Staying Connected With Our Kids

Family Time
Doing things together as a family strengthens relationships. Eating a meal together can be one simple way to do this. “This indeed can be a very special and important time for all families,” said Julie Simens, author of Emotional Resilience and the Expat Child.

My family also enjoys laying wreaths at a local cemetery each December for Wreaths Across America. “Research shows that families who volunteer together start to form a deeper, common bond,” said van Goch.

We have a family tradition of raking leaves together around Thanksgiving. “One of the least favorite things that pretty much everyone wants to do, but we all have to do. Instead of relegating the job to mom or dad or a chore wheel, why not get the whole family to do it together? Make it fun, turn on some loud music, have some snacks, and make it a regular occurrence!,” said van Goch.

Vacations can build that family togetherness. Last summer, we drove from Virginia to Colorado, enjoyed a 10-day vacation in Colorado, then drove back home. We all enjoyed the time together in the car (well, most of it, anyway!), and the slower pace of not having the tugs of our daily lives.