Here are ideas for fostering the closeness of your family:
1. Refocus. It's easy to lose sight of the greater picture. The pursuit of wealth can be so engrossing that we forget the real reason for our pursuit. And often this involves being a nurturing and caring provider for our loved ones.
Today, make a commitment to identify and to live from your true values and priorities.
All children (and spouses) deserve to be cherished and adored. In the end, that's really all they need from us. Make sure your children find that today. If you have this as your only goal for any given day, you'll find the goal easy to meet ? and your relationships with your spouse and children will strengthen and thrive.
2. Commit yourself to doing something special to nurture the family relationship each and every day. It doesn't have to be big or expensive. A simple phone call, a special bedtime song, a note in your child's lunchbox, an ?I love you? post-it on the dashboard of the family car? The simplest sentiments are often the most lasting and impressive.
3. Create regular family traditions. Traditions add ritual and meaning. Family traditions could be a monthly pizza night, a weekly TV night, or a simple daily ritual of lighting candles at the dinner table.
4. Pay attention. Work on being truly present with your family. Kids are particularly adept at knowing when parents are distracted. Practice mindfulness and good listening in your home life. Here's a great book that teaches this philosophy and practice: Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting, by John Kabat-Zinn and Myla Kabat-Zinn.
5. Involve the entire family in household chores. When a family works together toward a certain end, each family member gets a better understanding of responsibility ? and what it means to be part of a team. Add some magic by making it fun to care for the house and lawn. Crank up some music and dance ? or play games as you all get the work done. You do your children a tremendous service when you demonstrate as a family that productive work is truly one of life's greatest pleasures.
The best part of family life is having a safe, nurturing environment to grow into a confident, happy adult. Enjoy creating that zone of happiness and health today.
