Caitlin Woolbert
So many sources today steal time away from our families. They try to get our children to place priority and trust in the wrong places such as media or popularity. As wonderful as it is to have friends, what our kids really need are great FAMILIES where they know they will be safe and loved. The home needs to be where our children learn important lessons and make decisions so they will feel confident with themselves and their ability to make good choices when they are not in the home. Knowing this, family time should be our number one goal. With all of the temptations our children face it is essential that we make time to teach important lessons.
A great way to spend quality time with your family is by taking family vacations. Here are five benefits of Recreation:
- Recreation provides time and opportunity for better communication.
- Recreation allows for families to set time aside specifically for the family, where their main priority is the family well-being.
- Provides an opportunity to work as a team and for the parents to see their kids accomplish tasks.
- Provides opportunities for praises.
- Provides opportunities for reliance on one another to accomplish tasks. (Build trust)
Family vacations are stressful for parents. “Trying to manage children during family outings can be a real challenge. But what often happens is that we as parents have good experiences, and, although we may not know it, our children are probably having great experiences.” Mark Widner, BYU Professor, Recreation Management and Youth Leadership.
In Widmer’s article he shares a great example of this. “Charles Francis Adams was a son of the second president of the United States, a successful lawyer, and ambassador to Great Britain. Although he had little free time, one day he took his son fishing. In his diary, he wrote, “Went fishing with my son today. A day wasted.” On that same day, his son wrote “Went fishing with my father today, the most wonderful day of my life.” Spending time with your children is important to them.
Think back to a time in your childhood that you would describe as joyful. Chances are good that most of these will relate to your family in some form or shape. Some of my greatest memories come from spending time with my family. When we are gathered together as a family we often bring up memories from past family vacations. These experiences help us grow closer.
I encourage you to make time today to be with your family. Sit down and plan family vacations. You won’t regret it, and lasting memories will be made for you and your children.
References
Huff, C. (2002). The influence of challenging family outdoor recreation on parent-adolescent communication. (Master’s thesis)Retrieved from http://search.lib.byu.edu/byu/id:byu2907931
Widmer, M. (2004). Strengthening marriages and families through wholesome recreation. Retrieved from http://marriageandfamilies.byu.edu/issues/2004/Summer/wholesomerecreation.aspx