Try these ways to enjoy one another's company more; to have more fun; and to be, well, happier.
- Create Traditions : Whether you're making pancakes for dinner on Sunday evening or at the end of each trip in the car saying "Home again, home again, jiggity-jogging," unique family rituals strengthen ties like nothing else."Traditions give children a sense of identity and belonging," says Richard Eyre, co-author of The Happy Family: Restoring 11 essential elements that make families work. "They may seem insignificant to adults, but children hang onto them."The Eyres celebrated family birthdays in a special way since their children were small. "Because mine is in the fall, we always rake a big pile of leaves and jump in them," says Eyre. The year three of his nine children, now aged 16 to 30, he left home, he opened the mail on his birthday to find three separate envelopes, each with a leaf inside. "It 'was the way each child to say' I'm still part of the family, '" he says.The traditional Friday night at home Pritz, in Glenside, PA, includes two pizzas, a movie in the living room, and all, mom, dad, and their four children, ages 2 to 7½-on the floor in his pajamas. "It 'a simple rite, but we look forward to it all week. I grew up going to Friday night drive-in movie with my family," says Denise Mom. "I hope that my children remind our movie nights, as happily as I remember the drive-in."
- Rally 'Round the Table : Families Chow tie together better than those who eat at different times and separate spaces. Sitting around the table or even grating carrots in the kitchen - encourages children and parents to relax and share what's on their mind (keep the TV!). The advantages of this quality meal are long lasting: Children from families who eat dinner together are often 31 percent less likely to smoke, drink or take drugs later as teenagers, according to a study of 2,000 young people from the Centre national on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University.If your schedule does not allow for family dinners as often as you want, consider bonding at breakfast. The Geddes family of New York manages to have dinner together a few nights a week, but make sure you sit down to eat every morning. "Sure, it can be hectic," says Jennifer Geddes, mother of two girls, aged 18 months to 4 years, "but we are counting on that time together before going on his way."
- Get Into the Game : "Playing together builds strong bonds and warm memories—you're in effect saying 'We have a great time together,'" says Nick Stinnett, Ph.D., professor of human development at the University of Alabama and author of Fantastic Families: 6 Proven Steps to Building a Strong Family. In his 25-year study, which tracked 14,000 families nationwide, he found the happiest families spent time playing board and card games together.On her family's weekly Game Night, "we spread out puzzles and games like Candy Land and Go Fish on the floor," says Chris Crytzer, mom of a 4-year-old and a 7-year-old in Pittsburgh. "Everyone gets a chance to talk, we're all laughing, and the kids have to cooperate and take turns. There's a real peace that comes when everyone's clicking. I always think, 'This is what a family is supposed to be.'"
- Clean Up as a Clan : Who KNEW That could dig the garage Together MAKING More than ten years , paint cans ? As a family doing chores CAN Be an Important reminder bliss. It works , you talk , you approach . "Children can complain when they are helping wash the dishes or sort laundry , but THIS glucose Create a sense of accomplishment and connection , " says Stinnett . Even the ' Performing Daily Commissions with your child , SIA A Fun Dog or go to the service station , a degree PROVIDE the short but sweet bonding time
- Enhance One Another's Ego : If you want to build team spirit, encourage your family to be cheerleaders. In a survey of 150 households conducted by Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, who seemed more content and has had the most fun together, also expressed their support for most of the time. They exchanged compliments in public and private, and generally rooted for each other. "When parents have gone to sporting events for their children, for example, took younger siblings along rather than leave them with a babysitter," says Rutgers Susan Newman, Ph.D. "The message is' We are here for one another ' ".You can promote this type of alliance simply keep everyone up-to - date one another's life, says Michele Borba, author of moral construction Intelligence: The Seven Essential Virtues that teach children to do the right thing. The more your kids know the schedules of their brothers', the easier it is for them to say, "Good luck on the test," or "Do not worry. I was scared, the first day of school."
- Nurture a Spiritual Side : Whether or not follow an organized religion , happy families tend to spend time thinking about gratitude and blessings . Doing that out loud in the evening with children Nic , 8 , and Zak , 5 , is the most rewarding part of the day Sue Lewis . " The children are totally spontaneous , and it's always interesting to see what's on their mind , " says the Grand Rapids , MN , Mom . " They offer thanks for something good that has happened at school or ask for blessings for other family members who are having a difficult time . We learn so much about each other after sharing our concerns out loud. I think that keeps us all close . "
- Hand Out the Hugs : Anyone who has ever had a massage and was comforted by a hug knows what a powerful touch force can be . " Strong families show a lot of physical affection , " says Stinnett . " Touch communicates and feeds - connection . Even a simple pat on the back at a difficult time can strengthen the bond . " And do not underestimate the power of stupid displays of affection , such as nose rubbing or butterfly kisses trading . In my house , it's the Great Big Hug Hello : My children , 4-year , A.J. and six years , Mathilda , they refuse to move out of bed until you get one.
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