When’s the last time you were together with your entire family?
It’s been over a year for me and I was so grateful for 20 minutes together.
Here are 5 ways to help you strengthen the bonds and create meaningful connections with your family, even with limited time together.
Welcome to Lovin My Daughter-in-law podcast. I’m relationship expert and master certified coach LeAnn Austin. I’ll help you create more connection and fun with others, especially your daughter-in-law.
Hey y’all, you’re listening to Lovin My Daughter-in-law, episode #123: Family Time
When’s the last time you were together with your entire family? It had been over a year for me, and I was thrilled when last month we were together for 20 minutes. I’m learning quickly as kids grow up and our family expands, getting everyone’s schedule to mesh is a little bit tricky. I know this can be frustrating and disappointing for many of us. And it’s easy to get discouraged thinking, why do other families get to spend so much time together and I rarely get to be with all of my family.
Well here are five tips to help you strengthen the bonds and create meaningful connections with your family, even with limited time.
Number one: quality over quantity. Focus on making the most of the time that you do have together. Engage in activities that promote bonding and communication, such as sharing stories, playing games, or working on a project together.
Experiences are a focus for our family. And often rather than giving gifts, we’ll plan activities or trips together. Beautiful memories are created through these sporadic quality experiences.
Number two: utilize technology. If physical distance is a barrier, use technology to stay connected. Schedule regular video calls or phone conversations to catch up and maintain relationships.
We have a family text thread where we share our highs and lows for the week so we can better stay informed of what’s happening in each other’s lives. Sending pictures or jokes is another fun way to stay connected.
Number three: be present and engaged. When you are together with any of your family, be fully present and engaged. Put away distractions like phones or work and focus on connecting with each other. It’s so easy to get caught up in things that “need” or “should” be done. Consider if those needs or shoulds could possibly wait and choose what you really want, which for most of us is family time.
Number four: create family rituals or traditions. Establishing rituals or traditions can help create a sense of belonging within your family. Whether it’s a monthly movie night, an annual holiday tradition, or a special meal, these rituals can become cherished family memories.
Now remember, it’s okay when everyone in the family can’t attend these events. Have fun with those that are there, rather than being fixated on those that aren’t. Be flexible and willing to mix things up and do things differently.
One of the best things I started doing with my family was to put each kid in charge of organizing and carrying out a dinner and activity when we’re together. It takes so much pressure off of me to figure out what everyone is going to do and eat. And it gives everyone an opportunity to prepare their favorite meal and share an activity that they love for all of us to enjoy.
And number five: express appreciation. Take time to express your love and appreciation for each of your family members. Simple gestures like saying I love you, giving compliments, or writing notes of gratitude can go a long way in strengthening your relationships.
Often we’re good at thanking our friends for things. But sometimes we forget about our family. Venmo-ing one of our college kids some lunch money and sharing something specific we love about them is something that we’ve tried.
What are some simple and fun ways you can express appreciation with your family?
So, no matter how much time you have with your family, remember these five tips. Quality over quantity. Utilize technology. Be present and engaged. Create family rituals or traditions. And express appreciation.
Remember my equation, love equals connection plus fun? Well, there are countless ways for us to connect and have fun, even if we’re not in the same place at the same time very often.
Try one of those tips and let me know how it goes. I promise you’ll feel more love when you’re looking for ways to have fun and connect no matter the distance apart.
I love this beautiful quote: “Families are like branches on a tree. We grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one.” Hmm, something to think about. Have a good one y’all, and here’s to family, connection, fun, and love.
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If you enjoyed this podcast, take a look at my Connection Crew Program and One-on-One coaching options HERE.
In those programs, I teach and coach a variety of ways to have more fun and connection in your relationships. I also share how I have created a beautiful relationship with my daughters-in-law. And if you want one easy question you can keep in your back pocket and use to increase the love you feel for your daughter-in-law today, go to LeannAustin.Com and get the one question.
