7 Factors for building a close family

All parents want the best for their children, and building a close family with bonds that will last forever is the secret to seeing them thrive. Families flourish when their bonds are strong, and everyone in the family feels happy and secure.

Researchers have identified the key factors that help to build healthy, supportive families:

• Resilient parents
• A supportive social network
• Access to social and support services when needed
• Understanding of child development and parenting skills
• Children who can regulate their emotions and communicate well

But building a close-knit, resilient family doesn't always come naturally. Here are some ways in which you can create a happier and closer family.

1. Look after yourself

While you can't eliminate stress from being a parent, you can build resilience that allows you to deal with stress more effectively. It's all about bouncing back from challenges and thinking positively to solve problems and build better relationships.

However busy your schedule, it's essential to carve out a little time for yourself, whether to do your hobby, enjoy a relaxing bath, or read a book. You'll be a better parent when you've recharged your batteries. To help you cope in stressful times, Bach Flower Super Mix 5 is formulated to help with stress, anxiety and other stress-related issues such as insomnia.

2. Spend more family time together

In today's busy world, carving out the time to spend time with your children can be challenging.

Spending quality time together is the most significant gift family members can give each other. Enjoying activities together teaches children social skills, boosts their self-esteem and improves their behaviour. It also encourages better performance at school and teaches kids how to be a good friend. Here are a few ideas for spending more time together:

• Take a look at everyone's timetable to identify a block of time, maybe a regular evening, that can be dedicated as family time. Put it on the calendar and make sure that everyone keeps this time free for family time.
• Plan some days out together. Put the dates on the calendar well in advance and get the kids involved in planning where to go and what they would like to do.
• Create some new family traditions and maintain them every year. Pick activities that everyone will enjoy. Get together for the first BBQ of the summer, go strawberry or apple picking together, carve pumpkins at Halloween and make decorations at Christmas. Many families enjoy taking part in an annual charity run or cycle ride or attending a local fair or festival.

3. Eat dinner together

Schedule at least a few times every week when everyone gets together for a family meal. Don't allow screens or phones; just eat dinner, and take the opportunity to have a conversation. Give everyone the chance to speak, from the eldest to the youngest. Eating together as a family promotes children's physical and mental well-being. It can also improve communication and strengthen family ties.

4. Do chores as a team

Make the whole family responsible for tackling chores. Make a list of regular housework tasks and don't forget gardening or cleaning the car. Get everyone to sign up for a chore and pick a time at the weekend or during the week when you can tackle the task. Doing chores together really speeds up the process and also fosters a sense of teamwork. Plan a reward for when everything's done, such as a board game, getting pizza or ice cream, or watching a movie.

5. Have family meetings

It might sound a little contrived when you first start but having a regular family meeting is an excellent way for everyone to check in, discuss plans, set family goals and air any grievances. You can schedule them on the family's calendar, or you could allow family members to call meetings on an impromptu basis.

Start by reminding everyone of the need to respect others and to be kind and considerate. Ask if anyone has items they want to discuss and take each issue in turn. You may need to establish a few guidelines, such as only one person speaking at a time! Family meetings aim to solve disputes and other issues in a productive, helpful way.

6. Join other families

All families are part of broader society, and building relationships with other families in your community will help to strengthen your bonds. You could participate in community activities within your school, your neighbourhood, your church or within a volunteer group. The important thing is to take part in activities with other families. Doing so will help your children develop their social skills.

Giving your energy and time by volunteering together is a valuable learning experience for all the family and will draw you closer.

7. Ask for help

Always ask for help or advice if you need it. As a parent, challenging times are inevitable, but you don't have to face them alone. Keep a list of places and people you can turn to for support when required. Be open to learning new parenting skills, and pass on the wisdom you've acquired to others.

A final thought

One of the best ways we learn is by example. Showing everyone how highly you value your family will also show them that you love them as individuals. The greatest gift you can give them is a strong family bond that will last a lifetime.

Sources:

https://www.familylives.org.uk/advice/your-family/relationship-advice/top-ten-tips-for-a-happier-family/

http://www.first5ventura.org/positive-parenting-tips/protective-factors-for-families/

Other articles

Do you allow others to influence your life (too much)? Find out!

Don’t let other people influence your life too much! Find out now, how much you care about the opinions of others and how they influence your life.

Top 5 nonsensical reasons to have doubts about yourself

It happens to everyone at times: we start doubting ourselves. We worry about the decisions and whether we can face future challenges that life has in store. And sometimes we feel that we just aren't good enough.

Why a life without stress and obstacles is unrewarding

Stress can be both good and bad; it’s up to you how you look at it. But too much stress can be dangerous. Read more about stress in this article!

Learn to forgive: How?

Forgiving someone isn't very easy, especially when you're hurt. Yet it is important to learn to forgive. Why and how? Read on and get to know.

Who are the (surprisingly) happiest people in the world?

For the third year running, Finland has come top of the World Happiness Report as the world's happiest country. The result might surprise anyone who believes that sunshine is an essential ingredient for happiness: the country sees only 8 hours of daylight during the depths of winter. Even some Finns think they don't deserve the win. So how accurate is the World Happiness Report and what's the secret of Finland's success?

Can you accept things you can't change? Take our quiz!

Your relationship ends, or you lose your job, and you get stuck in a rut of negative thoughts and suffering. How good are you at letting go of grudges and accepting that some things are beyond your control? Take our quiz to find out!

7 tips to help your dog with a fear of fireworks

As nice as it is for a person to celebrate New Year, it's not so nice for a dog, especially when the loud fireworks go off the whole night. This is really frightening for many dogs. Read our 7 tips on how you can help your dog with his fear of fireworks.

Are you sabotaging your own happiness?

Are you sabotaging your own happiness? All too often we sabotage our own happiness and in this article we’re going to look at how you do that.

6 ways to add some sunshine to your life

Don’t let your mood depend on the weather, and instead create some sunshine in your life with the following tips.

Six things we think will make us happy, but don't!

When you think about things that will make you happy, what are the images that come to mind? Wealth, beauty, a dream house, long holidays, a top of the range car? Happiness is not a constant and how happy we feel depends on the way we choose to live our lives.