Dear Editor,
To begin with, let us recall how often we spend time with our family on average. Every day? Twice a week? Three times a month? Or even scarcer? It is no secret that a lot of working parents are letting outside influences get ahead of family time. They seldom or some even never have any family time together because everybody has their hands full. They have all overlooked the importance of family activities.
Spending time as a family provides the members, especially the children, with support, security and safety. The feeling of love obtained in a family is so unique that nothing else, not even, friendship, can replace. Sometimes, family is a powerful refuge from the outside world. Whatever the children’s mood is, they can always open their hearts to express their feelings. A simple, heart-to-heart talk can already serve this function.
Spending time together as a family can also be beneficial to ones’ marriage. It is no longer a surprising piece of news that the divorce rate is getting higher and higher. Family time is not just about parents spending time with their children, it is also about spouses spending time together. When both partners are actively making time for each other, the marriage will be stronger and less likely to fall apart. Being onlookers, their children will also learn the right attitude towards their future beloved ones.
Having few means to have family activities is never an excuse. We do not really need to ‘invent’ new games ourselves. One of the effective family activities is exercising together. Doing exercise, such as swimming or playing ball games, can bring family members together. It enables them to have a chat during the time and helps them develop motor coordination and learn good sportsmanship as well. All stresses of everyday life get marginalized in this family activity which can take precedence over entertainment like watching television.
Some people stick to the thought that they can hardly ‘squeeze’ any time for their families, so they cannot find spare time to do sports. What about having meals? All of us need to have meals, don’t we? So preparing meals together could be a good choice. Each family member is assigned a job like planning the dinner menu, going to the supermarket and of course, cooking. Everyone has a chance to help in such activities and therefore gains a sense of belonging. They become more cooperative, supportive and have open communication. Family bonds are then strengthened and ties are renewed with vigor. These qualities pay off in big dividends by enhancing self-esteem, social skills and a sense of cohesion that help children use good judgment when confronted with difficulties and temptations.
There may be hurdles when searching for family activities. To promote suitable activities, educational publicity campaigns could hold carnivals and design stalls based on learning purpose. Thus, children can learn in a pressure-free atmosphere. At the same time, parents are invited to come as this shows their care and concern towards their children.
What’s more? Commercial promotions could have some contributions. Gyms could offer family memberships to encourage family members share their experiences and success along their way to good health. Discount family tickets for amusement parks or museums also urge families to join family activities.
On the other hand, boring seminars are not recommended as they are too theoretical. Instead, some Do-It-Yourself courses held by social centers could be introduced to families. The courses may teach them to make handiwork or to prepare meals, as long as they are interesting enough to attract people to join. In addition, the courses should be offered in low prices so that more families can afford to participate.
Having family activities should be a time when all differences are put aside, quarrels are buried and there is nothing but festivity in the air. Such family get-togethers and experiences go a long way to build family relationships and also provide a definite context for defining family roles. Family time is more precious than many people may consider. It is too late to regret when we realize how little time we have spent with our family.
Yours faithfully,
Chris Wong