Get up close and personal

It’s easy for diabetes to become the focus of your discussions and time together. The following tips will help you foster more quality time and intimacy in your relationships.

WITH your partner Be active together

Go bushwalking, join a dance class, or play a sport that you both enjoy, for instance, lawn bowls or tennis.

Share special moments

Take a leisurely stroll to the nicest lookout point near your home and watch the sunset together.

Turn off the TV

Talk about your day, how you feel, your goals or something funny you read earlier – anything, just as long as you’re reinforcing the communication habit.

Join forces

Build intimacy by choosing a film that appeals to both of you, join a book club, tackle a daily crossword together or play Scrabble.

Get cosy

Push two armchairs together and give each other a foot massage.

Gather in the kitchen

Cook healthy meals together – this is a great opportunity to spend time with each other at the end of each day.

WITH your child Go stargazing

Pack an evening picnic, then eat under the stars and challenge your kids to identify different planets and constellations.

Enjoy a movie night

Stream a movie or documentary about the planets, volcanoes, wildlife or sea creatures. Afterwards, chat about what you liked.

Head out for some fun

Don’t just go for a walk – try ice-skating, swimming, indoor rock climbing or playing squash. You could take younger kids to large activity centres. Invest in staples such as a cricket set, portable table-tennis set, basketball ring, soccer ball and volleyball net. Head outdoors as a family to enjoy them, and the health of the entire family will benefit.

Remember good times

Look back through your old photos or videos – children love to hear about their cute and funny antics.

Have a dance-off

Ask your teens to teach you how to dance to their favourite music, then teach them a dance you know, like the bus stop or the twist. You’ll all be in stitches. ■