Pam Molnar
Winter offers a time for
reflection. As the embers of holiday cheer fade, it allows us to see the things that need to be fixed. No, I am not referring to that cabinet door in the kitchen or the leaky faucet in the bathroom. According to a recent survey, the average family spends only 34 minutes together on weekdays. If you are surprised to find your own family fits into that statistic, there is no need to panic. There’s always opportunity for new beginnings. Take advantage of winter’s slower pace to reconnect with each other. Take a look at these ideas for inspiration. Volunteer together. Working together for a cause brings a family closer. Whether you have been touched by a foundation’s work or just want to make a difference, it’s a nice way to spend time together. Get involved in a family-friendly 5K or support your local Ronald McDonald house by preparing a meal. Find a list of local 5K charity events at www.sandiegofamily.com/ health-guide/family-fun-runs-and5ks-in-san-diego-county.
Bring the Family Closer Activities that Inspire Togetherness
24 • SanDiegofamily.com • February 2019
Engage in creativity together. Gather around the kitchen table and work on coloring pages. Build houses out of Lego bricks or take a painting class together. Expressing yourself through art not only helps to relieve stress, but it’s a fun activity that you can do over and over. Go outside. No matter the weather, find time to connect with the family outdoors. On sunny days, go for a bike ride or play soccer in the backyard. If it’s raining, grab your umbrella and take a walk. Taking in fresh air will clear your mind of everyday distractions and make room for new memories.
Put several cooks in the kitchen. Think about the holidays when everyone worked together to prepare a meal they would all enjoy. Cooking dinner together is dual purpose: it helps picky eaters overcome apprehension about a meal and gives the “head chef” a few extra hands. Unplug after 5 p.m. Work emails, social media and random texts interrupt family time. With the exception of online homework or a FaceTime call with Grandma, there is no reason that a family has to spend the evening staring into phones. Make it a habit to unplug before dinner and make your only communication be face to face. Tip: Start this routine when the kids are young. The older they are, the more difficult it is to establish. Practice random acts of kindness. Doing an act of kindness for someone, especially someone not expecting it, will make both the giver and receiver feel good. Help family members by doing a chore without being asked, handing over the TV remote to someone else or giving up the best seat in the car. Find 41 fun ideas at www.sandiegofamily .com/donations-volunteerswanted-and-local-fundraisers/ random-acts-of-kindness. Go on parent/child dates. While this may not sound like a family event, it is equally important for families to have one-on-one time with each of its members. This is true for the adults in the family, as well as the kids. Be sure to double the family fun by planning a special evening at home for those staying behind. Learn more about parent/child dates on page 26. Slow down. There is something to be said about the families of