Every family has at least one tradition that they do on weekends or on a specific holiday. This is the time where the family gets together and does fun activities. This allows for more quality family time and can help a family to bond.
Holiday Traditions
On holidays, you can teach your child the meaning of the holiday with reading or games. This can help your child have a greater sense of the why we celebrate the holiday. These activities can be a great learning experience for your child and for yourself; it’s a time to get to know what your child knows and what they don’t.
Family Communication
Communicating as a family, between parents and children, is an essential part of your social lives. Put down the phone or turn off the TV and interact with your child. Setting aside this time to talk to them, sharing feelings, really listening to each other and providing honest opinions can help produce a bigger bond and trust with parent and child. However, when children are in their teenage years, they’ll begin to want their privacy and independence. Continue to talk to them and guide them, but maybe not in front of their siblings. These family talks can happen at the dinner table or a more scheduled time. Try to establish a regular time to meet and communicate.
Recreation
Sporting events are a great way to spend time with your family and have fun. Whether your child plays a sport or not, it is great to go out and have fun to relieve stress. If parents and children are not avid sports fans, try heading out to the movies or having a nice walk at the park. Some cultural activities to try out are visiting museums, art galleries, and attending a concert. These can expand their appreciation for music and art while enjoying quality time with family.;=
Shopping Trips
Grocery shopping can also be a great way to spend time together. Giving some responsibilities to the child can help build his self-confidence. Before leaving for the grocery store, sit together and create a list of the items your family needs. Have your child pick out the items or take them to the car. This will make them feel important and show them that you relied on them to help.
Reading and Singing
Having activities like singing and reading can really bring the family together. Reading your child’s favorite book can guide you into knowing what type of books they like. The same goes for music. Having your child sing or read aloud can break them out of their shell and can make things easier at school.
Spiritual Pursuits
For many families, religion is important for providing moral tradition, a set of values, and a network of friends and neighbors who can provide support. Attending services as a family is a great way to spend time together.
You do not have to go to church, synagogue, or other place of worship regularly to share moral values with your children. Many families develop a strong spiritual life without the formal structure of organized religion by helping children develop a sense of their history and continuity of the family.
