Effective Ways to Build a Close-Knit and Strong Family

Differences in character are a challenge for every parent in building family unity or togetherness. Basically, a family is built by two different individuals: a man and a woman who marry and live together. The presence of children in a marriage certainly creates happiness, while also adding diversity, because the family now has several members with different traits.

In a close-knit family, its members usually feel peaceful, calm, and happy. On the other hand, a family that is not united will make its members feel uneasy, often quarrel, and become cold toward one another.

What is certain is, family togetherness does not happen overnight. Just like anything else, to achieve it we must go through a process that requires consistency and perseverance. So, what do we need to understand and apply in order to have a close-knit family?

Who Can Build Family Unity?

You!

Yes, no matter how long you have been married, or how old your children are now, you need to take the initiative to do it. The initial capital you need is the determination to start right now.

How?

A united family must have the same spiritual foundation. So, instill spiritual values, and apply them in daily life.

Instill These Values:

• A Loving Relationship

Unity begins with a loving relationship. Love between husband and wife, which will then reach the children. Love is the key to building trust in a relationship.

Express love to your spouse, and teach your children about love as early as possible. Direct them to the loving character of God. Make it a point to express your affection to your spouse and children as often as possible.

... and behold, a voice was heard from heaven saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” – Matthew 3:17

The verse above is an expression of love from God the Father to Jesus. It is a remarkable statement that the Father loves His Son. The Father is proud of His Son. So, never underestimate words of love. Whether you realize it or not, your children and spouse will feel sad if you never express your love and pride to them.

Expressions of love will make your spouse and children feel special. Express your affection through words and actions. Speak gently. Make an effort to serve and help one another. A spouse and children who are loved will feel secure and be encouraged to give their love to others.

• A Consistent Relationship with God

Praying together as a family and reading God's word every day can bring encouragement, soften hearts, and straighten thoughts. Your spouse and children will feel the presence and person of God guiding every step of their lives. Family worship that is consistent every Sunday can also build unity in the family.

And I have given them the glory which You have given Me, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me, that they may be made perfect in one, so that the world may know that You sent Me and that You have loved them just as You have loved Me. – John 17:22-23

Through His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus expressed the hope that His disciples would remain united. In your time of prayer together, lift up your request to God that all of you may continue to be united, and make sure they hear your hope. Involve every member in activities together. For example, in family worship, decide whose turn it is to lead the praise, share God's word, as well as offer the opening prayer and closing prayer.

Do the Following Things:

• Indoor Activities (Indoor Activities)

Home is the place where family members meet most often. Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we spent more time at home. Take this opportunity to build family unity by consistently doing these simple things:

• Greeting One Another Greet other family members when you meet in the morning. Anyone may start first. Wife to husband, child to mother, younger sibling to older sibling. Surely, the atmosphere in your home will become warmer and more cheerful.
• Give a Hug Receiving a good-night greeting with a warm hug will make all family members feel happy. Especially when it is done by the people closest to them. Most likely they will return your hug as well.
• Eat Together Closeness among family members can be built while eating together. While eating, you, your spouse, and your children can tell one another about various things that made the day enjoyable.
• Watch Together Create togetherness in the family by enjoying shared interests. Watching programs on TV, YouTube, or playing videos is one way to share laughter and fun. It is not only parents who must take the initiative, children may also be the first to invite other family members to watch together.

• Outdoor Activities (Outdoor Activities)

Outdoor activities contribute more to creating shared memories than indoor activities do. Memories of when you laughed joyfully will be recorded in the memory of your spouse and children, and will continue to be cherished in the years to come.

You can do the following enjoyable activities with your family:

• Camping
• Swimming
• Jogging
• Picnic
• Fishing
• Cycling
• Mountain climbing
• Visiting the zoo
• Gardening
• Playing games

The effort to build family togetherness requires the involvement of every member. Start by instilling spiritual values from an early age, and consistently do activities together. Let us begin today!

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References: www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2007/09/striving-for-family-unity?lang=eng www.sycamorecreekfamilyranch.com/blog/build-family-unity/

Related Articles:

• Do These 7 Signs of a Happy Family Already Exist in Your Family?
• The Family's Emotional Savings
• Parents' Affection: Prioritizing the Heart, Not Appearance
• A Harmonious Family Does Not Fall from the Sky
• Building a Spiritually Healthy Family

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