On a typical day in an American household, the parents rush off
to work and the kids bus to school. Later, parents and children may
or may not dine together, trade anything resembling conversation,
or even spend time together in the same room — unless it is in
front of the television.
On a typical day in an American household, the parents rush off to work and the kids bus to school. Later, parents and children may or may not dine together, trade anything resembling conversation, or even spend time together in the same room — unless it is in front of the television.
Something is missing here. The sad thing, experts say, is many families do not know what it is.
Shared fun with the family does not have to take a lot of time, nor cost a lot of money. But activities for the entire family are essential to quality relationships.
In many of today’s families, scheduling time for everyone to spend together can be a daunting task. But it is not impossible.
“You can make a car trip fun; it doesn’t have to be something monumental,” said Kathryn Kvols, president of the International Network for Children and Families. “It can be something as simple as doing dishes together, activities that build teamwork as opposed to one person doing the task. It’s crucial to take time out together as a family, otherwise the tensions mount in the family, and tension is a breeding ground for conflict.”
Finding activities that appeal to everyone in your household is another stumbling block. But accomplishing this task only requires creativity and desire.
In the summer, for example, parents can buy a $20 kiddy pool at a department store to hold a family pool party. Bomb each other with water balloons and splash each other soaking wet with waves from the pool.
“Even teenagers like that kind of stuff,” Bishop said. “Activities like that are a great stress reliever for parents to get down and act crazy with the kids. Laughter is bonding.”
Shared moments are the memories that children carry with them as they grow.
