The average American only lives 18 miles away from their mom.
But, does a close distance really result in a strong family bond? Not necessarily! In order to have a good relationship with your family, you need to work at it.
Work-life balance may not exist but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a happy family. Keep reading to discover how to improve family happiness.
1. Cook and Eat Dinner Together
If you have kids still living at home, then cooking and eating dinner together is an important part of the day.
Have your kids cook with you so you can teach them how to fend for themselves once they’ve left home. They’ll thank you later!
By eating together, your family has time to catch each other up on the day’s events. If your family doesn’t live in the same house as you, try to have a family dinner where everyone brings a dish at least a few times per month.
By letting your family separate and sit in different rooms to eat, you’re missing out on a short but important period of quality time. Dinner doesn’t need to be eaten in front of the TV every day!
2. Give Each Other Space
After you’ve eaten together and caught up, give your family some space. Forcing people to be happy has never worked.
Instead, let your kids know that they can have their own space so long as they make sure to speak to you respectfully when you’re together.
By setting times during the day or week that you’ll come together as a family, you may find that you’re closer. It may sound counter-intuitive but it works.
3. Volunteer Together
It’s been proven time and time again that doing something for someone else will boost your happiness.
In fact, spending money on someone else will boost your happiness more than if you spend that money on yourself!
So, make each individual member of your family feel great and volunteer together. Not only will you be helping your community, but you’ll also be bonding over how to help change the world to be a better place!
A few ideas include:
- Walking an elderly neighbor’s dogs or walking dogs from a shelter.
- Organize a fundraiser for your local homeless shelter
- Prepare meals and serve the homeless in your local shelter
- Alternatively, prepare sandwiches and snack boxes to give to the homeless you see on your way to and from work/school.
- Visit the elderly at a senior center or hospital.
There are hundreds of options when it comes to helping out in your neighborhood so ask your family what they would like to do!
4. Hang Out Together
If you’re struggling to rally up the troops to volunteer, then perhaps just hanging out together is a better option for you.
Have your family over for a movie night and chill on the sofa together. Who says you have to always be talking to have a strong bond?
If one of your family members is struggling with something, such as alcoholism, just being there for them and not talking or getting mad can help. Learn more about what they may go through if they quit.
5. Start a Group Text
Want to know what your kids are up to? Send them a quick text to remind them that you’re thinking of them.
Don’t text all the time, but perhaps have a family group chat which you send emojis, gifs, funny links and big news on.
Almost 80% of Americans have smartphones so this is a great way to keep in touch with family members who don’t live near you too.
Family Happiness Takes Work
To be a happy family, you need to work together, hang out together, communicate and make effort to spend quality time together.
It can be hard if you’re used to taking your family for granted. But, with a little hard work, your family happiness will increase and your life will improve no end.
Looking for more activities to enjoy with your family? Why not create a beautiful garden for you to all enjoy during the summer?