Family vacations provide a unique opportunity to "build family muscle" in ways that will not only enhance family relationships but also improve the challenging odds of transitioning your enterprises to future generations...

1. Invite each family member (age 3 to 103) to share 1 or 2 of their accomplishments, goals, and challenges ... and how the family can support each other on your personal and family journeys.
2. Share memories of family mentors or loved ones who have already passed and how you may be carrying on their legacy and values.
3. Invite new ideas for family "togetherness" ... perhaps a new vacation spot or tradition; if your family doesn't already spend time together, plan some time to gather this summer!
4. Discuss a passion your family shares around making a difference in your community ... and do it together!
5. If you have teenage children or older, discuss what appears to be humanity's decrease in how to have a "real conversation" instead of just "connecting via electronics" which leads to loneliness, not a sense of true connectedness or community.  I commend for your family's reading Sherry Turkle's excellent article on "The Flight from Conversation."