How can you create a happy and healthy family?
Those who want to start a family always dream of having a big, happy, and healthy one. They promise themselves that they will do everything they can to ensure the happiness of their children. This is especially true for adults who have experienced pain and suffering in their families as children. Many vow that they will work hard to create a loving, supportive, and caring environment so that their kids can have everything that they once lacked. While we all may want to build a happy and healthy family, many of us do not know how to do so. According to Dr. David Minkoff, the secret lies in forming small and simple habits.
There are 7 habits that allow you to create a happy, healthy family.
1. Having dinner together
In busy families, it can be extremely difficult to communicate properly and spend quality time together when everyone has a different schedule. Eating together allows the family to sit down and talk about the experiences they had throughout the day. Dinner time is the perfect time to bond with the members of the family and discuss any issues you might be facing. It is also interesting to note that when the entire family eats together, they tend to eat healthier food!
2. Cook together
Cooking together can be fun for everybody if it is done the right way. When both parents work full time, thinking about having to spend the evening cooking is exhausting. With extra help, it is not only easier and quicker but it is also more fun! What is more, involving your children in the kitchen helps them learn skills which they will undoubtedly need. Plus, it creates memories which they will cherish in their adult lives.
3. Respect alone time
While people stress the importance of family time, very few stop to acknowledge the importance of having alone time. Learn to respect boundaries and give yourself, your children, and your partner, time for self-care and self-love. Being alone can help a person reflect, unwind and problem-solve.
4. Listen to your children
Proper communication is key in all types of relationships: marriages, friendships, and parent-child relationships. Most parents communicate with their children; however, they rarely listen to them. When you talk to your child, force yourself to listen to their point of view and try to be understanding of the things they say. As a child (and an adult), it is important to know that your feelings and thoughts matter.
5. Physical activities
The next time you find yourself wondering what to do on a weekend, do not just opt for watching a family film. Instead, choose activities which require physical movement and exercise. For example, go on family walks, bike rides, hikes, etc. There is so much you can do as a family while taking care of your physical health.
6. Learn to relax
While always having a lazy weekend is unhealthy, being overly busy every weekend is also unhealthy. Learn to find a balance and ensure that you and your family take time to relax and rest. If your weekends are always overbooked, set time aside to stay home in pajamas, order food, watch TV or read. Overworking yourself and your children can lead to stress and this can be detrimental to your health and wellbeing.
7. Be honest
Everybody knows that you need to be open and honest with your romantic partner if you want your relationship to work. This is true for your children too. You cannot expect your family to be happy and healthy if you are constantly lying to your kids. By keeping secrets, you teach them to lie to you too. Being open and honest with your children encourages them to confide in you.
By forming these seven habits, you can change the life of your entire family. Even though it may require patience and effort, it will be worth it.
