Latest news with #familybonding
Forbes
03-06-2025
- Health
- Forbes
3 Ways To Prevent A ‘Vacation Meltdown' With Kids, By A Psychologist
Do your family vacations leave you more drained than delighted? Here are three ways to outsmart the ... More chaos and make every moment count, with your sanity intact. Recreation is a powerful way to connect and bond with your family. Family vacations, in particular, give you and your family a chance to get away from the monotony of everyday routine and be fully present with one another. Although, as parents, this can be a challenging experience. In the process of managing your child's energy dips to navigating teenage mood swings, while trying to make it all 'worth it' for everyone, vacations can be more overwhelming than relaxing. However, it doesn't always have to be stressful. The key to remedy this is better preparation. While you definitely cannot predict or foresee the ups and downs that may happen, you can certainly make a plan catering to your family's needs, which can make a major difference. Here are three ways to plan a better vacation with your family, based on research. As a parent, you'll likely do most of the planning for the trip, while trying to keep everyone's preferences in mind, which can be a lot to juggle. A better and more harmonious way to do the planning is by involving everyone, including your kids and teenagers. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Travel Research explored how children's involvement in family travel decisions is influenced by their own knowledge and emotional connection to tourism, as well as by the family's communication style. Researchers found that children who are more knowledgeable about travel and feel emotionally attached to it tend to have a greater influence on both initiating trips and making decisions about activities. Additionally, families that encourage open and concept-oriented communication allow children to participate more actively in planning. Based on the study's findings, one practical suggestion for better vacations is to engage in open communication within the family when planning trips. You can do this by encouraging your children to share their ideas, preferences and concerns freely. Actively listen to them without any judgment. This reinforces the idea that everyone's voice matters and gives a sense of autonomy to each and every member of the family, making it less likely that they'll be upset or frustrated on the trip. Start with conducting family meetings or casual planning sessions where each member, regardless of age, has a say. This helps reduce potential conflicts and stress, making the trip smoother and more enjoyable for all. Ultimately, this way, as a family, you change your decision-making in a way that better reflects everyone's interests. Eventually, this leads to greater enthusiasm and cooperation during the vacation. One significant stressor during family vacations can be the pace of the trip. While the idea is to have fun, an overpacked to-do list can leave you and your children feeling more exhausted than rejuvenated. This is because when itineraries are packed without breaks, it leaves little to no time for rest, play or spontaneous fun. A nonstop schedule can deplete your children's energy, which eventually increases their irritability and reduces their ability to enjoy the trip fully. All of which equally impacts you, as a parent, causing you to feel more fatigued than rested on a trip. Research published in Tourism Review analyzed the influence of various stressors on overall vacation stress. The researchers highlight that vacation stress is a multi-dimensional concept. The three main categories are pre-trip stressors (such as planning and preparation), travel stressors (such as transportation delays) and destination stressors (stress experienced at the vacation location). Destination stressors, out of three, were identified as the strongest factor contributing to overall vacation stress. This usually happens because destination stress can feel overwhelming with the many unpredictable factors that you may encounter. These may include crowded attractions, long waiting lines, sensory overload from new sights and sounds, unfamiliar routines and sometimes even unexpected weather changes. For children, especially, these stressors can quickly lead to meltdowns or withdrawn behavior. This is an added stressor for the parents. For these reasons, intentionally creating buffer time can be a great solution. Mindfully try to incorporate it into your travel itinerary. Extra time between activities can serve as a breather for everyone to rest and recalibrate. This helps prevent the buildup of fatigue and frustration that often leads to irritability. It's important to remember that a vacation isn't a checklist to complete. Let your focus be more on doing less but doing it right, which means prioritizing quality