Spending time with family is essential in order to create strong bonds. With the growth of the digital media, we connect with people living far away, but are distant with people that live under the same roof.
Ironically, digital media is a way for us to connect with people. However, in the process, we have started to become distant. This is why it is important that we spend quality time with family. It is important for us to connect with each other to get closer.
Spend time with your loved ones, as we never know how much time we have with them.
Also read: 9 Tips to Have a Happy Family & Importance Of Work Life Balance.
3 Benefits Of Spending Time With Family
There are a lot of benefits of spending time with family, and here are some of them:
- They Are Your Greatest Support
No one supports you like your family. In the time of need, family members will be bu your side.
Sometimes, young kids are afraid of getting caught doing something that they shouldn’t.
However, if we create a safe environment for children, they will be able to share anything.
Always remember, your family is the one who will support you at the worst and the best times.
- They Make you happy
Spending time with loved ones always makes you happy. You are surrounded by people who love and care for you.
When you spend quality time with family, and enjoy the moments, you become happier and more joyful. This is because you find a sense of belongingness, and people that you can rely on.
Spending time with loved ones, and enjoying their company makes you feel safe and secure. Hence, it is important that we connect with each other.
- Stability
Family provides you with stability that no other relationship can. You may fight, you may argue, but you can never stop caring about each other. That’s the beauty of family.
When you spend time with your family members, you bond with them. Hence, it helps to create a stable environment, and this helps in improving self confidence, and resilience in kids.
Children that come from a stable, and happy family are more likely to live a happier life. Hence, it is important to spend time with your loved ones.
Why Is A Good Family Bond Important?
Children who are brought up in a good family environment are less likely to have mental health disorders. When the bond between family members is strong, it’s easier to support each other.
It helps in overall mental and physical growth. When family members are closer, they are
more supportive and understanding. Children who grow up in a healthy family are more likely to succeed in life.
Whereas, children who grow up in a toxic environment, without the guidance of their parents are more likely to go in a wrong path.
5 Important Characteristics Needed In A Family
There are different traits that are needed in a family such as:
- Trust
We should be able to rely on our family. We need to trust that our family will be there for us, and ensure that we are there for them whenever they need us. Trust is a two way process, and hence we need to reciprocate it.
- Communication
Communication is the key to any successful relationship. It’s important to communicate our feelings to avoid misunderstandings. Hence, the more we share, the more we understand one another.
- Understanding
When members in a family understand one another, it’s easier for them to support each other as they have an understanding among them.
It is essential for children to understand that parents want the best for them. Similarly, it is important for parents to understand that children are going to make mistakes, and will lie to them at times.
Understanding is important in any relationship, it helps one know what other needs.
It is important for the parents to communicate with their children, give them a chance of making mistakes and rectify their errors.
- Freedom
Parents need to provide certain freedom to their kids to make them learn from their mistakes, because it allows them to learn responsibility. However, a child should also allow their parents to interfere when things are about to go out of hand.
This is because no one can guide you better than parents. Parents only want what is best for their children.
- Love & Respect
We all love our family, but respect is equally important. Children must respect their parents, and vice-versa. It is important to show respect because it shows your upbringing.
Spending times with family can help improve your mental health. People who have a close knit family are more often happier, confident, and outgoing.
Why Are Families Nowadays Not As Close?
Some reasons for this could be
- Generation Gap
We find it difficult to open up and share everything with people who have a generation gap. For example – telling your parents about your relationship, or about you bunking school, etc may seem like an uncomfortable conversation.
- Fear of punishment
Parents punish their children when they do something wrong. This is done in order to discipline them and teach them the difference between right and wrong. However, no one likes being punished and hence, children fear sharing things with their parents.
- Digital Media
With the growth of digital media, children are more inclined in making social media connections rather than real life connections. Hence, people tend to drift apart.
How Can I Bond With My Family?
If you feel like there is a gap in your family, you need to understand that you are not the only one. Families feel the distance, especially since everyone is always glued to their phones.
So, here are a few things you can try out in order to increase your bond:
- A Family Trip
- Family Game Nights
- Monthly Outings
- Do activities together : such as cooking, baking, puzzle solving etc.
- Talking about the good memories such as each other’s childhood memories.
There are several things one can try out, don’t limit yourself to things. Try talking to each other, build communication. It may seem difficult in the beginning, but give everyone the time to open up.
Also read: 35 Best Family Bonding Activities To Be More Connected
Conclusion
Often children fear their parents, and idolise their friends, families grow distant. Another reason could be because of how some young teenagers are addicted to their mobile devices. However, there are things that we can do to break the distance and grow closer as a family.
Spending time with family shouldn’t be something we are forced to do. Rather, it should be something that comes naturally.
