These days most of us don't spend enough time together as a family. With our busy work and school lives, not to mention things like the Internet and TV, there never seems to be any time left for quality family time. However, scrapbooking is a fun, entertaining and unique way to spend time together as a a family. Moreover, it is quickly becoming one the fastest growing arts and crafts industries in America.   

What is it?

Basically, scrapbooks are a type of decorated album where you can include family photos, things you have written, meaningful mementos and anything else that has meaning for your family. Traditionally, scrapbooks have been physical books you these things into.

However, there is a growing trend towards digital scrapbooks that allow you do the same things through computer. You can also add things that you wouldn't be able to do with a traditional scrapbook such narration and videos. So, you will have to decide which is right for your family or you could even do both.

Spending Time Together

The whole philosophical idea behind scrapbooking is creating a shared experience. This is why it makes a perfect family activity. You can come together as a family and share, talk and remember about past experiences. As a parent this is a great way to learn about the type of person your kids are turning into. And for kids it is a great way to know about their parents and other relatives.

Preserving the Past

Another great thing about scrapbooking is that it provides a record of the past. Obviously, you will want to include things you have done in the past like photos, mementos and other such things. This already makes it a record of the past. However, the scrapbook itself will become a record of the past for your children. They will have fond memories of not only the tings in the scrapbook itself but also of making it. You could even create a family tradition and generations from now could continue on what you have started.

Fun

Finally scrapbooking is just plain fun. If you decide to create a physical scrapbook, kids have fun gluing in pictures, records and anything else you will include. If you opt instead for a digital scrapbook, your kids will be able to show off their computer skills. In both cases creating a scrapbook will unleash your kids creative skills. You will probably be amazed at the sort of things they come up with.

So as you can see scrapbooking can be a family activity that everyone can enjoy. As a parent you will be able to spend more time with your kids. Your kids will learn more about their past and create fond memories in the process. Moreover, you will be helping to preserve a piece of your family history. You may even start a tradition. Finally every family should scrapbook together because it is fun and much more creative than just watching to TV, playing video games or surfing the Internet.