Effective communication does not just happen; it requires time, effort and opportunity. Children especially need to know that your interest is genuine and family time is one of your top priorities. A good way to strengthen communication in your family is by participating in fun activities together. The more time you spend together, the more willing your family will be to communicate with one another. With some creativity, you can improve the quality of your relationship with your spouse and your children.
Family Night
Set aside one evening a week for family night. What you do during that time is up to you, but it provides a good opportunity for your family to get in touch with each other, make plans for the upcoming week and celebrate your children's accomplishments in school. The most important thing is that your family knows this is the time that all of you come together to talk over any concerns. Once family business is taken care of, use the remaining time to do something fun together, such as play a game or watch a family movie. The primary goal of family night should be to enjoy each other's company and establish a safe time and place for family members to open up to each other.
Service Projects
Another activity that can help draw your family closer is participating in a service project together. Involve the entire family in every aspect of it by presenting a variety of service opportunities to your children and taking a family vote on the project you'd most like to do together. Talk to your family about the importance of helping those in need. Encourage your children to ask questions and contribute ideas. Working together to raise money for a good cause or help an elderly neighbor with her yard work will not only draw you closer to each other, it will also give you a chance to teach your children about the importance of compassionate service for others.
Backyard Sports
Playing sports together as a family is another activity that can help keep the lines of communication open between yourself and your child. You don't have to be a family of athletes to play a game of kickball or capture the flag. Pick a game that is age appropriate for everyone in your family, divide up into teams and go out into the backyard for some play time. Keep your focus on having fun together. The purpose of backyard sports is to enjoy time with each other and build stronger relationships, not necessarily to win.
Parent/Child Dates
To establish a close relationship with your child, she needs to know that you value her as her own person. Parent/child dates are a good way to get regular one-on-one time with your kids. Once a month, you and your spouse should take each of your children out individually. Follow your child's lead. Let her pick what activity the three of you do together. This is a time for you to devote your attention to her and her interests while getting to know each other better.
