Family Bonds - Our Family Experiement

Family bonds are the glue that holds us together through life’s highs and lows. A close, connected family doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through intentional actions, shared moments, and consistent love. In a world full of distractions, making time for each other and prioritizing these connections is more important than ever.

Here are 10 simple but powerful tips for strengthening family bonds and fostering a deeper connection with your loved ones.

1. Prioritize Family Time

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to let family time take a backseat. Make it a point to schedule regular moments together, whether it’s a family game night, Sunday dinner, or a quick walk around the neighborhood. These moments create shared memories and strengthen relationships.

At my (Denise’s) mother’s house, she has weekly family dinners for the entire family. We come, eat, and hang out! It’s usually very loud and by the time it’s all over Matt and I in our introvertedness are ready for peace in our bedroom, (since we are living here with my parents), but are thankful for the time we got to spend with everyone.

Scheduling regular family activities creates shared memories and strengthens relationships. Here are some of our family’s favorite board games and video games:

2. Practice Open Communication

Encourage open, honest, and respectful conversations with your family. Create an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. Ask open-ended questions like, “What was the best part of your day?” or “What’s something you’re excited about right now?” If you are like me and have trouble with small talk or just starting the conversation, I’ve found that TableTopics has a Family edition of their conversation starter cards and they are SO helpful!

This is easy with our daughter because she has the gift of gab. You best be prepared for a long drawn-out answer from her. Not to mention half a dozen rabbit trails. However, these types of questions are overwhelming to Ethan. He’s like his momma. The spoken word terrifies me. I’d rather be writing. Otherwise, I better have a script or an idea of what I need to say before I say it. He will answer these types of questions, it just takes him a bit longer. So patience is key!

3. Unplug and Be Present

Technology is a wonderful tool, but it can also be a major distraction. Set aside time to unplug from devices and focus solely on each other. Whether it’s during meals or designated family hours, being present helps deepen your connection.

This is easier said than done. Can you imagine the look my husband and I give each other when one of us grounds the kids from their devices!? Like… “What have you done? Now they will be all over us and constantly seeking our attention because they are bored!” All jokes aside though, it is important to unplug. We will often take short drives just to get out of the house. Go to the park. Get our favorite drinks from Sonic. When it’s warm, take the drone and RC cars out in the cul-de-sac and play!

It really doesn’t matter how glamorous the activity… what matters is just being in the moment. Don’t let your kids remember you by how much time your face was glued to your phone or computer. Not only are you an example, but you are THE main example impacting the very core of their being. And your children will be affected by what you do or do not do. Be there in every way. Mentally and physically.

4. Create Family Traditions

Traditions, big or small, give your family something special to look forward to. It could be baking cookies every Christmas, having pizza on Friday nights, or taking a yearly camping trip. These rituals create lasting memories and give your family a sense of identity.

For us, especially around the holidays, it’s shooting the BB gun on Thanksgiving at whatever target we can grab. Mostly sheets of paper on a box, but occasionally momma’s rotten pumpkin decor. Or how we go out every year and let the kids pick out a new Christmas ornament to put on the tree.

Traditions might seem small and insignificant, but over time, they add up. And years from now your children will be sitting around with their children reminiscing about their childhood. What do you want them to remember or carry on with them when you are gone?

Establishing rituals fosters a sense of identity. Ideas include:

Personalized Ornaments: Allowing each family member to choose or create an ornament annually adds personal significance to holiday traditions.

Holiday Craft Kits: Creating decorations together can become a cherished tradition.

5. Show Gratitude and Appreciation

Take time to recognize and celebrate each other. A simple “Thank you” or “I’m proud of you” goes a long way in strengthening family bonds. Encourage your kids to do the same with their siblings and other family members.

Our daughter is constantly drawing something new. And over the last year, she has amazed me as she learns and develops new ways to draw and color things. Just recently she asked for new crayons because she wanted to be able to add texture to her drawings. Texture!? Okay!

It’s really easy to passively say, “Oh that looks good.” and then go about my day. But it’s really important to stop for the whole 1 to 2 minutes it might take to really look at what your child has done and actually commend them for a job well done. And being the artsy mom I am, even give her a couple of tips here and there.

