Suggestions For Family-Strengthening Activities

• Plan one extra all-family activity just for the purpose of celebrating your family life. During the fun, talk to each member about their impressions of your family life.
• At the dinner table, have each person name one thing about the family for which he or she is thankful.
• Count the members of your immediate family. Then add relatives. Then add special friends. How big is your "family"?
• Make some resolutions to improve family communication; i.e., schedule regular "family meetings," assist a member with a difficult task once each week, plan a special family celebration once each month, etc.
• Organize those family snapshots!! It's a wonderful activity for the whole family, and a unique opportunity to share past experiences with the children. Usually good for several get-togethers.
• Write "love notes" to each other, and hide them where they can easily be found.
• Hug, kiss, smile, wink.
• Create a family symbol or a family motto as an expression of your family's unity.
• Write a l-o-n-g letter to a distant relative.
• Parents can learn much by having children grade parents with an occasional report card. Subjects -- smiling, laughing, sharing and playing.
• Play the one-a-day compliment game for a week, with every family member. Keep score!!!
• Volunteer to help someone who doesn't have a family.
• Make a "suggestion box" and encourage everyone to contribute whatever is on his or her mind. Open it once a week, and discuss the contents.
• Go on a walk together after dark. Look at the stars; point out some constellations.
• Make a resolution to maintain your family as your highest priority.

For more information on strengthening your family, call 553-3000 or toll-free (877) 553-3001

Or email info@heartlandfamilyservice.org