4 Family Ritual Ideas to Bring your Family Together
There is no bond greater than that which exists among your family members. After all, blood is thicker than water. But, like other relationships, the family bond needs to be nurtured and maintained to last. And what better way to do that than device healthy means to bring your family together.
Many parents struggle to connect with their family members, and the effect often strains family relationships. However, you must note that bringing your family together has several family-bond-strengthening benefits. The best part? It isn’t difficult.
By eating dinner together, supporting each other, and engaging in little family rituals, you can bring your family together and strengthen the inter-family relationship.
Here are 4 family ritual ideas to bring your family together.
What are family rituals?
Imagine family rituals as routines or activities that you do regularly on a consistent basis. Family rituals don’t have to be complex; neither does it have to involve money or even expensive outdoor activities. A family ritual can involve something as simple as having family meetings, watching movies together, eating dinner together, or engaging in exercises together.
A ritual could also involve activities related to a member of your family, like going to football matches, hiking, camping, etc.
That said, here are 4 family rituals to bring your family together.
1. Family meals
If you haven’t been prioritizing family meals, you should start this beneficial family ritual right away. The good thing about having a regular family dinner isn’t because it increases the family bond. There is more!
You see, in addition to strengthening family bonds, regular family dinner is associated with lower rates of:
- Depression and anxiety
- Substance abuse
- Eating disorders
- Tobacco use
- Early teenage pregnancy
- Higher rates of resilience and higher self-esteem
A family that eats together will stay together. So with that at the back of your mind, resolve to call your family to the dinner table when dinner is ready.
2. Engage in family prayers
Praying or engaging in other religious exercises as a group keeps the family unified. So, if you are a Christian, consider scheduling regular family prayer meetings. You can also set aside time to teach your children religious activities like learning how to pray, read the Bible, including religious values like truth, love, righteousness, goodness, etc.
Like other family rituals on this list, prayer has its benefits. Engaging in family prayer helps family members tackle issues or stress they are facing. It promotes unity, enhances the family bond, and reduces tensions in family relationships.
3. Yearly family trips
Having a nice family dinner together is an excellent way to boost family bonds, promote healthy eating habits, and hear stories of how your kids spent their day. However, if you want to try something more thrilling, you should consider yearly family trips.
Family trips are a fantastic opportunity to tour new areas together. Remember, a family getaway doesn’t have to shake your pockets; you can make a camping trip in a close national park or a staycation.
And even if you aren’t traveling to a fancy island in Hawaii, visiting new places in your area will definitely thrill your children. A trip to a city close by can also do the trick.
4. A hug can go a long way.
When was the last time you hugged a loved one? A month ago? Two weeks ago? Hugging should be a part of your family ritual as it has the potential to strengthen the family bond. That’s not all! You must have heard that hugging boasts many therapeutic benefits; it’s quite true.
A little hug with a family member can emphasize the idea that family will always have your back. It is also a good way to ensure that everyone feels supported and cared for. In addition to bringing emotional comfort, a Japanese study indicated that hugging could reduce levels of stress hormones within the body. So why don’t you implement group hugging as a way to strengthen the family bond
Conclusion
Healthy family rituals are a must for every family, especially those who wish to strengthen the family bond. In cases of family discord, these rituals, which include having meals together, embracing each other, or going on family trips, can improve the family relationship. If you try these rituals and things don’t improve, consider going for family therapy.
