5 minute read

Home makeover shows can be inspiring. You see an old space in someone’s house and a fun designer comes in with new ideas to try. Add a fresh coat of paint and some creativity, this room is transformed into something spectacular in just a few days. 

There are times with our children and teenagers that naturally fall into a daily rhythm of “just getting it done”. That is a positive sign that we have found a way of “being” that works for our family. There are seasons though when our daily patterns could use some fresh ideas to give us a boost in our day-to-day lives. Here are three spaces to consider making small shifts to create big differences.

Car rides

Your children and teenagers are a captive audience when taking them from point A to point B. This can be a meaningful time to connect and check in with where they are and how they feel. At times your children and teenagers may even be more comfortable talking about certain topics when you’re not face to face. 

There are lots of ways to engage to get the most from this time. Consider playing games to capture the attention and energy of your travel companions or use conversation starters to get the words flowing. It is important to find the ones that fit the age ranges of your children and teens and don’t give up when you meet a little resistance.  

Mealtimes

If you eat dinner together as a family at least four times each week, research has shown that this will reduce the risk of obesity, substance abuse, and eating disorders in your children. Making this happen can be difficult with all that is required of us through work, activities, and commitments, but the positive effects of being together and the conversations that result are well worth the effort. 

If eating at “your” table is not realistic with your weekly schedule, then commit to eating at “a” table together. The power of this time is not in the location, but rather in the adventure of engaging your family members in moments of connection, conversation, and laughter together.

Bedtimes

Take a moment and think about bedtime at your home. Are there places and spaces that could hold moments of meaningful connection? Getting enough sleep is critical for our children and teenagers as rest is related to learning performance, physical health, and mental health outcomes for them. We often overlook the fact that getting enough sleep is important for us too. 

Before you give up on this being anything other than a struggle, find a rhythm that works for your home. Rather than just focusing on bedtime task completion, be sure to insert moments of connection. Singing a song, reading a book, one heart question before lights out. or finding a new music artist are all options that take only a few minutes. Be sure to participate actively so it isn’t a one way experience. A conversation where only one person is talking is telling, not communicating. 

Be encouraged! You don’t have to implement all of these at once. Start with what you can do now and add more as you are successful. Your small steps over time will bring great results!

Want more resources? Here are three members only ParentTV videos that keep this conversation going.