As a health institution ourselves, we at SSM Health believe that all kinds of health are both important and necessary to society. At the same time, there is at least one other institution that is even more vital to a healthy society—the family.
Family time is important time, and time well-spent. Here are some tips from our health experts on how to strengthen ties between the people closest to you.
1. Embrace digital entertainment (or don’t). Like it or not, screen-interface technologies like cell phones, tablets and laptops are here to stay. In fact, any child who goes to places alone could do with a cell phone for safety. If your child plays video games, it’s not completely out of bounds for you to ask to join in the fun. On the other extreme, a family board game night can be well worthwhile. An activity such as family movie night is a legitimate compromise between those extremes, especially in dicey weather.
2. Plan an excursion. Kids of most ages will appreciate the chance to visit a nearby museum, zoo, aquarium, mall, arcade or park—the list goes on. Libraries get special treatment here as gifts that keep on giving.
3. Spend time volunteering. Volunteer trips or activities are the next logical step from the outings discussed in the previous step. In other words, volunteering teaches practical lessons as to why things are the way they are. Search portals like volunteermatch.org for activities that are feasible and enjoyable for parents and kids alike.
4. Create a family tree. Similar to volunteering, delving into the ancestry of your family has the benefit of teaching children why things are the way they are and how it got to be that way. A visual representation of a literal family tree can go a long way towards helping children grasp the value of family.
The above suggestions reflect how family bonds begin at the home and strengthen across physical distance, socio-economic and racial boundaries and time. Even if you lack the resources to try every suggestion, at least talking about them goes a long way, too, and may lead your family to unexpected places.
Family time is important time, and time well-spent. Here are some tips from our health experts on how to strengthen ties between the people closest to you.
1. Embrace digital entertainment (or don’t). Like it or not, screen-interface technologies like cell phones, tablets and laptops are here to stay. In fact, any child who goes to places alone could do with a cell phone for safety. If your child plays video games, it’s not completely out of bounds for you to ask to join in the fun. On the other extreme, a family board game night can be well worthwhile. An activity such as family movie night is a legitimate compromise between those extremes, especially in dicey weather.
2. Plan an excursion. Kids of most ages will appreciate the chance to visit a nearby museum, zoo, aquarium, mall, arcade or park—the list goes on. Libraries get special treatment here as gifts that keep on giving.
3. Spend time volunteering. Volunteer trips or activities are the next logical step from the outings discussed in the previous step. In other words, volunteering teaches practical lessons as to why things are the way they are. Search portals like volunteermatch.org for activities that are feasible and enjoyable for parents and kids alike.
4. Create a family tree. Similar to volunteering, delving into the ancestry of your family has the benefit of teaching children why things are the way they are and how it got to be that way. A visual representation of a literal family tree can go a long way towards helping children grasp the value of family.
The above suggestions reflect how family bonds begin at the home and strengthen across physical distance, socio-economic and racial boundaries and time. Even if you lack the resources to try every suggestion, at least talking about them goes a long way, too, and may lead your family to unexpected places.
