In a society where we are constantly on the go and rarely have free time, it is important to set aside special family time.  Try to set aside one night a week for family time. Have a meal together and plan an activity for afterwards. Strive for activities that promote interaction rather than resorting to movies or video games (although these are okay once in a while). Take turns allowing each family member to plan a night of family activities.

Ideas for Family Night Activities:

• Board games
• Puzzles
• Trivia
• Make a craft
• Cook dinner together (build your own pizzas)
• Bake something to enjoy later
• Mini-golf
• Backyard games such as Frisbee, Whiffle-ball, Soccer, etc.
• Go for a walk or bike ride around the neighborhood
• Visit a nearby State Park
• Check out what exhibits the local museum or art gallery is featuring

Specific Activities to Strengthen the Family Bond:

1. Discuss specific events that occurred in each family member’s week. Allow each person to share their ups and downs, and do your best not to offer advice or judgment, unless it is requested. The idea is to be there to listen, not counsel. Also discuss highlights of each person’s upcoming week.

2. Volunteer somewhere together. Pick a project to participate in each month. They should reflect the family’s interests and core values. Ideas include:

• Picking an elderly person or couple in your neighborhood or church who could use help around the house. Rake leaves, shovel snow, etc.
• Invite a new neighbor over for dinner, or cook a meal as a family for another family who is coping with life changes such as a death in the family, illness, or the birth of a child.
• Over the holidays, go shopping for a family in need.
• Serve the needy at your local soup kitchen.
• Visit the elderly at a nearby nursing home.
• Spend time working on a church project.

The opportunities to volunteer are endless, and the rewards to your family will be far beyond comprehension.

3. Explore Your Family’s Heritage. Discuss what countries the family originated in, what occupations they held, what their lifestyles were like, etc. This can easily spin off into many different activities, such as learning and experiencing the music, arts, dance, literature, food, customs, and recreation of the country of origin. Make a meal together representative of what your ancestors may have enjoyed.

4. Have each parent spend one on one time with each child. This is very important, as some relationships may require more effort than others, and one-on-one time will help each person get to really know the other person, and form their own special bond.

5. Plan ‘dates’. This is particularly important for fathers and daughters, as it helps the daughters to know what is acceptable and expected in relationships with men.