Whether you have little ones or pre-teens, family bonding is important to create a strong family foundation. According to Denis K. Orthner, co-participation in leisure activities is positively related to family satisfaction, family interaction, and family stability. Below are three reasons why families should spend even more time together.
1. It’s a Great Workout Routine!
What better way to detach yourself from your 9-to-5 job, than spending time outdoors with your kids? When parents engage in active play, it increases their heart rate, maximizes oxygen intake, decreases cholesterol and much more. Not only does play create one-on-one time for you and your child, but it benefits your heart, which allows you to live a longer and healthier life.
2. Laughter is the Best Medicine
Laughter is commonly known as the most contagious form of all emotional expressions, because it releases endorphins, the brain’s “feel good” chemical. When you laugh together as a family, it decreases stress and anxiety, which ultimately creates a safe nurturing environment. According to Professor Lauri Nummenmaa from the Turku PET Centre at the University of Turku, the pleasurable and calming effects of the endorphin release might signal safety and promote feelings of togetherness. Nurturing environment give children the freedom to be silly, sing, or dance.
Tip: Schedule a game or movie night for fun Friday with the kids to feel unlimited togetherness!
3. It Increases Your Child’s Self-Esteem
A child’s self-esteem is often linked to their parent’s self-worth. Parents are the ultimate role model to show them what confidence, empathy, optimism, self-acceptance, etc. looks like. Family time is a great way to infuse these teachable moments, so your child has a healthy positive view of themselves.
Now that you’ve got great tools to encourage more family time, make sure to stay in the loop and read informative articles here about The Psychology of Summer Vacations or Fun Games and Physical Activities to Help Heal Children Who Hurt!
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About The Author
As the Spring 2019 Marketing Intern, Meerber Ojoch will assist with coordinating social media outreach, collaborating with program staff to write blog posts, implement recruitment ideas and activities to the Family Recruitment team, and help leverage Child Abuse Prevention Month (April) and Foster Care Month (May). Read more about Meer here.