One of my favorite resources for increasing family bonds is the book, Hold on to your kids
Sit: Start off the day with a snuggle on the couch- either reading a favorite book or just sharing plans for the day. Reconnect after a long day by sitting together on the couch after work, before starting dinner or running off to do homework.
Take a few minutes to snuggle up on the couch and reconnect. You’ll be glad you did!
Eat: Family dinner is a basic element of family togetherness. You can add to the ritual reserving a special candle that only gets lit if everyone in the family is sitting together. This is a time that parents can model communication skills including respectful debate and listening.
Over the years we have added elements such as a special dinner time candle, symbolizing our special time together, or the habit of going around and asking each person to share his or her favorite moment of the day.
Sleep: There are days that the only quiet time I really get with my older son is cuddled up waiting for sleep to come. I get to hear his ambitious plans, bitter defeats and random theories on evolution and aliens. Sleep comes easier for all of us when I let go of a “fall asleep right now” agenda and simply enjoy those twilight moments together. There will come a time when he falls asleep long after I’ve gone to bed and I’ll lose those snippets of time. (Note: This was written over four years ago. We no longer have this time, but still search for pockets of quiet, and I am delighted when I find them).
Play: When the schedule gets to be too much, take a step back. Cancel everything and play Ticket to Ride, Mario Kart, read a book, go for a walk, or just hang out together. Drop the expectations of everything other than enjoying each others’ company.
Families can provide a safe place to retreat from the chaos of the world- when the kids are teenagers you’ll want them to turn to home to find that peace (even if Mario Kart isn’t your idea of peace) and you will have laid the foundation already.