Most people list family at the top of their "most important" things in life. Yet family life is often wrought with strife and division. Human beings lack perfection and find that living together brings conflicting personalities together. The goal is to create a healthy and nurturing family environment in which everyone is cherished and valued. Accomplishing this dynamic takes dedication and persistence.
Step 1
Include your children as active members of the family from the time they are born to help create a healthy and nurturing environment. This means speaking directly to them, taking them on family outings and keeping them in the room with the rest of the family much of the time. Infants, of course, need rest and sleep, but they also need the stimulation their parents and siblings provide.
Step 2
Gather around the table for daily meals instead of once in awhile. Breaking bread together bonds the family in a healthy way. Keep the conversations at dinnertime light and engaging, and avoid any difficult topics for another time. Everyone should look forward to eating together as a time of bonding.
Step 3
Get out into the fresh outdoors as a family. Engage in physical activities such as biking, kickball and walking around the neighborhood. The family's physical health will improve and so will everyone's mood. Let family members take turns picking outdoor weekend activities.
Step 4
Develop family rituals to create a nurturing environment. Reading a story at night, attending a special event each season or getting together to watch Saturday morning family television are examples of rituals that will bond the family closer together.
Step 5
Visit nurturing places together such as the zoo or botanical gardens. Plan trips the family can enjoy that are relaxing and calm in addition to the more stimulating amusement park-type vacations. Find out-of-the-way places to enjoy nature where the traffic is slight and the scenery is glorious.
Step 6
Enjoy physical closeness with one another by hugging and holding hands often. Parents should demonstrate affection for each other with these simple actions to illustrate the love they have for another to their children. Parents should also kiss, hug and cuddle their children to bond with them.
Step 7
Adopt a values system for your family. Lead your children in what you believe is morally correct to help nurture and ground everyone in a belief system. Discuss issues as they arise and respect every family member's opinions regarding sensitive topics.
