SCHEDULE A REGULAR DATE NIGHT WITH YOUR PARTNER. We know, life gets in the way. But you should still strengthen your relationship with your partner by spending quality time as a twosome. Go out someplace special once a week. Agree not to talk about kids, money, or other serious issues, and you'll have everything you need to create special new, fun memories together.
TAKE A FIELD TRIP. One surefire way to get people to unify is to take them out of their element and put them in a situation where they experience something new together. This can be as simple as a day hike complete with a treasure hunt or excursion to a baseball game or more involved like a canoe or camping trip or visit to an amusement park. The only requirement is that the activity is fun and engaging for everyone involved.
INSTATE FAMILY DINNER NIGHT. Sure it's easier to whip up kid-friendly food early in the evening and deal with adult dining later on. But few things bring a family together better than a shared meal around the dinner table. Make it a fun mandate at least once a week, and get everyone to pitch in with preparation—people tend to best support the things they help to create.
PLAY AN EVERYDAY BOARD GAME. Classic board games get people to interact in a way that staring at the TV just can't do. They’re also fun! For maximum enjoyment choose a game that is age-appropriate for all players, serve a finger-food dinner at the coffee table, and offer awards to every player at the end. Who knows—you might be inspired to create a monthly tournament.
CREATE GROUP PROJECTS. There’s a shared feeling of accomplishment and bonding power in gathering your family to tackle projects together. It can be something practical like planting a new garden or painting a room. Maybe create a family mural. It can even be charitable, like volunteering for a community project. Whatever the case, there is strength in numbers.
