5 Fun ways to reconnect with your family
Busy schedules can complicate our lives and create a certain disconnect within our families. But there is nothing in the world that is more important than your family, which is why it is crucial to find a way to relate to one another and strengthen that family bond. Here are some simple ways you can reconnect with the most important people in your lives:
1. Turn your electronics off
The first step in enjoying each other’s company is being present in the moment, and the only way to truly do that is by turning the TV off and putting your cell phone down. You might see no problem in checking your phone whenever you receive a notification, but it rarely goes unnoticed. In a world that is filled with distractions, all our children want is to be seen, heard and noticed, so don’t make your child feel like they are always in second place in your life. Conversely, teenagers tend to get distracted with everything the internet has to offer – their curiosity gets the better of them and they end up wasting time exploring a world far from their own. While it is important not to lose that curiosity, it is also crucial to learn how to appreciate what is right in front of you and how to spend quality time with those who love you the most.
2. Find a common hobby
The easiest way to reconnect with your family is by finding at least one hobby you can all enjoy together. In order to find a hobby which suits you best, sit down and have a conversation with your partner and your children and make this talk exciting and filled with different options. Even by just talking about each other’s interests you may find something you all have in common. When you find a suitable hobby for your family, make it a ritual in your family schedule and always give it priority, no matter what. Whether it’s spending your Sunday afternoon doing arts and crafts projects or riding your bikes through the park, make sure to find a way to have fun with your family at least once a week.
3. Share a meal with your family
Studies find that eating together increases your overall happiness and wellness and strengthens the family bond. Our everyday lives can often be filled with stresses, distractions and chaotic schedules, and dinner time seems to be the only time you can truly unwind, laugh and share some stories of your day with those you love most. You don’t have to cook every day – take some burden off your shoulders and take your family to a favorite Olivigna winery, for example, and enjoy a truly relaxing family dinner. You can also treat yourself and your family with a trip to an ice cream shop for some incredibly delicious desserts that are sure to brighten up everyone’s day.
4. Explore the outdoors
Whether you decide to take a family trip to the playground or just take a relaxing walk around your neighborhood, it’s important to take your family out into the sunshine and let them explore. Leaving your house doesn’t always need to be a costly endeavor – you can pack a lunch for the family and go on a relaxing picnic in the park. Apart from taking you away from everyday duties and distractions, spending time in the outdoors will bring a sense of life and energy into your family that is unmatched by the indoors. While you are always playing the role of the parent in your home, outside you get the chance to be their friend.
5. Create a tradition of family fun nights
Make it a family rule not to schedule anything on a certain night of the week and turn them into a tradition of family fun nights. Whether you choose to play a multiplayer video game, watch a movie together or dig up your favorite childhood game, the possibilities are truly endless when it comes to having fun with your loved ones. Remember to always include your children in the process of picking out the activity, in order to ensure everyone has a good time. The key to keeping this family tradition alive is to make it simple, do it as often as you can and just enjoy this wonderful time with your family, filled with joy and laughter.
The best connections and the strongest bonds are often made through laughter, enjoyment and through finding happiness together as one.
