Benefits of Family Nights and Strong Bonding - Coursework Example

Benefits of Family Nights Benefits of Family Nights Introduction Modernization has changed the current world enormously. It is not a wonder that most people lack or have little time to spend with their families because they are busy with their jobs and other important activities. Essentially, each person in the society should crave for a family night; it may not be every day, but at least once a week to create bond with the loved ones. A family night is where a family connects by picking a night or two to come together each week, by checking in with each other and reconnecting. This time, a family designates to interrelate with each other over a major fun or a group of activities. For instance, at dinnertime, families encourage discussions between children and parents. Moreover, some families opt for a game night or where parents ask their children to participate in fun tasks. Over the past fifteen years, studies have confirmed that family nights have significant impacts on physiological, mental, and spiritual nourishment of all members of the family. In addition, family members are connected to good behaviors of children such as self-confidence, reduced rate of substance abuse, depression, and teen pregnancy. In essence, family nights are times when relatives come together to spend quality time, bond with family members, keep children busy and out of danger, improve eating habits, and boost mood among others. Strong Bonding time with the Family Members The picture below depicts a family bonding: (Catch box, 2015). One of the major benefits of the family night is the time one spends in bonding. Family bonding time is the quality time members spend together. Many people call it wise investment because when one spends time with his or her family, he or she learns something new about the other person that helps build a strong bond. No matter the mode of frequency that one chooses such as games or a night out, quality time is spent with the family. Children appreciate every moment of it. A family night is vital because it acts as a catalyst of parenting. In most cases, children always look forward to the time they can spend with their parents. A regular schedule of events helps in building strong relationships. This not only helps in bonding, but also in learning childrens challenges and talents (Catch Box, 2015). Keeping Children Out of Trouble Family nights keep children out of danger. According to the statistics given in the graph below, a trusting family relationship results in children’s improved learning and less substance abuse. Teens with little time for bonding with their parents; for instance, two or less family dinners per week, are likely to involve in drug abuse such as tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol than those with frequent family dinners. Those who have regular family nights are less likely to try these substances in future or engage in bad company of friends. . (Heritage Foundation, 2015) Laughing It may seem obvious, but laughing helps an individual physiologically, as it touches the soul. It assists to ease tension and communicate disheartening issues. Sharing a family night calls for a time of laughter; for instance, a family may play a cheerful game. Considering that man is a social creature, a family night provides an opportunity that every person yearns for in life. No matter the kind of activity individuals can carry out as a family, they have time to laugh and enjoy. A person can reap a number of benefits from play and laugh. These benefits include: 1) Laughter dismisses stress; it spurs the release of endorphins. Endorphins are the ‘feel good chemicals’ that stimulate the entire feeling of wellbeing and can relieve pain temporarily. 2) It improves the functionality of the brain; laughter and playing confront the brain and can assist guard memory lapses, as well as enhance brain functioning. These family nights can also help prevent stress and depression. 3) Spur the mind and increase innovativeness, both children and adult learn well when they are playing happily. (Catch box, 2015). Therefore, it helps in boosting creativity, adoption techniques, and problem-solving skills. 4) Enhancing interaction and relationships with others; sharing laughter assist in fostering understanding, empathy, confidence, and affection with others. A specific activity does not fuel play and laughter, but the two are a state of mind. They establish a playful environment in loosening up during stressful circumstances, connect with unfamiliar persons, meet new colleagues, and develop new corporate associations 6). Heals emotional wounds; laughter and playing heal the emotions of children and adults. They replace negative views with positive beliefs and behaviors (Robinson, Smith, & Segal, 2015). Boost Energy and Improve Mood In reality, the fun and enjoyment of family nights improves energy and mood of both children and parents. According to Streit (2009), numerous reports have shown that a large number of people who turn off their phones and computers during family nights help boost their energies and morale, as well as their families. Enhanced energy reduces the chances of suffering from stress and depression. Enhanced Eating Habits The main art of a family night is having dinner together with the members. Consequently, members benefit from the family dinner; for instance, they eat a balanced diet and reduce the symptoms of eating disorders. On the other hand, children are more likely to concentrate on their studies and escape negative behaviors such as smoking because of spending quality moments with relatives. Moreover, having them assist in meal preparation is favorable since they will learn to be more responsible as they try out new things (Streit, 2009). Having dinner together enhances family stability. Lifetime Learning Family nights provide a number of activities and games. As a family, every time one takes part in the activities, all the family members learn new aspects. For instance, if the family decides to cooperate in a board game jointly, children learn essential educational lessons on how to manage cash, count, colors, and construe. Moreover, during trivia sports, parents discover new aspects previously unknown to them. Enhanced Communication Skills (Catch Box, 2015). One of the strongest capabilities that develop from family nights is good communication skills. For this reason, family nights open up avenues for communication and expression in a peaceful environment. In most cases, parents confess frustrations when it comes to communication, but families reconnect with each other using the old-fashioned style of talking to each other thus reducing frustrations. In such situations, children experience less pressure opening up when they are already in an open environment. The environment improves