In today’s society, it is more important than ever to encourage the family bond. The morals and values of the previous generations are disappearing at an alarming rate, producing a culture that our ancestors would find horrifying. The children of present day are exposed to a number of temptations and evils that even parents would never have imagined in their youth. As such, it is integral that the family system be strong enough to protect our young people and preserve the principles we deem necessary to live a wholesome and valuable existence. For any family, the best place to start strengthening these connections is in the home.
In keeping our family united, our house must be a home; a place where we want to return at the end of each day. A home should be a place that provides unparalleled comfort and warmth and almost draws us into it. This does not mean that we have to invest a fortune in our residence, but we must ensure the each member of the family can fulfill their basic needs and, at least, some of their desires there. Creating a clean, comfortable and entertaining environment is key. We must consider the personalities and preferences of each member of the family in building a place that everyone will consider their refuge from the outside world.
In addition to the home as a very important part of the family bond, the communication within the home is also important. The spoken word can serve a number of purposes in our relationships. From entertainment to guidance, speaking to one another is invaluable. By scheduling regular activities that are conducive to conversation, from nightly dinners to weekend car trips, we can learn more about one another as individuals, communicate our family history and provide hours of entertainment for everyone. Time after time, it has been proven that communication is one of the most vital components of high-quality relationships, whether they are partners, parent-child or child-child.
Another excellent tactic for encouraging family togetherness and creating an attractive home environment is to make the home welcoming and invite others into it. Socialization is an innate human need, but is especially important for providing children with variety and excitement. Entertaining within our home provides a number of benefits. Most notably, it gives the opportunity to monitor what is taking place and have control over what we and our children are exposed to. Additionally, our family is able to process our own behavior and that of our guests in the moment, when such discussion will have the most impact and pertinence.
It is encouraging to know that we do not have to go to extremes to keep our family unit intact. By taking the initiative to create a home that is inviting to all and considering each family member’s preferences in doing so, we can form a basis for family togetherness. Then, we can utilize this environment to encourage the values and morals that we want our children to live by. And, all the while, we can take comfort in the knowledge that we have built a home and a family we can take pride in.
