Be active not passive

Parenting Principle #7: Be Active, Not Passive. Be Curious, Not judgmental

Building a happy home and healthy children requires an intentional effort from every member of the family. It’s easy to turn on Netflix and have a day when you don’t have to pay attention to anything. Some days, that really is exactly what you need.

Pay attention to how your family spends time together. If you notice that you’re mostly inside or not doing many activities as a family, make a point to dedicate time with family.

Invest in Memories

Invest in memories that bring your family closer together. You can get outside and participate in activities with your family.

Quality time is a great way to display love for your children

Paying attention and listening to them can help build their confidence. It can also help you get to know your children as they grow and develop.

By fostering strong familial relationships, interpersonal skills are strengthened outside-of the household. Children don’t forget cherished one-on-one time. Family bond is a foundational component in the development of a well-rounded child.

A secure relationship is one where both parties feel known, understood, and accepted.

Showing your child that you take her seriously and care about who she is helps her develop a secure attachment. This will make your child feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things. When she knows she has a supportive family encouraging her, she is comfortable in challenging situations.

Fostering these positive relationships requires time and creativity. A good place to start is by taking the dogs for a walk together or going out to dinner together. Doing these activities without cell phones can present new opportunities for connection.

Making unique memories will bring about even more ways to connect with your family

Try these fun family activities

Choose your family’s favorite non-profit and spend a day volunteering together. Being of service increases empathy and gives a broader perspective of the world. Volunteering helps the family grow together. It also teaches your children the importance of compassion for others.
Visit a museum. Going to a museum provides the opportunity to have their own experience, together. As each of you interpret the surrounding art, you can have interesting conversations that may lead to new knowledge and understanding of each other. Seeing art and creativity in action can inspire creativity for everyone in the family.
Learn something new together. Take an art or cooking class. If you go to a painting class together, you can each create something new and have fun embracing the new experience. Taking a cooking class leads not only to innovation in the kitchen, but the chance to teach your kids about valuable life skills.
Have an adventure together. Get out of the house and go on a hike or a nice walk. Getting away from screens and other worldly distractions can help you take a step back and just be together as a family. Family exercise promotes a healthy lifestyle and emphasizes the importance of long term physical health.
Play games. Partake in the hobbies that your children love. If you don’t know much about their hobby, ask questions and get curious. You will learn more about your children’s strengths and interests. Your child will feel respect and love in return.

Beginning habits of family time will hold the family closer together during times of stress or uncertainty. It’s easy to let time fly and get stuck in the hustle and bustle of daily life. By adding regular family time to your weekly routine, your family will be able to stay in touch and strengthen communication.

As your kids turn to teens and teens turn to young adults, you’ll remain closer by spending consistent time together.

You’ll have the joy of watching your kids grow up by taking them out and encouraging them to pursue things that are interesting to them. When you guide them to new experiences, they’ll become more curious about the world around them.