Bring Families Closer with More Family Time

It seems it’s so hard to bring families together these days.  Many of our entertainment sources are solitary endeavors – video games, iPods and similar technology cut us off and separate us instead of bringing us closer.  But there are ways to spend more time with your family and bring them closer together.

A ‘Family Game Night’, where everyone joins together for board games, is a great tradition to start in your house.  Build a collection collection of classic board games – Monopoly, Scrabble, Sorry – and everyone can gather around the table to play and have fun together.  One of the current favorites in our house is Mexican dominoes – not only fun for the whole family, but it’s helping my kids get really fast with their addition skills!

At least once a month, you should have a Family Night Out – you can head out for a movie and that’s fun once in a while, but even better is something like bowling or miniature golf where everyone gets some exercise and can spend time talking and interacting.  It’s always fun to see your kids improving over time, and cheer them on.  Just make sure to turn off the cell phones and mp3 players – this is family time!

Another thing that’s great when weather permits is having backyard cook-outs.  It helps to have a decent grill, like a Weber Genesis gas grill – so you can spend more time concentrating on your family instead of trying to get the charcoal going.  After your cookout, play some outdoor games, like croquet, badminton or volleyball if you have the space in your yard, and help your kids use up some of that energy they have.

What do all these ideas have in common?  They all get kids and parents to spend quality time together.  It’s not enough to be home with your kids – it’s important to spend real time with them, talking and interacting.  Have fun with your family – and see the difference it will make in your children.