Whether we are cleaning up the house together, taking a sibling to school or on our way to Sam’s Club for our weekly shopping spree, the family bonding is inevitable. ‘Great job picking up those toys!’, ‘Do your best on your test!’, or ‘Let’s find what we need to buy for lunches this week’ are the conversational moments that not only encourage, but help us to build teamwork and family unity. As with all relationships, the strength of it all comes from taking the good with the bad. The way in which a family manages those down moments is the glue that helps to hold tight the bond. Being together so often, especially on that fourth car outing of the day, my kids sure know how to push each other’s buttons. “He’s looking at me!”, “Move over!” or even a quick elbow into his sister’s leg sparks an uproar and kink in our dinner plans. These ‘not so proud’ moments can turn closeness into World War III. With the bombs flying and the injured falling, being able to remain calm while under fire is difficult. Once the dust settles, wounds are assessed, then the survival strategy begins. For us, it helps to discuss the situation that caused such disruption of our peaceful afternoon and to let each member air out their concerns and feelings. (It’s the counselor background in me.) In resolving the problems, the hardest part for anyone is being able to apologize for our actions. In the feature article, Say You’re Sorry: Teaching Your Kids to Apologize and Mean It, the author gives helpful advice on how to teach children this invaluable, lifelong skill. Starting with helping them to empathize with the one they have hurt is crucial. If my children can truly understand how their sibling feels because of a hurtful comment, then half of the battle has been won.
With the wounds healing, we did make it to our dinner destination where we decided to eat on the restaurant deck. The autumn breezes were beginning to blow and I noticed the leaves were starting to change from green to those distinctive red and golden hues only this time of year can bring. Fall is here! In thinking about this upcoming fall season, and to take advantage of more family bonding time, I have begun planning our weekend outings. This is my favorite time of year! I live for football, hayrides, pumpkin picking, carnival games, and dressing up with the kids in costume and glitter! By the time we make it to all my favorite seasonal spots, the pom-poms will be worn out, the candy bowl on the table will be overflowing, and the neighbors will think my front porch is the local farmer’s market. To help plan your family’s October fun, check out this year’s Fall Festivities Guide which includes everything from farms and Halloween events to arts & crafts shows and fairs. Don’t forget about those weekend nights under the harvest moon. If a campout is on your family’s ‘fall fun-to-do list’, have we got the article for you! Gina Roberts-Grey includes a step-by-step guide, Tricks for a Fun & Safe Backyard Campout, for the perfect way to get close to the family and the outdoors this fall. She suggests packing everything you need, including extra blankets and snacks, to avoid the dozen trips back into the house for supplies. Of course, campfire songs and ghost stories are a must!
Don’t let these cool weekends pass you by. Pull the wagon out to the pumpkin patch, put on your witches hat, and drag that camping tent out of the garage--it’s time to get close and have fun this fall. From one parent to another…Happy haunting and pumpkin carving. Here’s to getting lots of treats and minimal tricks!
Kendra
