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The weather lately has felt a lot more like spring than winter, but forecasters warn there's plenty of cold, snowy weather yet to come. Sometimes it seems like quality time with our family hibernates until the weather warms up again. However, wintery weather offers perfect opportunities to spend time together as a family. |
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Ideas for staying connected |
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Make the inside time count - If you're stuck in the house, make the most of it by finding ways to get your family together and talking. Do some baking, play games, or cuddle up for a family movie night. If any of the movie's messages about risky behaviors such as alcohol or drug use run counter to what your kids are hearing at home, turn those messages to your advantage by using them to launch meaningful conversations. The media's influence on children is great, but your influence as a parent is even greater.
Reprioritize family dinners - Family meals are the perfect time to check-in with your kids. Research shows that the more often kids eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use drugs. And contrary to what you might think about your teens wanting to spend time with you, a recent survey showed that 72% of teens rated eating dinner often with their parents very or fairly important. (Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University)
Volunteer together as a family - Coming off the peak season of holiday volunteerism, many organizations are in need of extra help. Volunteering can be one of the most satisfying, fun, and productive ways to unite as a family. Volunteering benefits the community and sets a great example for your kids. Participating in community service also builds children's confidence and self-esteem, and research shows that good self-esteem can reduce the risk of substance abuse. Find local opportunities for volunteering through your village, church or synagogue, or through United Way of Lake County.
Take it outside - Cure your family's cabin fever by bundling up for a day of sledding, outdoor ice skating, skiing, or winter hiking. Spend time together afterwards talking about the day's activity over steaming hot
mugs of cocoa. |
