5 Ways to bond better as a family

A family is the first school that we get to attend on the material plane.It introduces us to the core virtues and values we must learn and imbibe.As life seems to be a roller coaster ride in the modern age, quality over quantity is key.Those who are blessed with the comfort of a loving and sound family are welcomed joyously into this world. They are nurtured with warmth, shelterand food. We shower all our love and care upon our infants and as they gradually grow into toddlers we teach them easy and happy ways of becoming independent.By the time the 'apple of our eye' starts regular school, a lot more takes over his/her precious hours– sports, art and craft classes, music, friends, etc.

As we all find ourselves pressed for time with organising our and our children’s lives,here are some wonderful ways to bond together as a family and remember, it’s always best to start early:

1. Wake up with a smile: Our brain waves are deeply synced to our subconscious mind when we are asleep and as we pull ourselves out of sleep; it is the best time to let a message seep deeply into the subconscious.This is why it is suggested that affirmations are reaffirmed first thing in the morning.So a cuddle and a few loving words would make your child feel loved and secure and this memory will go deep into their subconscious, leaving a happy psychic impression.The same applies to our partners.The day is set when we wake up with a loving smile.

2. Welcome your child home with love: When I was young, every time I returned home from school I was welcomed by the most cheerful 'Hello' from my mother, it made me feel special and her excitement made me forget the little stresses I had felt during the day.It felt that I made her day just by merely being there!Today,it’s almost like an automated reaction when my kids return from school–I greet them with a cheerful voice and a little cuddle that reminds them how much they are loved.

3. A family that prays together stays together: I feel surprised when age old wisdom proves to be equally true even today. When I created an altar in my home, and spend some time there lighting candles, chanting, connecting and unwinding mentally and emotionally – I realised the power point it became for my children as well. Every time they faced any challenge regarding friends, teachers, studies, stubbornness, irritability, lack of sleep, etc. I would ask them to light a candle in the name of the problem, breathe deep, and ask the light to replace lack with abundance and stress with peace.On days when we would have more time, we would chant and sing together too.Almost like magic they would come back beaming due to the result this simple practice got them. It helped build faith in the energy we call 'God', and it also taught them that the power of our intention can indeed melt hearts and move mountains!

4. Share your life story with them: Let your children know about your childhood struggles and how you overcome them with courage. Children love stories but more so if they are real life stories of resilience and bravery.It teaches our children to learn many truths and prepares their mind to hold on to the determination and grace that lies within them.This develops compassion and builds respect, which areessentialqualitiesfor your children to have.

5. Give them the space to discover themselves: Disciplining kids today has become like rocket science, it makes some of us lose the joy and essence of parenthood.By forcing our child to excel in one area of their life we sometimes make them sacrifice a huge part of something that is most precious - their childhood!Let your children indulge in doing nothing atall sometimes - no chores, no homework, no video games, no cooking or soccer classes.This is when we truly get to know and discover ourselves.I call this the 'Power of Nothingness’. It is extremely rejuvenating to sit back on that couch and reverently look at all the old pictures and memories we captured.It is a great way to make our kids relive their childhood, and a great way to bond as a family.

Families bond in love and laughter when we connect more than control. Accept more than you expect and communicate lovingly more than condemning your child.We all go out of our way to give our children the best in life. The earlier we start strengthening them emotionally and spiritually, the deeper the roots of our family tree will reach.Last but not the least - parents that bond well together leave a silent yet strong impact on their child's mind.They learn more from what we do V/S what we say.

Did you find Shweta’s tips on family bondinguseful? How do you spend quality time with your child? Do leave your comments…. We love hearing from you!