Life can be hectic, which makes it tricky for families to spend time together and appreciate one another. Below are some simple ways that you can treat yourself and your family.
Give your home a revamp
Giving your home a spring clean is a simple way to give your family a reason to smile. It could mean sprucing up the kitchen, giving the living room a brand new lick of paint, or attending the garden. With spring in the air, it’s easier than ever to get out there and devote some time to the great outdoors! Below are some simple ways to improve the look of your home:
- Have a de-clutter. Methodically go through the various rooms in the house, and sort boxes of items you no longer need. You could organize them into categories including items for the bin, items to donate to charity, and items for storage. It can be a great way to clear out space and can be a challenge you take on together.
- Don’t underestimate the power of new furnishings! You can easily transform a living room or bedroom with a new rug, set of curtains or side table. You don’t have to blow the budget to improve the look of your home.
- Tidy up the garden. You may want to improve your outdoor seating area to make it more pleasant. Another option is to add a chimenea or BBQ, and make the most of those summer nights! You can get gardening too, which is a brilliant way to keep active and spend time together.
- Revamp your kitchen. For many people, the kitchen is the hub of the home. Therefore, why wouldn’t you want to make the most of the space and make it as inviting as possible? Below are some simple ways you can personalize your kitchen and give it the character and charm you want:
- Add family photos to your fridge.
- Consider a theme throughout, with accessories such as cushions and tea towels highlighting a particular color.
- Freshen it up with patterned tiles.
Take a trip away
What better way to spend time together as a family and treat yourselves than take a trip away? A trip away can work wonders and give everybody that much needed boost. You don’t have to break the bank as it could be as simple as a few days break by the coast. Or you could plan a trip of a lifetime and visit a country that is on everyone’s bucket list. Vacations are noted to be beneficial for many reasons, and with hectic schedules, it can be easy to get distracted with life and let the important things pass you by. Take your vacation as a chance to get away, unwind, switch off and spend that all important time together.
Have a day out
If you can’t stretch to a holiday, then a day out is a great way to bring the family together and get away from the doldrum of day to day life. Some day out ideas include:
- Waterpark
- Zoo
- Parks & Garden
- Cycling trails
- Hiking adventures
- Amusement Park
- Sculpture Park
- Craft day
- Assault course
- Treetop adventure
Think of something that gets the family active, involved and working together.
Set up family mealtimes
If everyone is consistently busy, just taking a little time each day to catch up is a great way to improve family relationships. Research has shown that families that share meals together are not only generally healthier but have strengthened ties. It can also be the chance your children have to share with you any issues they are going through, simply due to the nature of the conversation. You can make it even more of interactive dining experience by doing the following:
- Plan a menu for the week
- Make a shopping list and go shopping together
- Have a cleaning rota and work together to tidy up
- Let your children get involved in the cooking
- Turn off all electrical devices during mealtimes
Treat everyone to a gift
Another way to easily give everybody a lift is to treat everyone to a gift. It can be as simple as a gift voucher, something for a family member’s bedroom, money towards something they’re saving up for, or these shirts which can add an element of fun to their wardrobe. You could hold off and give a gift as a reward for a family member hitting a significant milestone, such as completing their chores or homework early or moving up a level with a hobby or skill.
Get active
Getting active as a family is a great way to build bonds, with the benefit that you’ll be keeping fit as well. Whether you are into team sports, or sports such as running or canoeing, research local facilities, sports clubs and gyms and find out the best activities near you. Some simple ways to keep active everyday include:
- Walking to and from school today
- Playing active games after school
- Signing up for swimming lessons
- Teach them a sport you already know
Try something new
Aim to try something new at least once a month. This could be a new restaurant in town, a new hobby that you take on together, or it could be as simple as having a movie night and watching a film that no one has watched before. All of these things will make memories that everyone can cherish and gives an option to escape the day to day. Who knows, you could find a hidden talent!
Get creative
Another way to lift everyone’s mood and spend time together is by getting creative. You could have a craft night, or spend a day painting the garden fence. Whatever you get up to, get as messy as possible and have fun with it! You could get inspired by heading to an art gallery or art show. You could even create some pieces to display in your own home.
