8 Ways To Bring Your Family Closer Together

David Humphrey
Authored by David Humphrey
Posted Wednesday, November 8, 2017 - 8:26am

Your family is important to you and, therefore, you work hard to make sure everyone’s healthy and happy. The truth is that arguments break out and the environment isn’t always what you envisioned. That’s why you have to be willing to step up and help iron out the wrinkles. 

Make a list of all the good times you’ve had together and why you think those situations were a success. Recall what it’s like when you’re all in harmony and getting along, then list ways you think it’s possible to recreate those moments. It takes hard work and dedication to become more tightknit, but it’s possible with the right attitude. See eight ways to bring your family closer together.

Act as the Leader

Every family needs a leader or two who are going to take charge and make sure there are family values and that they’re being followed. Accept this responsibility if you’re in need of bringing your family to a better place. Take charge, set the tone and lead by example so everyone’s well aware of the ground rules and how to behave. When conflict does occur, you’ll all have the tools, and a framework to work from that will help you resolve any issues peacefully.

Participate in A Hobby

Pick a hobby or two and involve everyone in the family. For example, volunteer at a local shelter, start learning how to complete DIY home projects or go for long hikes with the pet. It can be any activity that you can all do together and spend time as a group. Challenge your minds and bodies, so all are engaged in the hobby and don’t feel bored or left out. It’s not only healthy to have interests outside of work and school, but it’s a great way to reconnect with each other and spend time as a unit.

Make Time for Relaxation

You all work hard, and it’s necessary to make time for relaxation and to de-stress. Schedule family nights where you go out to dinner or stay in playing games and watching movies. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and contact a trusted business like TV Aerial Company to come and mount your TV or install television aerial, Freesat, Sky TV and much more. All engineers employed by the TV Aerial & Satellite Installers have a minimum of five years’ experience in their field. Creating an entertainment centre and room where everyone can convene to enjoy a movie or watch a show is a great use of your space.

Host Family Dinners

One definite way to get your family members to come together is by bribing them with food. Host family dinners either every night or every other night to make sure you’re all connecting as a group at least once a day. Tell everyone to come to the table ready to share highlights about their day and discuss any obstacles people are facing at work or school. Ask each person to participate by either helping prepare the food or set the table. Some days will be better than others, but stick with it, and you’ll see that overtime you grow closer together.

Encourage Open Communication & Conversation
If you want members of the family to speak up and be an open book, then you have to encourage this type of environment and set an example by doing it yourself. Ask the right questions and teach your kids how to communicate clearly and express themselves. Choose certain nights where you encourage everyone to turn off the television and unplug from their devices earlier in the evening, so you can sit around and talk as a family. Open communication is also important if anyone in the house has an issue with someone else in the family. Map out a strategy your family members can use to hash it out and not let the problem escalate. 

Manage Schedules Appropriately

As the leader, take charge and help manage everyone’s schedules in the household. This way no one will get too overloaded and not have time to ever be home with the family. As the parent, it’s up to you to guide your children and say no when you believe they’re overdoing it and involved in too many activities. The same goes for you and your spouse in regards to working too much. Practice work-life balance and set a good example for your kids, so you’re home and available to them when they need you.

Support Each Other

Your family will be much closer together when there’s an understanding of support. Assign chores and responsibilities and talk about how each person has their duties, but that it’s encouraged to reach out and help others who need it. Also, show your support by attending sporting events and activities as a group to cheer on family members and make it clear how much you care about what they’re doing. Use words of encouragement at home, instead of criticising and judging when another person makes a mistake.

Laugh & Have Fun

Whatever you do, be sure to make time for laughter and having fun. Decorate during the holidays, cook new meals and watch funny movies together. Tell jokes and have an understanding not to take life too seriously. Be spontaneous and go for ice cream or a bike ride with your kids if they want to. Plan family holidays that everyone helps organise and where you can go to relax and enjoy each other’s company without all of the stress of teveryday life. Laughter and entertainment are sure ways to create a closer bond and experience everyone’s silly side.

Conclusion

Don’t worry if you feel like your family has drifted apart. There’s still time to act and build a cohesive bond with each other in an environment that reflects a tightly knit family. Use these tips to help you get started and moving in the right direction, so you don’t have any regrets. These are eight ways to bring your family closer together.

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