time that suits everyone's age and needs while cherishing the time you spend together. Vacations with kids often involve adventure parks and crowded places that involve waiting in lines for long periods of time. This is a common source of tension. It's okay to acknowledge that waiting is frustrating and sometimes exhausting. You're doing your best and that counts for a lot. In this situation, turning the inevitable waiting time into playtime can make a huge difference. Try to stay lighthearted by playing simple games, telling funny stories or sharing little observations about your surroundings. You can even engage in planning future activities together while you wait to transform the experience. Encouraging kids to stay engaged not only distracts them from boredom and irritation, but also strengthens family connections. When parents stay calm and engaged, it sets a positive tone that helps kids relax, too. Bringing along snacks and small comfort items can also be a game-changer during such long waits. Hunger and fatigue can often amplify irritability for many, making patience even harder to maintain. Having familiar snacks on hand can provide quick energy boosts and a sense of comfort, which helps stabilize mood and keep spirits high. A 2024 survey conducted by Talker Research found that three and a half hours into a holiday trip is when parental stress typically peaks. One of the top reasons for this is the stress of keeping kids entertained and managing temper tantrums. What helped the most, according to 83% of parents, was having a good roster of snacks on hand. Keep in mind, you just need to find a rhythm that works for everyone. Remember to stay flexible in your approach and turn small moments into opportunities for connection. This way, even the most tedious parts of a trip can become meaningful. It's in these in-between moments, while waiting, laughing or simply being together, that some of the most cherished memories are made. To transform your vacation experience, focus on what works for your family, keeping each member in mind. Making everyone feel involved, connected and well-rested will help create more harmony and ease. One of the most powerful shifts you can make is in your mindset. Traveling with children naturally involves mood swings, tantrums and unexpected moments that will test your patience. The key is to prepare yourself to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. Things may not always go as planned and that's okay. Staying flexible and attuned to your family's needs will help you power through moments of frustration and create space for connection, even when things don't go perfectly. Are you running on empty as a parent? Take this science-backed test to find out if you're burnt out: Parental Burnout Assessment
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
These 6 Habits Will Transform Your Relationship With Your Grandkids
The grandparent-grandchild relationship can be filled with deep love, joy and connection. But these strong bonds don't just happen by accident — they require nurturing just like any other relationship. The majority of Americans — 69% — say it's very important for grandparents and grandkids to have a close relationship, according to a recent YouGov survey. However, nearly a quarter of respondents reported that their grandparents have been not very or not at all influential in their lives. If your relationship with your grandkids isn't as close as you'd like it to be, read on. Below, therapists share some of the most significant things grandparents can do to fortify the bond with their grandkids. Don't fall into the trap of sitting back and waiting for your grandchild to come to the adult here (or at least the more senior one) which means you have both 'the opportunity and responsibility to reach out by taking initiative to be part of that grandchild's life,' said Dallas marriage and family therapist Sarah Epstein. Show them you care by being proactive about building the relationship. 'That can look like attending the child's sports game, calling the grandchild when they come home from a trip or discussing shared movie and book interests,' Epstein said. 'Children want to feel like the adults in their life want to spend time with them. Grandparents have the powerful opportunity to show up as an adult that truly delights in their grandchild's life.' Taking time to get to know who your grandchild really is is one of the most impactful things you can do as their grandparent. It will help them 'feel heard, valued, and understood, creating a deep emotional connection between you,' said clinical geropsychologist Regina Koepp, founder of the Center for Mental Health & Aging. One way to start? Practice active listening. 