We’re all guilty of getting caught up in our day-to-day life. Sometimes it gets lost on us to reflect on the current state of our relationships. When it comes to establishing connection within your family, we urge you to put this practice on your priority list. Quality family time and conversation will create a foundation for a strong sense of love, support, and understanding within your home.
We Need Intentionality Now
Family life looks a little different than it did, say, 100 years ago, or even 20 years ago. Today we live in a society that emphasizes a fast-paced lifestyle more than ever. What’s more, we’re experiencing a rapid growth in technology alongside massive global changes. And that’s all in addition to our everyday stressors!
These major distractions may be just a few of the reasons why you’re missing togetherness in your family. Or, even if the connection is there, it can always be improved upon! We need intentional relationships within our families more than ever. Because each member of your family is experiencing their own path, it takes a little work to maintain these bonds.
Quality Time Can’t Be Quantified
Don’t let the word “work” throw you off either. Establishing intentional relationships is not necessarily about making rules, controlling each family member’s every move, or spending every waking minute with each other. In fact, quality time doesn’t have to be time-consuming at all.
Encourage connection within your home by changing the way you’re currently doing things. For example, simple acts like eating dinner together cost no extra time and can greatly improve the relationships within your family. Or, if your child is playing make-believe in their playpen, ask them to join in! Your willingness to be imaginative and silly with them will bring you closer to each other.
When it comes to conversation, we encourage you to lead by example. Promote open and honest discussion, and invite your children to do the same. Ask the hard questions, and allow your children to have the same freedom. Be transparent about the love and support you have for your kids. There is a time and a place for engaging in surface-level chatter; however, deep connection is so vital to the wellbeing of your entire family.
Intentional Interaction
Think of it this way — if you can cross “quality family time” off a to-do list, you’re not doing it right! It’s all about changing the way you interact within your familial structure; this kind of intentionality will create lasting bonds.
