An important characteristic of healthy families is that they spend time doing enjoyable activities with each other. With the demands of school, work, sports and technology, it’s sometimes hard for families to connect and spend meaningful time together; but there are ways to make sure quality time happens regularly. When you fit it into the family schedule, the same way you fit in a dentist’s appointment or a baseball game, this valuable time will become habitual.
“Try planning family ‘dates.’ Enter an official family date on the calendar where everyone can see it. The date can be anything from going to see a movie together to spending an afternoon at the park,” says Karen Kleinschmidt, who has worked with children with ADHD, sensory issues, and behavioral problems.
Here are some positive habits every family can incorporate into their routine:
Play together
Get down on the floor and play with your child, or run around the house playing hide and seek. It doesn’t matter what game you play; your child will be happy to be doing one of his favorite pastimes with you. “A child just wants to interact with the parent more. That’s the whole point,” says Darcia F. Narvaez, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of Notre Dame. “Playing with other children may be fun, but nothing beats the joy and satisfaction of getting one’s parent to play with you.”
Eat together
Whether it’s home-cooked food or takeout, sitting down to eat as a family creates an opportunity to find out about everyone’s day. For children, it’s a chance to rejoice in their successes, ask for help with their failures, and share their worries. For parents, it’s a chance to be a part of their children’s everyday lives and to talk about their own experiences.
Volunteer together
Giving your time as a family creates a sense of accomplishment and pride in helping those less fortunate. Have each family member choose a cause that’s personally meaningful, and support that person by getting involved. Once everyone sees the differences they’re making, volunteering can become a much-loved family tradition.
Marie Hartwell-Walker, Ed.D., psychologist and marriage and family counselor, says, “Whether repairing a wall, cleaning up a trail, or staffing a food booth or a Girl Scout cookie table, there is something very satisfying about working together. The banter, laughter, and problem-solving that go on strengthen and deepen family relationships.”
Learn a new skill together.
Whether it’s yoga, painting, or a foreign language, show your children that it can be fun to learn something new. Pick something that works with everyone’s schedule and make a point to attend every class until the skill is mastered. Children will not only learn a new skill, but also recognize how dedication to a task equals success.
Exercise together
Choose something that the whole family can do. It can be as simple as taking a 20-minute walk around the neighborhood or gearing up for a hike in your favorite national park. Leave all electronics in the car and soak up the peace and beauty of nature.
Read together.
Whether it’s a bedtime story for little ones, board books for kids just learning the basics, or a chapter book such as Harry Potter, reading out loud allows children and adults to visualize the actions taking place. It also strengthens a child’s aptitude in literacy and helps build a love of books. With older kids, choosing a book together and reading it to compare notes is a great way to encourage bigger conversations and strengthen your bonds.
Laugh, cry and show affection together
Sometimes laughter really is the best medicine. Whether it’s watching a funny movie, telling corny jokes, or acting silly, having a good chuckle is something a family can enjoy together. Sadness and grief are a part of life, but sharing these emotions with others can help lessen the pain. This also reinforces the message that it’s okay to show emotion and it lets each person know they are not alone. There are times when words are not enough, and a warm embrace can help convey message that the family is together and each person is valued.
Posted in: Health & Nutrition, Out & About
Comment Policy: All viewpoints are welcome, but comments should remain relevant. Personal attacks, profanity, and aggressive behavior are not allowed. No spam, advertising, or promoting of products/services. Please, only use your real name and limit the amount of links submitted in your comment.
You Might Also Like...

Dr. Bill Harden: A Life’s Investment In His Daughters
Working on six continents? Raising killer bees? Becoming a family physician at 35? All of these could give Dr. Bill Harden a reason to boast, but there is something far […]

North State Parent Picks for Fun Science-based Adventures
Summer is nearly here and the signs signaling the end of the school year are clear. With some daydreaming, careful planning, and input from our kids, we can look forward […]

The Girl Scouts Meet Modern Challenges in a COVID-19 World
Gaining confidence and growing from the experience of meeting challenges has always been part of the Girl Scout tradition. Last year, the Girl Scouts of Northern California and Girl Scouts […]

Harvest Happenings 2024
Autumn is a wonderful time to celebrate the end of summer. All around the North State this month, families can enjoy special events and family farms with apple picking, pumpkin […]