Warm days, roller coaster rides, family vacations, and ice cream cones all conjure up images of sweet summer days. As the school year winds down, summer is a great opportunity for families to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company.

The truth is, we’re all imperfect individuals coming together trying to connect, engage, and balance multiple personalities, goals, dreams, demands, and constant changes. What we really crave is connection through support, love, calm and acceptance. This year, make your health and happiness a priority with these family wellness tips.

Create A Family Routine

Even though your kids might be able to say goodbye to the 6 am school alarm, it’s still important to maintain routine and structure. A daily routine can also help children beat boredom.

Encourage healthy hobbies and activities that help spark creativity like Play-Doh, sidewalk chalk, and painting projects. Go for a family walk or plan a picnic lunch. Try to come up with one small activity you can do each day that will create lasting memories.

Limit Technology

From smartphones to iPads and video games, it seems like there’s no escaping technology these days. Come up with a responsibility chart that will keep everyone busy. For those long road trips, pack some books or play car bingo or to keep them entertained without technology. You don’t have to completely eliminate technology from your household, but it’s important to unplug so you can connect.

Create A Work/Life Balance

Parents don’t always get a Summer Break. With 40-hour work weeks and demanding careers, it’s sometimes hard to strike that work/life balance now that the children aren’t in school. Don’t let guilt get the best of you!

Take a look at your schedule and find ways to incorporate some family time even if you have to get creative. Above all, remember that it’s the little things in life that mean the most. You don’t have to take expensive vacations or join a country club to make wonderful memories with your family.

Being part of a family is all about connection.

At Foundations Family Therapy, we can help families identify patterns that aren’t working and develop new ones that work better. We help you reconnect and feel supported, we help you fight fair and parent more efficiently so you can enjoy life with your children and not be exhausted trying to train them.