Family time

Spending time partaking in everyday family leisure activities has been associated with greater emotional bonding within families. Both “core” leisure activities, such as playing a board game, watching television, gardening or playing outdoors and “balance” activities, which require a greater investment of planning, time and money, such as a family vacation or trip to an amusement park or sporting event, can have a big impact on the overall health of a family, according to research published by the National Council on Family Relations. Simply making it a habit to display interest in the well-being of your family members can lead to a willingness to share problems and build mutual respect between parents and children.