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-grandpas/