***Collaborative post***
It looks like there is so much to do in such little time that spending time with family can be put to the back-burner. However, that shouldn’t be the case because keeping a strong bond with family takes a conscious and deliberate effort. You don’t expect the familial connection to stay glued simply because you share the same blood. A 5.9% increase in UK families since 2011 strongly indicates how significant this unit is. Take a look at how you can keep yours active and bonded for longer.
Plan a trip together as a family
Family travels and trips are occasions which bring every member together for all the right reasons. However, the core objective is not only about taking the trip together. Instead, focusing on the planning process can make much of a difference. To get it right, ask every family member to contribute ideas to make a memorable trip. Encourage them to express individual activity preferences they would love to participate in. The idea is to make each family member feel their opinions matter, which strengthens the bond.
Furthermore, for younger children, you can try asking open-ended questions to get a sense of what they would love to experience on a trip. When you’re done with the planning process, you realize there is something for everybody that makes it even better. While at it, do not forget to put measures in place to preserve your family travel memories.
Show appreciation often
There is nothing like too much appreciation towards the people you love the most. On the contrary, the more you show or give it, the better the family bond. It’s all about the little things. For instance, saying ‘thank you,’ ‘I love you,’ and other positive words will keep you in their hearts and minds for extended periods. You also have the option to take them out for a family night out in a favorite restaurant.
Additionally, you may want to consider creating a lovebook for your spouse or another member of the family you wish to appreciate uniquely. Fortunately, showing appreciation can be as creative as you want it to be. The most important thing, though, is to add a personal element when showing gratitude.
Try new things together
Sometimes, the apprehension in trying new things out stems from not knowing what to expect. Fortunately, trying it together with family takes care of the fear element. Moreover, it promotes togetherness and ultimately becomes a memorable moment you will all be thankful that you participated in. For example, take an art or dance class together, organize a cooking competition, volunteer as a family, etc. Any new activity that builds upon the bond is welcome. Admittedly, the pandemic has made relationship nurturing more challenging, but you can go around it. For younger children, these new activities develop their confidence and teach them to uphold family values. In other words, everything you do now can become a blueprint in their adult lives.
Last but not least, remember to compliment each other and make a conscious habit of doing everything it takes to keep the family bond more robust. Just like other things in your life, your family deserves to be worked on.
