Finding Your Family's Center Now
By Sandy Schroeder
It's been a challenge, but now it's time to look ahead and see how we can bring our families back together again. If you have great memories of family picnics, bike rides or summer evenings on the patio, now may be the time to make some new memories.
One of the best ways might be starting with your family's favorites to create more. Favorite foods, activities, movies and sports might be good starting points to activate our families.
Think about your favorite times with your family and then put together some new plans. Poll the whole family to see what everyone wants to do.
You might set up a bulletin board and meeting spot in your family room, using weekly talks to see what your family is up to and what is needed. Encourage everyone to post pictures, bring ideas and share their week. Then consider focusing on diet, exercise and stress reduction to make life better.
Foods We Love
Make a list of your family's first choices in healthy foods and then spend some time cooking, baking and eating together at home or at the park.
- Picnic at the park
- Barbecue on the patio
- Bake at home
- Shop the farmers market
- Cook pasta dinners
Sports That Work
- See about sharing some activities with your kids
- Practice soccer or volleyball in the backyard
- Shoot hoops on the driveway
- Teach your kids how to play tennis
- Get new bikes for everyone
- Go camping or spend time on the water
- Do a nature walk with your family
Try Some New Things
- Plant tomatoes in the family garden
- Take a wilderness walk with your kids
- Bike around town
- Explore new crafts
- Stock up on art supplies and fill a worktable
- Start a puzzle table in the family room
- Start a storytelling hour in the evening
Enjoy Music and Dancing
- Learn to play the guitar
- Dance at home or take a class
- Play soft jazz in the evening
- Dance at home or in a class
Redo Your Home
- Clean out the garage
- Repaint the bedrooms
- Rethink the family room
- Create desk space for everyone
Focus on Fall
- Shop for new school clothes
- Stock up on school supplies
- Create some easy-to-do dinners
- Pick favorite sports and set up practices
- Reserve weekends for easy getaways
- Stash electronics and let everyone talk at dinner
- Visit the library or your favorite bookstore
Leave the Door Open
- Keep looking for new events
- Set aside family time to plan trips
- Look for new museums and art exhibits
- Keep weekends open for friends and family
Each family is different, but we all need to talk more and share more as we work to refuel.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Windermere, Fla.