SEC-S30W6: Family Bonding Activities

Family is most important part of life. In busy routine we forget to sit together and talk. This activity helped us to spend time as a family. It was simple but very meaningful. We tried to understand each other with love and patience at home together.

This week I choose family tradition. select this because our family was not spending proper time together before this challenge. Everyone was busy in their own work. Children were busy in mobile and study. I was busy in job and outside matters. I felt that communication is getting weak in our home. So this is the to participate all weeks of this challenge. I decid to do something simple but useful. I select family dinner. This is the monthly traditional dinner. Main purpose was not only eating together but also talking and solving small misunderstandings. We also included celebrating small milestones in this activity. Because sometimes we achieve small things in life but we ignore them. We wanted to appreciate each family member.

We started this activity in the evening. First we cleaned our sitting area. My children also helped in small tasks like arranging floor mat and setting place. This small involvement made them feel important. We cooked simple food at home. It was normal desi dinner like roti and daal. We did not make anything special but feeling was special. After dinner setup I called everyone to sit together. At first children were little careless. They were still holding mobile phones. I told them politely to keep phones aside. Slowly they agreed. We all sat together in a circle. I started conversation by asking simple question “How was your month?” My son shared about his school and games. He told me about his class activity and some friends moments. My daughter also shared her school work and little funny incidents. She was smiling while talking. I listened carefully to her. I realized that sometimes we do not listen properly to each other. I asked if anyone has any issue or misunderstanding. My son said sometimes he feels tired of school homework. We discussed it calmly and I explained him how to set time in small steps.

My daughter said sometimes she feels bored when she is alone. We suggested her to read books and draw pictures. We also discussed small family habits like screen time, sleeping routine and helping each other at home. Then we moved to celebrating milestones section. I asked everyone to share one good thing they achieved this week.
My son said he improved his handwriting. My daughter said she learned a new poem. I also shared that I completed my office task on time. We clapped for each other. It was very emotional and happy moment. Everyone was smiling.

We faced some small challenges during this activity.
First challenge was attention problem. Children were not fully focused in start. They were thinking about mobile phones and games. To solve this I calmly explained them the importance of family time. I did not shout or get angry. I spoke softly so they understood easily.
Second challenge was time management. Everyone had different mood and tiredness. Children wanted to play. But we adjusted time and made it short and comfortable.
Third challenge was communication gap. At start everyone was quiet. No one was speaking properly. But slowly when one person started talking, others also joined.

This activity gave us very positive feelings. Our home environment became light and happy. We felt like we are more connected now.
My children felt very happy because they got attention. They were excited that parents are listening to them properly. My son became more confident after sharing his thoughts. My daughter felt special and important.
I personally felt very peaceful. I realize that family time is more important than anything. We ignore small moment but those moments are real happiness.

The biggest benefit was better understanding. We understood each other feelings. Another benefit was emotional bonding. Everyone felt closer. Children started respecting conversation more.