Family Counts
Today, an increasing number of families are redirecting or already concentrate their attention towards the importance of keeping their unit strong by increasing the number of activities done as one. In a world where stress, tension, peer pressure, personal obstacles, negative influences, and life-changing events are commonplace, a strong family with positive values is better able to overcome the things in life that slows down progress and growth.
In every culture, the notion of family values and keeping a family together is different for each individual group. This is because not every family unit is faced with the same outside pressures or opportunities in the world. The environment and government also plays an important role on how family structures are molded within various communities. A strong family unit may encourage education, promote respect for themselves and others, instill discipline, foster creative and healthy growth, stress the importance of nutrition, emphasize ancestral ties, supply physical and mental outlets, as well as provide protection.
It has been noted in many studies that about 75% of Americans believe family is the most important factor in achieving personal happiness. With all members of a family, the environment at home is very influential. Depending on the structure, values, and strength as a whole – parents, husbands, wives, siblings, and children may become motivated, uplifted, and rejuvenated. Parents especially thrive on the sense of achievement, extreme joy, and sense of purpose that they receive through the accomplishments of their children and household.
The impact of a strong family base on today's youth is rather strong, as a tight unit at home has the capacity to surpass the influence of television stars, musicians and other celebrities as role models. In this case, Mom and Dad become the sought-after opinion givers and sources of guidance that children value most. Usually, these children are steered to make the best choices for their future because they have supporters with a genuine interest in their well-being and success.
It has been proven that children with strong family ties are less likely to do drugs, submit to peer pressure, show violent tendencies, and become bullies in school. They tend to perform better in school, graduate, and attend college. They tend to exhibit stability within their lives that allows them to accomplish the things they want out of life. This energy and achievement of younger members of the family also give boosts in their parents, which further fosters the continuous circle of nurturing, love, and support.
Importance of Family Activities
In many families, children and parents who are able to talk and listen to one another undergo fewer arguments and disagreements. The lower incidence of conflict adds to the increased respect across generations, as well as a more supportive and healthy atmosphere in the home. Good communication skills between relatives are cultivated through family activities and the simplest of gestures, such as listening.
For some, listening skills are not that easy to come by and may take a lot of practice. This is because listening doesn’t just involve the ears, but also involves eye contact and body language. Positive responses and reactions are vital when one is sharing their feelings, which encourages future communication to take place. For instance, if a parent wants their child to open up– they must establish dialogue that is accommodating and approachable. Family activities help strengthen these bonds and allow both parents and children to work on their listening and speaking skills.
Family activities build self-esteem, as the lines of communication open and present opportunities to give praise, boost confidence, and point out skills and strengths – all of which increases a child's awareness of their worth. Camping, playing baseball or other sports, barbecuing in the park, and biking through wooded trails are just some of the things families may take advantage of to improve tight bonds. Today, one of the most motivating times a family may spend with one another is at the dinner table.
The Importance of Family Dinners
Solid communication that takes place about the dinner table is a great way to stay in touch with what is going on in the lives of each and every family member. This is the time when Dad makes plans for a Sunday fishing trip with his youngest son, while the eldest daughter is visiting a college for the weekend. Mom announces to everyone that she has won an award at work and will be honored at a banquet. The youngest daughter asks for help with her science project and volunteers at the table give suggestions.
Anything and everything can occur at the dinner table, as the preparation to the eating of the actual meal to washing the dishes offers plenty of chances to make a positive impact in the lives of family members. It is suggested that parents infuse the dinnertime chatter with humor, happiness, life lessons, support, and most of all – love. This will also become one of the best times and places to plan additional activities the entire family may participate in the near future.
