Ideas For My Pocket: a Support Group for Families: Together is Better!

Sometimes a family may feel disjointed. Despite all the things that pull a family in many directions including distance, activity, and different interests, there is much to do to bring unity. In our fast-paced world, we must work hard to connect with each other. Family Unity takes time, but it bonds a family together in love. In addition, it builds family strength to make it through tough times.

1--Create a Family Theme or Mission Statement. Even something simple works, such as “Stick Together Family.”

2--A Family Song. Take a familiar song and put everyone’s name in it or sing the spelling of your last name or change words to make it uniquely your family’s song!

3--Contests. Take care with these. When motivating family members, don’t pit one against another in contests, but set challenges up so that it’s: Us against the Opposition, rather than Us against Us.

4--Work together toward a common goal, whether it be a nice yard, a clean laundry room, or a service for Grandma. If a child is not getting chores done, work with him or her until he is ready to be more responsible.

The Taylor family tackles weeds together, while they tell stories. Then, they plan a swim afterward.

5--Music. Turn on upbeat music and exercise or dance or do the dishes together.

6--Helping. Develop an “Everyone helps after dinner” policy. Talk about cheerful things as you all help.

7--A Family Policy Book. It is a great idea. Develop it as each issue comes up. Then, later, there is no issue—it’s already been tackled! For example, curfews, boy/girl get- togethers, holiday expectations, TV time, cell phone issues etc.

8-- Sing. Do it together, at the table and at Family Night! Sing around the piano on Sunday evenings or as you drive to and from Grandmothers’ house.

The Martins liked to sing as they drove their small children around in their carseats. The kids learned the family favorites early (and were not so bored!).

9--Listen. Do it as a family. Listen to a book on tape together, then discuss it.

10—Movies. Watch them as a family. After a movie, sit at the table or in the family room and talk about it. What was your favorite part? What do you wish they had left out? Figure out together the theme of the movie.

11--Read together. Have everyone read a book together, then talk about it. Read excerpts to the little kids, so they can be in on the discussion.

The Bradley’s just read Return From Tomorrow by George Ritchie, and highly recommend it. They got several paperback copies to pass around. It provided some good dinner time conversation!

Melba lived far from her grandkids, but to stay close to them she came up with a book club. She sent a paperback book to each grandchild, with pages she had pasted in after each chapter that contained activities or questions that went with the story. At certain points, Melba assigned them to call her to talk about it!

12—Ancestors. Tell stories about your ancestors often. These are what we all have in common. We have the same character traits they do. Pass on information about your ancestors for all to cherish.

13—Family Stories. Collect your own stories, of the sweet experiences, miracles, funny happenings, and God’s tender mercies in each family member’s life. Ask for everyone to write Mom or Dad a story every birthday and Mother’s/Father’s Day.

Suzanne collects all the stories into a book, with a special family name. Then, she sends the stories one by one as an email once a week. It is a work in progress. These stories will become priceless, and will hold the family together.

14—Family Blog. Start a family blog or newsletter to keep everyone in touch. Send a copy to family members who are college students or missionaries or members of the armed forces away from home.

The Gibson’s Snapchat each other. At the signal of “Sound Off,” each member of the Robbins family stops what he or she is doing, and takes a quick picture to send out to all. It is a slice of everyday life to share, which has brought them all closer to one another despite the distance.

15—Birthdays. Remind each other to remember birthdays.

Tami found that helping her kids make a little sacrifice for each other is totally worth it, ie earning money for a sibling’s present, drawing a card, giving a compliment, or even just a call.

16--Talk to each other. Talk in the car, at the table, all the time. Share what matters to you. Interview your kids regularly, so they feel like you care about their decisions and their lives.

The Simms’ Interview their kids regularly, so their kids feel like they care about their decisions and their lives. It also helps them be accountable.

17--Play together! Cards, board games, basketball, marbles, paper airplanes, bowling, shooting off a rocket, ultimate Frisbee, tag, Hide and Seek!

18—Include all. Work hard to never leave anyone out. If a certain family member is not there for anything discussed, take notes for him or her.

19--Family Devotionals. Pray together. Worship together. Read Scriptures together, even if only a couple of verses.

The Thomas’ decided to decide once to always go to church, then not re-decide! It just went along with being in their family!

20--I love you’s! There are lots of ways to say it, such as “I’m so glad you are here.” “I am so lucky you’re my son!” “I love doing things with my family!” “Have I ever told you how much I love you?”