'This means giving your grandchild your full attention, making eye contact and genuinely responding to what they're saying,' Koepp said. It's true that your grandkids are growing up in a world that's far different from the one you were raised in or even raised your children in, Epstein said. Approach these differences with a sense of curiosity and try to withhold judgment. 'The children's interests may seem strange, the trends may feel unfamiliar and the language hard to follow,' she said. 'Grandparents will build closeness with their grandchildren by showing up with curiosity rather than judgment.' That doesn't mean you need to be well-versed in every last detail of their favorite video game or able to rattle off the starting lineup of their favorite sports team. But being open-minded about their hobbies goes a long way. 'Children will pick up on being judged and create distance,' Epstein said. 'Those grandparents who can show some curiosity and engage their grandchild on their own terms will find that grandchild much more excited to spend time together.' Engaging in shared activities and experiences with your grandkids is a powerful way to strengthen the relationship, said Miami neuropsychologist Aldrich Chan told HuffPost. 'Whether it's playing games, going for walks, or pursuing common interests, these shared moments create lasting memories and provide opportunities for learning, laughter and connection,' he said. 'Engaging in activities that cater to the grandchild's age and interests shows that the grandparent values their time together and is invested in their happiness.' Plus, doing things your grandkid likes to do shows that you're not only willing to enter their world, but are interested in learning more about it, Koepp said. As a grandparent, you are a 'living link from the present to a family's past,' Koepp said. You can 'provide a sense of cultural heritage and familial history, connecting grandchildren with their ancestors and give them a sense of belonging and identity.' Sharing family stories — either your own or ones that have been passed down to you — with your grandkids can instill a sense of pride in them, teach them about their background and help them understand how they fit into this legacy, Koepp said. 'You can also do this by sharing and maintaining family traditions, whether for holidays, birthdays or meals on the weekend,' she said. 'Family traditions can provide grandchildren with cherished memories and a sense of belonging. These rituals, big or small, become a significant and comforting part of a child's life, creating lasting bonds and shared experiences that can be passed through the generations.' It's important to recognize and celebrate your grandchild's wins, no matter how big or small. It's a powerful way to show how proud and supportive you are, Chan said. 'Whether it's applauding academic accomplishments, sports achievements, artistic talents or personal growth, acknowledging and celebrating these moments can boost a grandchild's self-esteem and create cherished memories,' he said. You can also do this by attending recitals, games, shows and other events to show your support whenever possible. If you want a better relationship with your grandkids, don't forget to keep working on the relationship you have with your own kid (i.e. their parent). 'When grandparents and parents get along, family gatherings can occur more frequently, offering more opportunities for grandparents and grandchildren to bond,' Epstein said. 'Building a relationship with the parents also builds stronger multi-generational bonds that help families weather rough patches more effectively.' Your Mom May Feel Closer To Her Grandkids Than To You. Here's Why: Study Forget 'Grandma' And 'Grandpa' — These Are The Most Popular Names Kids Call Grandparents It's Not Just You: Making Friends After 60 Is Really Hard
Globe and Mail
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Frolic & Fun Launches Children's Day Celebration Campaign with Discounts, Video & Photo Rewards and a Sofa Giveaway
Frolic & Fun's two-part promotion celebrates imagination, family bonding, and creative play from May 25 to June 6. Frolic & Fun, the beloved online destination for creative, kid-friendly modular sofas, is ringing in Children's Day with a festive new campaign designed to delight families and spark joyful memories. From May 25 through June 6, Frolic & Fun invites parents and kids alike to join in a two-part celebration filled with exclusive discounts, interactive rewards, and a cozy giveaway that honors the playful spirit of childhood. The campaign kicks off with exciting offers on the Frolic & Fun official website, including up to $60 off on selected sofa models. Known for designs like the Frolic & Fun 16 and PleaseBlock —playful furniture inspired by the Soma Cube and crafted for imagination and development—these kid-friendly sofas are a favorite for families seeking comfort, creativity, and connection. Whether used for learning, storytelling, or playtime, Frolic & Fun's modular pieces transform everyday spaces