My mom is my best friend. We're like "Gilmore Girls," but without the teenage pregnancy. We spend a ton of time together hanging out, but it was not until last night that I realized how time together as a family, and family time are two completely different things. Due to boredom from being snowed in we decided to bust out some board games and change things up a bit. I cannot remember the last time I had that much fun, laughing about things that out of context seem stupid but when you're playing board games, they are the most hilarious phrases you've ever heard. It's moments like these that make up a family.
Some of the most important memories from my childhood were when we had what I call family time. For me it isn't just all being in the same room together. It's working towards a common goal that involves the minds of every person involved, like playing board games. Now that is a trivial example, but others are cooking a big Sunday dinner together, building a treehouse together, or reading a book together. This last example is in my opinion the single most important thing a family can do together. It's a way for the parents to educate their children and help facilitate their intellectual growth. It's also a way for children to develop their imagination and start figuring out who they want to be, knowing their parents support them. Reading puts us in other people's shoes, and since identity is such a huge issue for children this is a great way for them to develop it within their home with their families present unlike the modern-day alternative of running away from home to find yourself.
My mom read to me every single day from the second she found out she was pregnant with me. I believe this is why we are as close as we are, but also why I am the person that I am. Yes, Dr. Seuss and Goodnight Moon are fantastic books but it wasn't the words that mattered as much as the act of reading as a family was. Even though I'm now all grown up we have decided to still have family time, because no matter how old you get, you're never too old for your family.
--Kyle
Kyle: I enjoyed reading your blog post today, because I agree with you wholeheartedly! Family time is what life is all about: Reading together, cooking together, eating together, sledding together! Seize the moment and make your relationship with your family members THE MOST IMPORTANT thing in your day. Cindi
Posted by: Cindi Williamson | January 19, 2012 at 11:09 AM
Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often
Posted by: Rick | January 29, 2012 at 05:45 AM