By now, most people are familiar with the different love languages:
- Acts of Service
- Receiving Gifts
- Quality Time
- Words of Affirmation
- Physical Touch
For some people, some things are harder to express than others for various reasons, like how they were brought up, their comfort level, etc. In this article, we’ll focus more on quality time while also touching on some of the love languages to help make each family member feel even more loved.
Family time is essential in creating and improving bonds among family members. Bringing families closer improves relationships for the adults or parents and creates a foundation for a happier childhood. Spending time doesn’t just mean sitting together at a dinner table and eating in silence-that’s not quality time. We want to help you provide undivided attention to your family by engaging with them and not just accomplishing tasks at the same time in close proximity.
Here are five ways to spend quality time with your family
#1. Eat as a family
A family that eats together stays together. While we’re not sure about the exact origins of this statement, we 100% agree. Sharing a meal while going around the table to share how each member’s day went or just having conversation strengthens communication bonds. It also encourages members to express themselves better and with more confidence, which is something that they can continue doing even outside the home. We also think that feeling well-fed creates positive energy all-around. No one likes to converse when they’re “hangry”!
Having everyone gathered around the table may not be a daily routine for most families, but when it does happen, make sure to engage. No phones allowed (unless when it’s sharing a cute photo of a new pet or a funny moment with each other)! Practice paying attention and speaking in a positive tone. Look out for the more quiet members of the family to make sure that they still feel involved and give appropriate attention when they begin to share.
#2. Accomplish chores together
Let’s face it, chores are not the most fun things in the world. But when you’re doing it as a team, the job gets done faster and you may even have a memorable story to tell. Working on something together while chatting makes the work easier and strengthens the family bond through communication. The family can also learn more about each other, like quirks, likes and dislikes, or maybe even their favorite chore. Knowing and remembering the small details show thoughtfulness and your interest in your family’s thoughts and opinions.
Once the chore is finished, you can prepare a small gift or reward, like ice cream after a day of spring cleaning or even a handmade thank you note to commemorate an otherwise ordinary chore day.
#3. Schedule a family bonding night
The sky’s the limit when it comes to family bonding time. You can assign each member to be in charge of the activity for each night to make sure that everyone’s interest is taken into account. Additionally, you can learn more about what each member is into and just have a fun bonding session overall. Here are some ideas to get you started on your family bonding night.
- Themed Movie Night: You can choose a movie based on the season. (Example: The Grinch for Christmas movie night)
- Family cook-off: It can be a friendly competition where everyone is a winner. We suggest a cookie-decorating session, so if there are younger kids, they can also participate.
- Backyard camping: You can experience the joy of camping and campfire snacks without going too far! You can also share stories, even the ghostly kind, when you’re around the campfire.
#4. Have one-on-one hangouts
One-on-one hangouts allow for communication between members on a deeper level. Depending on the involved family members’ interests, it can be a date at a sports game, a cafe, or the cinema. Parents can also support their kid’s interest or hobby by trying it out together. These one-on-one dates can be a regular activity to improve relationships, not just as a whole family but for individual members as well.
#5. Embrace technology
For families with older kids or members that live away from the rest of the family, you can feel the warmth of the family even online. Have the family members download and join the family group chat. Even setting it up is already a nice bonding experience. The younger, more tech-savvy members of the family get to teach parents who may not be as technologically proficient a thing or two about emojis and GIFs. Additionally, chatting is also a good way to practice words of affirmation for those who may not be as comfortable with doing so verbally.
We believe that embracing technology can bring the family even closer, even when they are in different time zones. Chat apps are great platforms for sharing updates and cheering on victories (small or big) as they happen. There will be times when a member of the family may not be able to be physically present to celebrate or speak with you, so chat apps and calls are a good way to still connect with your family.
Depending on each family member’s personal situation, activities, and career, scheduling time may be challenging, but making time for your family takes effort. And we think that making that effort itself is also an act of love.
