Overview Spending time with family is an important way to strengthen communication and form meaningful bonds. For little to no money, families can become closer while engaging in a variety of enjoyable activities. Regularly engaging in family-oriented evenings gives parents and children the opportunity to share emotions and important life events while offering support to other family members. Understanding the importance of an evening at home with the family allows its members to make the most of the time they spend together. Purpose Family time serves many purposes. Practicing healthy communication skills, gaining praise for accomplishments and building a healthy self image are all benefits of an evening at home with the family. There are two basic types of family activities. Core activities consist of things like dinners and conversations that require no serious planning, whereas balance activities involve novel outings like vacations and other pre-planned events. Both core and balance activities are important for increasing a family’s ability to adapt to changes and difficulties, according to Family Facts.org. Features An evening at home with the family usually involves a fun activity—such as playing a board game or cooking dinner together—as well as meaningful, lighthearted conversation. Family nights can last as long as desired, and may occur more or less frequently depending on individual preferences and schedules. Effects Family time can have a strong impact on a child’s self-image and behavior. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, teens who have regular family dinners are three and a half times less likely to abuse drugs than those who rarely eat with their families. Because it strengthens bonds and helps develop trust, family togetherness also sets the stage for honest communication between children and parents regarding issues like sex and drugs. Misconceptions The misconception that family time must include costly or hard-to-plan activities can deter some families from scheduling regular get-togethers. Activities do not need to be elaborately planned or expensive for families to reap the benefits of spending time together. Game night, family dinners, movies and outdoor activities like swimming and barbecues are all excellent ways to bond with your family. Considerations Shared family activities are usually most successful when they occur on a regular basis, such as once a week. Families with busier schedules should try to set aside two to three evenings per month for special at-home activities. In general, the more frequently family evenings occur, the greater the impact they’ll have on the shared dynamic between family members. Source: livestrong.com