Spending Time Together as a Family Creates Lasting Bonds
Like
many of the best
things in life, strong family ties do not just happen but
are something that needs to be nurtured on a regular basis, and nothing is more
worthwhile. When we spend quality time
together as a family, it helps us form lasting relationships and strengthens
the bond between each family member. A loving family supports us through the bad
times as well as the good ones; and is a source of safety and comfort. Moreover our families are usually the people
who know us best.
As
the former First Lady, Barbara Bush eloquently explained, “At the end of your
life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one
more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with
a husband, a friend, a child, a parent.”
Quality
family time does not have to be complicated, fancy, or cost a lot of money. Rather it is activities that let us focus on
one another and enjoy the time spent in each other’s company while hopefully having
some good old-fashion fun. You can also engage
in family activities that help those in need by donating time or raising money
for a good cause.
Studies
have found that when “families spend quality time together, the chance of
children getting involved in dangerous activities drop dramatically.” Researchers say strong family ties give children
a sense of belonging and lets them know they are an important part of the
unit. Emotionally connected families communicate
better and kids get better grades and have less behavioral problems. In addition strong family bonds teach
children how to be good parents.
Family
reunions and vacations are wonderful ways to spend quality time with our loved
ones. Whether yearly or to celebrate a
particular event, family reunions remind us of what is uniquely special about
being part of “our family unit” and offers the chance to get reacquainted or
meet relatives that live a distance away.
In
addition family vacations are important as they provide time to relax and enjoy
the company of the family group be it mom, dad, kids, grandparents, or others. A fun-filled trip helps to build lasting
memories and increases our happiness as a family. Experiencing new things has a positive impact
on a family’s outlook and teaches us to be more open to others.
Building
strong family ties also includes time spent with grandparents. Studies report
that grandparents are an important part of their grandchildren’s lives. While the grandparents’ role is typically
indirect, “grandparents are often seen as stress buffers, family watchdogs, roots,
arbitrators, and supporters.” Research
suggests the relationship between a child and grandparents offers a unique
acceptance that benefits the child emotionally and mentally.
From
playmates, to role models and mentors, grandparents take on a variety of roles. They love sharing stories about the family’s
history and ethnic background, as well as tales of when they were young. Another good reason for grandparents to hang
out with the grandkids is a study that looked at 500 adults age 70 and older
that showed “grandparents who babysit grandkids live longer than same age
adults without child-rearing responsibilities.”
Spending
time with our families is priceless and is far more valuable than the most expensive
gifts we could buy for our loved ones. The
beautiful memories we build together as a family last a lifetime; and now that
summer is here and schools are out, we all need to plan some quality family
time.
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Source:
familyfocusblog.com/6-benefits-of-spending-time-together-as-a-family/
foreverfamilies.byu.edu/Pages/importance-of-grandparents-to-grandchildren
fatherly.com/health-science/scientifically-backed-benefits-grandmas
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