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SALT LAKE CITY — Though families today are diverse, there are a variety of ways that family members can become closer and more united. It doesn't take a lot of money to be united; just enough quality time. With persistence and a little work, family members can create lasting bonds that will survive any trial or hard time. Here are some things to try with your family.
- Eat dinner together. Every family member has different schedules, so this can be a difficult goal to fulfill. Nonetheless, this should be a priority for your family. Eating dinner together gives your family the opportunity to reflect on their day and to interact positively with one another.
- Support your family. Make a big deal out of graduations, birthdays and recitals. A family member should be recognized individually for noteworthy accomplishments. Even if it is a beginning piano recital, all family members should attend, give appropriate praise and make a big deal out of the event.
- Reduce your media intake. Make a time limit on how long family members play video games, cruise the Internet or watch TV. Find a worthwhile activity to do in its place. Go swimming, do service or just talk to each other.
- Stop contention and control your temper. Solve problems with a calm voice and try not to overreact. Encourage family members not to make fun of each other, even if they are “just joking” or being sarcastic. Create an uplifting and happy environment for your family members to live in.
- Don’t feel like your family has to do everything. Families that are constantly on the go often forget why they are doing so many activities in the first place. Realize that it's the small moments that bring a family closer together.
- Take vacations and explore new things. You do not need to go to Disney World in order to create unification in your family. Go to a new restaurant, go shopping or take a drive in nature.
- Keep things in perspective. Have a sense of humor and realize that everything might not go according to plan.
- Don’t condemn family members if they make a mistake. Don’t assume that you know everything and try to fix the mistake. Be understanding and be ready listener.
Don’t give up if your family is not connecting. A lasting bond will take time. If the effort is put forth, positive results will eventually come.
Shelby Scoffield has a bachelor's in English from Brigham Young University and a master's in rhetoric and composition from Stanislaus State University. She is currently working on her teaching credentials so she can teach high school English.
