| Work, school, extracurricular activities; these daily | | | | increases their literacy, but it also allows for a time |
| activities that make our lives so busy create difficulties | | | | when both parent and child are completely focused on |
| for parents to foster a bond with their children. While | | | | one another and can communicate freely about the |
| your children are out of school for the summer you | | | | book or other subjects. |
| can easily strengthen family relationships by spending | | | | 7. Teaching your children the importance of |
| time with one another, listening to each other, and | | | | volunteerism and giving back by volunteering for a local |
| respecting each other's opinions. Below are ten easy | | | | charity or organization can show them the importance |
| things a parent can do to form stronger bonds with | | | | of what they have and make them a more socially |
| their children this summer. | | | | conscience person. |
| 1. Try and eat dinner together with no distractions, such | | | | 8. Getting involved in your children's hobbies, whether it |
| as television or phones. Eating a family meal together | | | | is collecting baseball cards or horseback riding, shows |
| not only promotes better eating habits, but also gives | | | | your support of their chosen activity and allows them |
| family members time to discuss their day and any | | | | to feel they can express themselves in any way. |
| good or challenging things happening in their life. | | | | 9. By encouraging your children to be active and |
| 2. A great way of having fun while bonding with your | | | | exercising together you foster healthier habits for both |
| family is to create a "Family Night" where the entire | | | | you and your child while you both communicate about |
| family participates in an activity. This can be as easy | | | | the activities you are doing. |
| as a board game night, an evening out at a fun family | | | | 10. Childhood, especially the adolescent years, is |
| restaurant, or to go see a movie. | | | | incredibly hard on the self esteem of many children. By |
| 3. Helping a child with their homework not only allows | | | | telling a child you love them and giving compliments or |
| you to spend time together, but enables you to see | | | | positive feedback frequently you can foster their |
| what they are learning and how they are doing | | | | confidence and perception of themselves. By listening |
| academically. Your support and praise will go a long | | | | and being supportive of their ideas, even if you don't |
| way in boosting their confidence in school. | | | | agree, makes them feel as if they can come to you |
| 4. When planning a family vacation you can ask your | | | | with their problems and discuss their true feelings. |
| children where they want to go and what they want | | | | There is nothing better than having a place you can |
| to see or do. By incorporating them in the planning | | | | call home, where you feel loved, appreciated and safe. |
| process you make them feel like an integral part of | | | | As a parent, having a strong bond with your children |
| the family. | | | | creates a feeling of unity and safety. It is important to |
| 5. Many children have extracurricular activities like | | | | do all you can to create these family bonds to ensure |
| sports or dance. By involving yourself in these activities | | | | a happier and healthier family. Following any of the |
| and praising them on their participation you are helping | | | | above activities this summer can help assist you and |
| build their confidence as well as strengthening your | | | | your family in creating a strong life long bond and help |
| bond. | | | | foster better parenting skills for you. |
| 6. Many parents know that reading to your child daily | | | | |