The idea of one true, happy family type, the mom, dad and 2.5 kids, has pretty much died out in modern times. Today, happy families come in all different forms, but they do have some things in common. Here’s some easy and fun ways to make your family a happier one.
Create Some Traditions
Traditions have fallen a bit by the wayside, but you can start some new ones for your family to carry on. Having traditions helps ensure your family spends some time together, sharing experiences and creating lasting memories. All of this togetherness can improve the overall tone and mood of your family members and strengthen bonds.
Think about what your family likes and can afford to spend time and/or money on. Use this information to create a new tradition or two. For instance, if your family enjoys games but is short on time, setting aside an hour for a family game night each week might just fit the bill.
If you all like traveling, pick out local spots of interest to visit once a month, and fan out further as your local list dwindles over time. Allow everyone to submit an idea and then take a vote on what you’re going to do first. Be open to all input, as well; this is about all the members of your family, so everyone should have a say.
Start Giving More
Giving together as a family works on many levels: Your children learn about helping others, your family spends time together working as a team and you’re helping others in need. If you’re already a giving family, work toward doing it a little more than you are now.
There are numerous options out there for giving back, from large commitments like volunteering regularly at an organization to smaller ones such as donating old clothes. Speak to your family members about what type of giving you’d like to do and listen to them, as well.
A family member may already have a cause or event in mind, and this is the perfect opportunity to get everyone together on it.
Practice, Practice, Practice
A happier family is often compassionate and peaceful as much as possible, with kindness also playing a role. Your children will learn from your example, so this is a case of changing how you and your partner or other adult family members act toward each other.
Keep this in mind before you respond to anything. Count to three before you reply to frustrating or negative things if you’re guilty of not thinking before you speak at times. Always aim to be kind and avoid unnecessary arguments. Be compassionate toward other family members and encourage everyone else to do the same.
Simmer Down Stress
It’s easy to spend your time in a state of perpetual worry and stress, especially if your family is a busy one. But too much stress and concern can drag down the mood of the entire family as a whole and on an individual level.
Make a commitment to worrying less and enjoying more. Don’t fret about what’s not getting done at home if you’ve decided to take a family walk, for example. Plan ahead more to remove some of the little stresses you’re encountering every day, since these can add up quick!
For instance, if you find yourself running around like you’re on fire in the mornings during the week, start doing some of those things the night before. Even something as simple as leaving your car keys in the same bowl on the table each night so you know where they are the next morning can help ease daily stress for you and everyone else.
