Importance of Spending Time Together This Summer
Research suggests that American families aren’t spending nearly enough quality time together. This is due to busy work and school schedules, exhaustion, and overall fast-paced lifestyles.
Spending time together is essential for any family, and both children and parents will benefit from it. We’re here to talk about why you should spend more time with your family this summer. Read on to learn more.
It’s Crucial for Family Bonding
In 2022, it’s normal for families to somewhat spread apart once children have grown up. They go away to college or to forge a path in a new city. Parents and grandparents travel or move to places that are more comfortable.
You have to take advantage of the time that you have together, and summer is the perfect time to do that.
Summer opens up the opportunity for fun family activities, such as sports, hiking, going to the beach, and boating (view here for more information). Children aren’t in school, so they have free time to spend with their families.
It Encourages Good Communication
Good interpersonal communication is crucial for an abundance of reasons, and spending time together with your family will facilitate that communication.
For children, spending time with family members (especially extended family members) can help them improve their social-emotional skills. This will help them when they’re in school and even in adulthood.
Families that spend time together will likely have better inter-family communication as well. They’ll be more forthcoming with their problems, experience fewer disagreements, and be better at conflict resolution (so long as the family dynamic is healthy).
It’s Good for Your Child’s Self-Esteem
Strong family bonds may lead to better overall child self-esteem (which is an important part of children’s health). Children with a strong family identity often feel more self-assured and confident.
These children are also more likely to talk to their parents about problems. This can help their academic performance and dissuade them from risk-taking behaviours.
It’s Good for Overall Mental Health
Children aren’t the only ones who benefit from spending time together. Spending time with family can improve the mental health of adults and children alike.
Bonding and social/familial support are associated with better overall mental health and wellbeing.
Ideally, a supportive family will encourage self-improvement and a healthier lifestyle, as well as lower levels of anxiety and depression.
It’s Fun
At the end of the day, the top benefit of spending time together is that it’s fun. Pick an activity that everyone can enjoy. Relax while you’re hanging out so you can decompress.
Fun is a crucial part of self-care, so don’t neglect it.
Spending Time Together Is Crucial
Never forget the importance of spending time together whenever possible. Summer gives families the unique opportunity to spend time with school-age children. That’s time that you won’t get back, so take advantage of it.
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