This shows two things. 1. I see you, I hear you, I love you, and I’m proud of you. And 2. I want you to feel seen, heard, loved, and proud of yourself!

Expressing thanks strengthens bonds. Tools to facilitate this:

Recognition Boards: A family bulletin board to post achievements and positive notes to celebrate individual contributions.

Gratitude Journals: Encourage family members to document daily appreciation, fostering a culture of gratitude.

6. Pray Together

Prayer is a powerful way to bring your family closer, not just to each other but also to God. Whether it’s a daily family prayer, grace before meals, or coming together during tough times, prayer helps create a foundation of faith and unity. For our family, we pray every night before bedtime. If the kids sleep over anywhere or we are ever away, they expect our bedtime routine to continue regardless.

7. Serve Each Other and Others

Acts of service within your family build mutual respect and love. Helping a sibling with their homework or surprising your spouse with a chore they dislike shows care. Additionally, serving others as a family—through volunteering or donating—teaches compassion and reinforces your shared values.

This year Addison has learned about Angel Trees and really has the heart and desire to be a blessing to a little girl her age this year for Christmas. So we are planning on adopting a child to buy a Christmas gift for through the Tulsa Salvation Army.

It’s a small thing to us, and the least we could do, but it’s also something we are trying to teach our children. Jesus wants us to care for the homeless, the orphans, the widows, etc. So we are teaching them to be like Jesus.

8. Learn and Grow Together

Make learning a family affair. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe, taking a class, or working on a DIY project, shared experiences help your family grow closer. Plus, it’s a fun way to create memories and discover new talents together.

Back in June of 2024 and then again in November, I (Denise) had surgeries on both of my elbows. Which meant I needed help in places like the kitchen and making dinners. Don’t get me wrong… takeout was our friend. Ha! But when we just wanted a home-cooked meal instead, the kids, and even Matt got to be my hands and listen to instructions as I taught them how to make something. Whether by scratch or from a box. It led to some pretty funny moments, and even a few… ugh just let me do it moments as well!

9. Practice Forgiveness

No family is perfect, and disagreements are inevitable. What matters is how you handle them. Practice forgiveness, both giving and receiving, and teach your children the importance of apologizing when they’re wrong. Forgiveness fosters peace and keeps relationships strong.

I’m (Denise) terrible at accepting responsibility for my mistakes. I can only assume this is due to how I was raised. Perhaps I just didn’t pick up this life skill early on. Who knows? I avoid confrontation at all costs. I beat myself up when I mess up more than anybody I upset possibly could.

But as I continue to grow up and life presents more and more opportunities to get it right, I’m maturing and learning that how you respond to situations matters. As I listen to the way my children respond to each other and other people sometimes, I’m constantly reminded of the example I’m being. Which pushes me to beat myself up as a parent, but then try my hardest to be better tomorrow.

10. Celebrate Each Other’s Strengths

Each family member brings something unique to the table. Take time to recognize and celebrate individual talents, achievements, and qualities. This not only boosts self-esteem but also reminds your family how much they’re loved and valued.

Matt is so good and explaining things. He remembers everything and I’m often jealous of the way his mind operates. This allows him to be the amazing writer he is, and what will allow him to achieve his goal of publishing his first fiction book in the coming months!

I’m artsy. I could design things all day long and be completely content. I might have gotten my kids hooked on Minecraft for the simple joy of being able to create something while also spending time with the kids. 😉

Ethan is in that stage where he’s trying to figure out what to do with himself. He’s good at a lot of things. But his favorite thing to date is gaming. And he can tell you everything you need to know about Minecraft, Ark, and Fallout.

Addison is so smart. I’m convinced she can be anything she wants to be when she grows up. My dad has been teaching her Spanish and she’s picking it up so quickly. She loves gaming too, but she’s especially fond of crafting and drawing!

Building a Legacy of Love

Family bonds don’t strengthen overnight—they’re built one moment, one choice, and one intentional act at a time. By prioritizing love, respect, and faith, you’re not just creating a happier home—you’re building a legacy of connection and trust that will last for generations.

Which of these tips do you want to try in your family? We’d love to hear how you strengthen family bonds! Share your thoughts and stories by emailing us at [email protected]. Together, we can inspire each other to create closer, more connected families.