Iqra Yasmeen

BS Chemistry

Time with family is sacred. It doesn't have to be scarce. It is crystal clear that everyone is busy in their life.But it is not a hard task to schedule ourselves to spend time with family in easy activities to strengthen our family bonding. Often, it is easy to give the last priority to our family because the people who matter the most to us are usually taken for granted.

With a bit of reprioritization, in five easy ways, we can strengthen our family bonding and improve our family relationships and connect with our families in meaningful ways.

Have Fun

By having more fun together, you will improve family relationships. Make a list of activities you enjoy as a family or new activity you would like to try. These can be as simple as a bike ride or long drive, indoor games or outdoor games. They're all fun and interactive.

If you want to do something that needs a bit more preparation, then creating a theme night is a perfect way to do so. You can make it as simplistic or elaborative as you want. You can also make or try some new dishes or games.

Show your appreciation

We all know that it is very important to be appreciated. Unsurprisingly, it is normal to get comfortable and take each other for granted. It is very important to express love and appreciation in words and actions towards your family. In case, if you're not feeling positive towards your family, then challenge yourself to find one positive action that you can appreciate and express. Probably tomorrow, you can find two things to show gratitude for.

Support each other in good or bad times

Make a point to expose the behavior of each other. Cheer upon the successes of your loved ones and console their defeats. Your physical and emotional presence strengthens the connection, trust, and intimacy.

Eat together

Researches show that in those families who regularly eat dinner together, the adolescents are happier and better adjusted. Family mealtimes are an opportunity to reconnect and chat about your day.Make a point to sit together, turn off appliances, and give each other your full attention when you eat, no matter whether your family mealtime is breakfast or take-out dinner.

Be a good listener

Listening is an interactive activity, but not passive. Listening indicates that you are interested in what your family member has to say. Active listening includes giving your full attention, making statements to explain, making sure you understand, making eye contact, and giving verbal and non-verbal signs that you are listening, before answering.

No doubt, some family conflicts, and problems involve more than a family meal and playing a game. Family counseling can help too. However, no matter the status of your family relationships, creating a small gesture of love and appreciation is a good place to start. You can strengthen family bonds by slowing down, remembering what counts, and going out of your way to show your love and gratitude, and have fun. And the more you make use of these strategies to strengthen your relationship, the stronger they will get.