into vibrant zones of discovery and comfort. Frolic & Fun 16 In addition to sitewide savings, Frolic & Fun is also launching a long-term, no-time-limit customer video and photo reward initiative. Families who purchase Frolic & Fun products and upload unboxing photos or usage videos directly to the official website will receive a reward as a thank-you for sharing their Frolic moments: cashback reward for every customer who shares photo/video feedback. It's a fun and personal way to spotlight real families enjoying Frolic & Fun sofas in their daily lives—whether it's a toddler leaping into a reading nook or siblings building forts after school. PleaseBlock 'As a brand born from a shared love for the Soma Cube and the joy of hands-on learning, we wanted to make Children's Day more than just a sale,' said a Frolic & Fun spokesperson. 'We're celebrating not only our products, but the memories they help create—moments of laughter, bonding, and pure imaginative play.' The second part of the promotion takes the fun to social media with the ' Share & Win a Frolic & Fun Sofa!' Giveaway. This giveaway is time-limited and only runs from May 25 to June 6. Participants will have the chance to win one of Frolic & Fun's best-selling sofas in the color of their choice—ideal for curling up during family movie nights or cozy weekend reading sessions. To enter, users must:Comment with their favorite family activity to do on a comfy sofa. Like & share the giveaway post to spread the joy. Follow @Frolic & Fun for updates and future events. Participants can also earn a bonus entry by tagging a friend in the comments who would love to win too. As always, Frolic & Fun continues to support families with free shipping on orders over $50, exclusive discounts for subscribers, and dedicated customer service to make every shopping experience easy and enjoyable. From its early ideation in 2022 to its official launch in 2024, Frolic & Fun has grown into a trusted brand for modular sofas that go beyond seating—they're a canvas for imagination, tools for development, and a soft landing for life's daily adventures. Products like PleaseBlock, made with high-density foam and soft yet durable fabrics, are rigorously tested to ensure safety, comfort, and long-lasting fun. This Children's Day, Frolic & Fun invites families everywhere to join the celebration. Whether shopping for your child's first modular sofa or entering to win one for free, this campaign is a tribute to the magic of childhood and the spaces that nurture it. About Frolic & Fun Frolic & Fun is offering high-quality modular sofas and lifestyle products designed to support childhood development, creative learning, and home comfort. Rooted in the principles of Montessori education, products encourage independent exploration, imaginative play, and hands-on learning. Inspired by classic puzzle toys and fueled by a mission to bring families closer, Frolic & Fun continues to craft joyful, flexible furniture solutions that grow with children and adapt seamlessly to modern households.
Fox News
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
3 ridiculous ways to celebrate motherhood
Is there a better way to strengthen the bond between mother and child than to share a ridiculous experience or two? Well, maybe. But celebrating motherhood in joyful, unconventional ways just might be highly underrated, because experiencing the absurd together has the power to create lasting memories and spawn all kinds of delight. Here are just three ways you might do that … if you dare, you rebel, you. Maybe you'd like to say, "Yes," to a kid's request for mismatched crazy clothes for the day. Say, "Yes," to dessert first. Say, "Yes," to a popup dance party. Turn on your plug-in disco ball (You have one of those, right? If not, I highly recommend.), turn on the dance music and celebrate — anywhere! The kitchen, the bedroom, even the bathroom. (Nothing like a disco shower experience first thing in the morning.) Say, "Yes," to making impromptu "movies" for posterity. (Or just for fun!) Or maybe, like I did once, you could say, "Yes," to an adventure in yucky weather. One rainy day when my daughter was 4 years old, I had a lot to do and was cleaning the house when she approached me with this perfectly ridiculous suggestion: "Mommy," she said, "Let's put on our swimsuits and get umbrellas and go walking in the rain." To be clear: my first thought was, "This is wrong on so many levels." For one thing, we lived in a neighborhood where the houses were close together; we all knew everybody's business. So, for sure, everyone would be able to see Jamie and me in our beachwear, ambling down the street like we did this all the time. I feared turning into a side show for the neighborhood circus. And, come on, it was so rainy. And I was so busy. Say, "Yes," to making impromptu "movies" for posterity. (Or just for fun!) Or maybe, like I did once, you