Prioritize shared meals, a golden space to listen to each other
In modern life, the whole family rarely sit down at a full meal. Therefore, weekends become a "res meeting place" for parents and children to find a common pace.
Families that maintain at least one meal together on the weekend often have a 25% higher level of cohesion than families without this habit, says Dr. Elaine Foster, University of Sydney (Australia). Children feel respected when parents spend time just listening to them."
A meal does not require elaborate: a few familiar dishes, daily stories, and a full presence. The most important thing is the feeling of "everyone has their place in this house".
Spend time exercising together, little discipline, great joy
On weekends, people are easily swallowed by phones, social networks, and entertainment devices. A walk around the lake, cycling in the park or planting a few pots of plants together can make a very clear difference.
Light-end physical activities help reduce cortisol levels in both adults and children, emphasizes Mark leduc, a family therapy expert at the Canada Canada Community Health Center. But more importantly, they create common memories, something that children will carry with them for the rest of their lives."
The moment parents held their children's hands crossing a small path in a simple park is a vivid lesson in companionship, discipline and love.
Suggestions for 5 small things to avoid having a meaningful weekend
Cook a meal together and let children participate in choosing dishes and preparing ingredients.
turn off TV for 1 hour for the whole family to chat and share last week.
Light exercise: walk, garden, clean the kitchen or clean the study corner.
Read a book with your child or listen to a family podcast.
Plan a new week to avoid stress on Sunday evenings.
No need to show off on weekends, nor need to spend a lot of money. Sometimes just sit together, say a few sincere words, do a few small things regularly. Those simple things are the sustainable foundation of a home.
