We always hear about the importance of family, but sadly, fewer and fewer people have a clear understanding of what that actually means. If it’s time to boost the bond in your family, keep reading for one fun and easy way to do just that.
Whether it’s due to advancing technology, the pandemic, or changing social values, research has found that Australian families continue to drift further apart. It’s not uncommon for teenagers and parents to lack meaningful communication altogether – instead relying on emojis, memes and short text messages to connect. Reduced communication and loss of skills to communicate effectively has the potential to further erode the bond within families.
How can families reconnect?
There are several ways families can reconnect, but one of the best and easiest methods is via indoor and outdoor events the whole family can enjoy. If you’re not sure what’s happening in your local area, look around the tickets marketplace – this will show you what concerts are happening, what plays are currently being performed, and many other methods of entertainment.
Why the importance of reconnecting?
There are so many advantages when it comes to spending time with your family and the following are just some of those.
It improves everyone’s mental health
Poor mental health is something that both adults and children suffer from nowadays, and research has shown that technology may be adding to the problem. With fewer face-to-face interactions, spending quality time with your other family members may reduce the incidence of depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses.
Kids do better in school
This is something that every Australian parent wants to hear: children that spend more time with their family members seem to do better in school. Their communication skills are better than their peers who don’t spend time with their immediate family. Families that have learned together help to create more success in the classroom, and taking an interest in your child’s education lets your kids know that you very much care about how they’re doing.
Children behave better
Behavioural issues amongst Australian children is increasing, with some kids displaying violence and aggression – further exacerbated by taking drugs and drinking alcohol. This is another reason why spending quality time together as a family is so important – the family that does activities together stays together. A strong family unit teaches children what they need to know and how to deal with life’s challenges.
It leads to increased self-confidence
No parent wishes for their child to be socially awkward, so yet again, spending time as a family group helps build your child’s self-esteem. This provides an invaluable opportunity for you to teach them life skills and problem solving. Self confidence also helps children to love themselves more and remember they are part of a loving family unit that appreciates them.
Kids become better parents
Children copy their parents in everything they do, and therefore, the more quality time you spend with them, you’re lighting the way and showing them how they should behave. If you’re a quality parent there’s no reason to think your child won’t follow in your footsteps and learn all of the parenting skills you’re teaching them.
Final thoughts
Both children and adults carry stress on their shoulders and having a strong family relationship helps everyone to cope better with the trials and tribulations of daily living. As a family group, solutions can be found. Stress levels are kept at a manageable level which leads to both positive physical and mental outcomes. It’s time to start creating situations where your family spends a lot more time together than they currently do. Start making the changes today and you will notice the difference immediately.
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