What is on your list to do this year? Would you like to have a less stressful year? More quality family time in 2015?
Three things you can do this year to decrease your family stress and improve quality time is playing,eating and exercising together as a family.
1. PLAY together as a family- “Play is a magical time for kids and parents,” says Steve Sanders, Ed.D., the director of the School of Physical Education and Exercise Science at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Kids also love to feel a sense of power and mastery, so it’s critical to let them take the lead when you play. “Your role is to be a facilitator or guide to help your child learn about, refine, and improve physical skills,” says Dr. Sanders. “This creates trust that carries over into other areas of your child’s life.” So allow your child to initiate the games you play together, whether it’s crawling like a cat or kicking a soccer ball.
However, the best thing you can do to play with your children whatever ages they are is create a “Family Game Night”.
Since each family member has differing interests and responsibilities, “among the benefits of Family Game Night is bringing people together to share an activity that they have a mutual interest in and that’s not overly serious,” Rainer continues. “It allows you to interact in a friendly, lighthearted way, but is engaging enough to keep everyone at the table.” Game night gives everyone something to look forward to and provides an outlet away from responsibility. Games are inexpensive ranging from $5.00-$40.00. It’s not only a great way to spend time together as a family but is a lot of fun! Game night also can teach a lot of life long skills “As a parent, you have the opportunity to watch your kids play socially, to see them formulate their thought process,” Stovall says. “Are they solely focused on winning? How do they react when they win? How do they react when they lose?” This awareness offers the parent an ability to see where their kids are cognitively and socially, and is a great way to promote good sportsmanship and improve social skills.
For more information on how to set up a family game night go to http://www.best-family-games.com/.
2. EAT dinner together as a family- How often do we get to sit down with our spouse and children without having to rush out the door to an activity?
Research by the University of Florida, suggests that having dinner together as a family at least four times a week has positive effects on child development. Family dinners have been linked to a lower risk of obesity, substance abuse, eating disorders, and an increased chance of graduating from high school.
Engaging in conversation at dinner regarding your child’s school day or about your day teaches children important social skills such as listening, taking turns to talk, and asking questions. It also shows children that they have a voice in the family and are an important member in the family. Research also shows that frequent family dinners have a positive impact on children’s values, motivation, personal identity, and self-esteem.
By turning off the TV, not answering the phone, not allowing cell phones or electronics at the dinner table sends a message that this is sacred, important family time that can’t be interrupted.
The Family Dinner project offers conversation starters and hints on how to have stimulating dinner conversations. Go to http://thefamilydinnerproject.org/conversation-2/conversation-starters/
3. EXERCISE together as a family- This doesn’t mean running three miles. It can be as simple as throwing a ball together, going for a walk or a bike ride. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that children who are consistently more active are likely to be healthier adults. It can also include going to your school or local playground. Swinging on bars, climb a tree, or play tug-of-war can not only be fun but increases children’s coordination and muscle strength.
Another great way to bond as a family is to learn a new activity, take a class together, such as martial arts, dance, or yoga. You can also do yoga poses at home which develops flexibility, and teaches relaxation techniques.
Yoga For Families: Connect With Your Kids
By Ingrid Von Burg (Actor), Tom Morley (Actor) is a DVD that teaches easy and fun poses to try.
My Daddy Is a Pretzel: Yoga for Parents and Kids by Baron Baptiste
As you start 2015, At Crossroads Family Counseling Center we hope you find ways to spend more quality and stress free time together as a family. Happy New Year!
Written by: Sheri Mitschelen, LCSW, RPT/S Owner and Director of Crossroads Family Counseling Center, LLC and Family and Play Institute of Virginia. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of Virginia and a Registered Play Therapy-Supervisor (RPT-S). She has 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families.
