wrapping yourself to put under the tree and saying it’s from the kids? 🌲 

For me it was this crossbody from @bestofsevenshop. I love a beautiful big handbag (hello @louisvuitton!), but lately I’ve kept it to the essentials as we enjoyed all the holiday events safely, but I still wanted it to be cute! 

Best of Seven style is classic: full of pockets and zippers as well different styles that let you interchange colors to make it your own! “Keeping it your own” is their mission by celebrating diversity:
🌈 races
🌈religion
🌈genders
🌈sexual orientation
🌈Abilities and disabilities
🌈Ages

And you know I love a monogram! 

Today’s the last day to get 30% off and still get it personalized! Get the link in my profile!

#bestofseven #diversity #giftideas #dallasblogger #style #holidays #grinch #rainbow #dfwinfluencers #dallasmoms #covidchristmas
SO.MUCH.CHRISTMAS. 🎄🎁🎅🏼 It’s incred SO.MUCH.CHRISTMAS. 🎄🎁🎅🏼

It’s incredible how much you can do in 24 hours and how many photos you can take - 422 to be exact.

Have you been so busy you haven’t had time to do the Christmas stuff? Get in all the holiday fun with our guide to SO MUCH Christmas at the Gaylord Texan @gaylordtexan.

We even share how to save some money (use the code REO!)

Link to the guide is in the profile and #ontheblog.

#gaylordtexan #ChristmasatGaylordTexan #ilovechristmasmoviesWB #SoMuchChristmas #gaylordchristmas #dfw #visitgrapevine #christmas #dfwinfluencers #dallasinfluencer #travelblogger #traveltex #grapevinetx
Are you making a different kind of O Face because Are you making a different kind of O Face because your not sure if that box is gonna make it? O-NO! 😱

Deadlines start today fast and being in those long lines might be the worst part of Christmas. However, I shared some tips  on @wfaagmt on how you can avoid feeling like a Grinch when it comes to shipping. 🙌🏻

Here are some tips you might not know before you get in line: 

🎁 The big three all have pick up at your house, by going online and scheduling for pick up @ups, @usps.official and @fedex.

Did you know that several stores actually have shipping inside? 
🎁Some Ace Hardware stores @acehardware and local Eliott’s Hardware
🎁 @Staples - they have all the supplies for you to box it up (and I have a coupon in my Instastories!)
🎁 CVS ships UPS
🎁 Heading to those third party parcel stores can definitely save you some time.

Ship to Store is a huge way to get the item delivered quicker to you or to have sent. 
🎁 Get your @amazon sent to an Amazon Locker  or @wholefoods for shipping and pick up! 
🎁 @target - drive through pick up with the App 
🎁 @Walmart - just launched a new service called Walmart+ which is like Amazon Prime where you can get it. (Try it free now!) 

Last-minute shipping?
🎁 While you might not want to pay for those last-minute shipping services, if you use @rakuten you can save money on your purchase so then it still can be affordable for your budget. (I have already racked up a $600 cash back check just for using Rakuten - head to my profile to get a link to get $20 back when you use it! (It’s FREE!) 

@wfaagmt @wfaa #dfw #shipping #holiday #savemoney #dfwinfluencers #dallasinfluencers #dallas #giftideas #mamachallenge #giftguide #covidchristmas
Follow on Instagram
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. New posts will not be retrieved.

Log in as an administrator and view the Instagram Feed settings page for more details.

Pin This!

Visit Mama Challenge's profile on Pinterest.

Follow Along!

Tweets by @mamachallenge

Copyright MamaChallenge.com © 2021 · Hosting Provided by Servously · Privacy Policy