could say, "Yes," to an adventure in yucky weather. I almost said, "No." But when she looked at me with those excited, big blue eyes, I thought, "Oh well. She's only 4 once." So, we did it. We both put on our swimsuits, grabbed our umbrellas and went for a 20-minute walk in the rain. Forty years later, she remembers those 20 minutes. So, do I. And that priceless memory is always God's gentle reminder that He made this day and provided all the opportunities for joy in it — no matter how small, no matter how goofy-looking — and that I should embrace them for all they're worth. Which is quite a lot. Actually, children can teach us a thing or two about crazy gifts. Our grandson once gave us a gift that he took special care to pick out, a perfectly ridiculous one that he just knew would fill us with grandparental glee: It was a coffee mug shaped like a golden toilet. I am not even kidding. And we continue to enjoy that one as it sits on our bookcase (Um … not in our kitchen with all the other boring mugs.) and makes us laugh. So, maybe you could inhabit that spirit and give your child socks with your child's face on them, a practical joke kit, or a goofy, raucous game, like Twister. Or you could turn the tables and gift your own mom with something absurd that would bring her joy. My mom's birthday was December 4, and when I was a child, I thought the most wonderful birthday present I could give her was a corsage that she could wear during the Christmas season. Year after year, I "blessed" her with exceedingly tacky corsages made of fake snowmen, fake poinsettias and tiny goofy-eyed elves. I was proudest, though, the year I found a corsage with a disproportionately large aluminum snow shovel in the middle. I remember being absolutely ecstatic at the thought of my mom parading around all December with a snow shovel pinned to her chest. One day, long after I became an adult, I was thinking about those annual gifts I gave her and decided to "bless" her with another one, since all the corsages of old had mysteriously disappeared over the years. So I went to a florist, told her the story and asked if she could fashion me the tackiest corsage imaginable. And did she ever. It was perfectly hideous, and my mom loved it so much she made it into a Christmas ornament and hung it on her tree. And every Christmas thereafter we got to relive that joy. Ah, so much potential for a good time here. You might let your child plan the day — the food, the activities, the clothes — and just do it all! And that priceless memory is always God's gentle reminder that He made this day and provided all the opportunities for joy in it — no matter how small, no matter how goofy-looking — and that I should embrace them for all they're worth. Which is quite a lot. Plan a road trip to nowhere. Plan a "yes" day with a twist: You'll say, "Yes" to everything (within reason!), but each yes comes with a crazy challenge, like "Yes, we can put marshmallows on our pizza, but we have to talk in pirate voices the whole time we're eating." Or maybe you'd like to plan something spectacularly ridiculous for your own mom, like I did. One year my mom and I were at the Virginia State Fair, passing a photo stand where you could get your picture taken with a chimpanzee. "Mom, let's get our picture taken with the chimp!" I pleaded. I was 35 years old at the time and still begging my 70-year-old mom to let me do fun stuff. I know, I know. But to my disappointment, she repeatedly refused. Finally, I asked, "Why not?" But celebrating motherhood in joyful, unconventional ways just might be highly underrated, because experiencing the absurd together has the power to create lasting memories and spawn all kinds of delight. "Well," she said, "someone might look at it 50years from now and think it was a three-generation photo." To my sorrow, our chance to make merry was gone — until about 20 years later, when my relatives from Indiana were coming to my home in Virginia for a family event. One night two weeks before their arrival, I had an idea. "How fun would it be," I thought, "to secure a photographable chimp and redeem that lost opportunity from years ago!" In short order, I found one, and on the appointed day, when I saw the chimp and her handler coming up our sidewalk, I told my mom, "Put on some lipstick. I have a surprise for you!" She was all excited this time, and for 90 unforgettable minutes, we were engaged in a primal frolic with this little ape — slightly scary since, by the end of our time together, we were all acting pretty much alike. The sweetest moment of the day, however, was when my mom and I at long last sat down for our photo with a chimpanzee. That photo sits on my dresser today as a reminder that celebrating motherhood with ridiculousness in all its forms not only brings moms and kids great joy, but I believe it makes God smile with us. And that's the best celebration of all.
