Disclosure - This is a collaborative post
It's no secret that families are important. They provide support and love, and they are a source of comfort during difficult times. However, sometimes families can drift apart due to busy schedules or lack of communication. We have always tried to spend as much time as a family of four as we can which can sometimes be difficult with the boys having an eleven year age gap. Over the years I've come up with ways that we can do things together that we can all enjoy.
Make Time For Family Dinners
In today's hectic world, it can be challenging to find time to sit down for a meal together as a family. However, making time for regular family dinners is a great way to catch up with one another and share what we have being doing that day. We have something on every night after school but I would say we eat together more than we don't but if you can't manage to have dinner together every night, aim for once or twice a week. And if cooking is not your thing, then order takeaways from your favourite restaurant.
Play Games Together
You all know we do love a good board games night. Games are a fun way to spend time together as a family and now little J is older we can play games that last that little bit longer. Whether you opt for classic board games, video games, or outdoor games, playing together is a great way to have some quality time together. Of course, you can try classic family games, including Monopoly, Scrabble, and Pictionary. But, if you have younger children, try playing some simple games that they can enjoy too, such as Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders. And if you want to get active, consider playing tag, hide-and-seek, or Frisbee in the park.
Plan A Family Holiday
Take some time to plan a special family holiday that everyone will enjoy. This can be anything from a weekend camping trip to a two-week vacation abroad. You can also consider multi-activity holidays. This is where you spend time together doing different activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. This is a great way to bond and create lasting memories together.
Improve Your Family Communication
If you want to get closer to your family, it's important to ccommunicate effectively. This means taking the time to listen to one another and express yourselves clearly. Family members should feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings with one another. If you're not used to communicating openly, start sharing something small daily. For example, you can tell your family about your day at work or school, or you can ask them about their day.
Have A Family Movie Night
Grab some popcorn and snuggle up together for a family movie night. You can either rent or buy movies that everyone will enjoy. This is a great way to unwind and spend some quality time together. We love creating home cinema nights and now that the nights are getting darker it's definitely the right season for cosy nights in.
Take A Family Trip To The Zoo or Museum
Visiting the zoo or museum is a great way to spend a day together as a family. You can learn about different animals or cultures, and you'll get to spend some time walking around and taking in the sights. This is also an excellent opportunity to take some fun family photos.
These are just a few ideas - there are many other ways that families can get closer to one another. But, most importantly, take the time to connect with one another and enjoy each other's company. With a little effort, you can create lasting memories and a strong family bond that will last for years to come.
Michelle