Summer family bonding
With the plenty of free time from the school break that summertime brings, new experiences beckon. Everything from soul-searching to adventure. There's a lot of time for oneself and to be with others.
Spending time with friends is often the first thing that comes to mind for summer. But there are people - much closer - who are often overlooked when planning for things to do during summer. They are just too close by that they're already difficult to notice - the family.
If summer is a time for friends family members are friends too; in fact, more than friends.
Thus, summer is also a great time to bond with the family. And truth is, both children and their parents want some time to connect with one another, although they may not be consciously aware of it.
A time together in a new place can help make family members become aware how much they mean to one another. Some activities shared may break the boundaries family members may have since set among themselves, especially between parents and adolescent children. A short vacation may spark anew a relationship that has gone askew or grown dull.
Fears and concerns intimated while in the outdoors can bring siblings or parent and child closer. Moments alone can make way for profound realizations. There are activities to stimulate the areas the website familyhonor.org calls "SPICE" - acronym for Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Creative and Emotional.
Backyard Campfire.
The family may schedule a dinner in the backyard, with meats, chicken or fish that they themselves roast together at a fire pit or fire grille. Afterwards, they can just sit around, tell stories and enjoy the night air and sounds and the view of the night sky.
Overnight Camping.
This, too, can be done right in the backyard. Family members simply have to install a camping tent outside, bring out comforters and spend a night in the "camp" together. Or the night may be spent in the open, to enjoy the view of the stars. In this case insect-repellent lotion is necessary to keep dengue mosquitoes and other insects away.
Cooking Tutorial.
Mom and Dad can teach the kids how to cook their specialty dishes. Then, on a special occasion or on a Sunday after Mass, the kids may offer to prepare the family meal which the whole family can enjoy together.
House-cleaning.
This is most practical. Setting aside a weekend for all family members to help in getting the house back in proper order is worthwhile indeed. Everyone can help in checking out the garage, the attic, or the closets. There are likely to be things to be found that are no longer needed; and a garage sale can then be organized.
Night Walks.
Parents and children can do physical exercise together by walking at the park - even at the shopping mall - while also enjoying conversations and the passing sights. At the park, bicycling together is also good to try and evenings are the best time, when the harsh sun had already set.
Volunteer Project.
There are community projects particularly timed for summer. The family may choose one or two of those and volunteer together. It is self-fulfilling and good civic-consciousness training for the kids.
Vacation.
A trip to the province to visit relatives may yet be the best summer activity for the whole family. The province is always a refreshing place there is often the beach or a river or wide open green fields. While there, the family can have time enjoying the outdoors. But, most of all, it is a good opportunity to bond with relatives, as well.
But www.smartparenting.com.ph cautions that "no vacation is ever perfect." No family activity either. Things may not turn out as planned. The skies may suddenly pour down as the family set out outside.
In such cases, it pays to remember that the purpose of the vacation or activity is for the family to spend quality time together. It is of secondary importance how comfortable it is or how easy, how good the weather, or even how much fun everyone actually has. Being together is what matters most.