interactions between parents and children; their methods of communication grow because they are free to express their feelings. It is a two-way lesson of imparting wisdom since it improves both parents’ and children’s communication (Catch Box, 2015). Problem-solving Techniques While preparing for family night games, the games must involve proposed problems so that the players can look for answers. The height of the game might be unclear; however, from the easiest to the complex, the family will be learning the challenges of winning games. In every game, there are strategies to learn, and as a person learns them, it is possible for him or her to apply them other areas of their life. Enhancement of Social Skill In today`s environment, people are more connected to each other than ever in history. This means that having a firm social skill foundation for both children and adults is a valuable asset. Social skills are learnt through give and take scenarios. When family members interact, children learn how to interact. By watching the way parents interact with each other, they learn some skills to connect with the world. This time is crucial for molding the expected behavior of the family and society. Moreover, in the process of modeling, parents also learn how to relate and communicate with each other. Moreover, promising a personal time with the family assist the family in gaining a sense of self-esteem where the children will not be influenced by bad habits. Through playful communication, children learn verbal communication, body language, restrictions, collaboration, and teamwork whereas adult refines their skills. The setting of a family gathering in itself initiates a process of learning social skills. These skills are carried forward into the school or work, and can assist the family in ways of interacting with others. Many of the societal problems experienced today arise due to the lack of sociability skills when interacting. Family nights help children build social skills that help them grow and yield productive relationships (Miranda, 2011). Fosters Intelligence and Confidence Every time the family comes together to play, the participants learn different lessons from the game. A number of games necessitate math and reading to play, and such practices enhance our intelligence. When young children grow under their parents’ care, learn sharing, and witness the value placed on them, they build confidence in their families (Catch Box, 2015). Observing Traditions Family traditions involve what a family does together. A tradition or ritual can be a daily prayer, game night, or weekly family meeting. A tradition grows in the childrens mind, and as they grow and start their families, the trend follows. The culture will grow to the extended family and even to friends. Family nights make family rituals and traditions wonderful. Family traditions give a sense of belonging because social beings value ceremonies and rituals. Keeping Legacy In reality, legacy comes from family nights. During such moments, the odds are broken, and something new takes place when in all possibilities it should not have happened. These moments endure all the days in the minds of the participants (Catch box, 2015). Conclusion In summary, although people live in a hectic and busy world, spending time with family is important. Family night involves spending a night with a family; for instance, sharing a dinner or game in a bid to get together and reconnect as a family. Family nights have numerous benefits, and they play a major role in family stability. These gains include: 1) time bonding with the family. 2) Lifetime is learning. 3) Laughing which improves mental ability of an individual. 4) Enhanced eating habit, communication and social skills. 5) Enhanced innovation and confidence. 6) Keeping tradition and legacy.7) keeping children out of danger and reduced substance abuse 8) improved problem-solving skills and enhanced energy and mood. Brainstorming Sheet Student Name ________________________________ Brainstorming the ways members could support the family nights’ effort. Three Best Ideas: 1. Regularly communicating with the parents and larger community regarding the current performance of the student in reference to family union and emphasizing the effects of family nights on learning. 2. Expanding school capacity for partnering with parents and seeking proper associations to promote family nights 3. Developing school partnering project that promote family nights such as school trips that involve parents and other family members. Three projects that could best help the family night effort and why: 1. School – community- family partnering projects: Involving the family and community in school projects such as holding science nights or family fun nights to promote the benefits of a family night. 2. Project to engage parents and other family members- involving parents and other family members in topics such as the importance of family bonding and linking teachers with families to promote the concept of family night. ` 3. Wraparound social and communal services projects: promoting the concept of family nights through social media platforms. Involving families and communities in afterschool projects such as waste collection and recycling where the communities involve families in different tasks to enhance bonding (Henderson & Kain, 2015). References Catch Box. (2015). The benefits - family game night ideas. Retrieved from http://familygamenightideas.com/the-benefits Fishel,, A. (2015). The family dinner project - the family dinner project. Retrieved from http://thefamilydinnerproject.org/resources/faq/ Henderson, N., & Kain, C. (2015). Family-school-community partnerships 2.0 collaborative strategies to advance student learning. Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/Family-School-Community-Partnerships-2.0.pdf Heritage Foundation. (2015). Teens who frequently eat dinner with family are less likely to use drugs or alcohol. Retrieved from http://www.familyfacts.org/charts/459/teens-who-frequently-eat-dinner-with-family-are-less-likely-to-use-drugs-or-alcohol Miranda, A. (2011, October 26). The importance of family bonding time « CBS Houston. Retrieved from http://houston.cbslocal.com/2011/10/26/the-importance-of-family-bonding-time/ Robinson Segal,, L., Smith, M., & Segal,, J. (2015, February). The benefits of play for adults: how play can improve your health, work, and family relationships. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/benefits-of-play-for-adults.htm Streit, J. (2009, July 25). Top 5 benefits of weekly family time - Denver Stay-at-Home Moms | Examiner.com. Retrieved from http://www.examiner.com/article/top-5-benefits-of-weekly-family-time Walker, M. (2013, October 7). The benefits of family game night | WhiteClouds. Retrieved from https://www.whiteclouds.com/benefits-family-game-night Read More