Playing together as a family may open up the communication lines better than anything else you try, so now is the time to be proactive and create those family fun days and events that provide the catalyst for more effective communication. Do whatever it takes to keep the communication lines open, which might mean picking up a basketball or going to the park on a regular basis.

We know instinctively that play produces family togetherness and support. We know that when we play together, we have a deeper sense of belonging and community in the family. Parents must proactively work at making a sense of belonging and community one of their key goals for family togetherness. 

What can you do to introduce more play into your family routine?   It can be incorporating more physical movement: biking, walking, family running/walking events, kickball, yoga, basketball, soccer, anything where you are introducing movement.  Or it could be a mental/social form of play: board games, cards, visiting a museum, reading, arts and crafts, painting, writing, the sky is the limit!  The key is having a form of family play that is consistent, even if the type of play changes. 

So set the date and time, and make play a priority for your family and watch bonds grow stronger and smiles get bigger. 

References:

 https://homeword.com/articles/the-importance-of-working-at-family-play/#.WXewX4jyvIU

For more information, feel free to contact your school Wellness Committee member.

"Supported by the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership, Minnesota Department of Health and Dakota County Public Health Department"