Committing to Family Time – Why It Is Important
Why are we having this conversation?
The fentanyl poisoning crisis is a national tragedy impacting teens and families. It is just not happening in America’s big cities or some far away place. Fentanyl is readily available in suburban and rural middle and high schools across America. Wisconsin is no exception; fentanyl is now the number one killer of Wisconsin residents ages 24 to 54.
Teens are exposed to a culture that glorifies drugs and alcohol. Along with the culture and social media, illicit drugs are prevalent, it is a mine field, and the consequences of usage can be deadly.
Kids and teens are curious by nature and are often willing to experiment. That willingness to experiment is extremely dangerous and can be lethal, One Pill / Can Kill.
We have learned that there are many battle lines to the crisis, none is as important as those conversations with family members in our homes.
When kids are young, spending time at home with family members is the best. As they reach adolescence there is a significant shift away from family towards their peers. They strive for acceptance and belonging from friends. It is important to be “cool” and part of the in-crowd.
Parents are often challenged and tempted to step back, allowing teens to spend time in their rooms on social media or with friends. Parents get busy with work, and everyday life, family time is overlooked.
The problem is, the foundation for your child to make healthy choices comes from the strength of bonds formed with family.
The Search Institute studies focus on the assets every kid needs to have to flourish in life.
“Their research and surveys show spending quality time together at home as a family helps young people strengthen skills such as leadership, good health, and success in school. About 51% of young people, ages 11-18, spend no more than two nights a week with friends ‘with nothing special to do.’ Protecting young people from risky behavior and helping them develop positive behaviors is easier when you spend time together as a family.
For parents, grandparents, or caregivers it starts with making a commitment to family time and setting clear expectations.
Outlined below are six opportunities to strengthen your family bonds. These activities are most effective when conducted consistently. Collaboratively to strengthen relationships, teach listening skills and teamwork.
- Establish regular family meals together once a week.
- Create new traditions. New traditions may include games or movie nights.
- Engage in shared activities or work on a family project. These activities could be family walks, religious services, camping trips or fishing outings. Whatever interests the family.
- Set clear expectations by communicating the importance of non-negotiable family time. Consistence builds trust and relationships.
- Each family member needs to put away their phones and other devices to limit distractions and ensure meaningful engagement.
- Encourage open communication so your teens can express their thoughts and feelings. Active listening fosters mutual respect and understanding.
Parents, stay committed and engaged. If you pick up your phone, check emails, scroll on social media or shop online your teens will quickly think this is acceptable behavior and to the same. The goal is to create engaged time together not just time together.
As these family gatherings strengthen over time parents will have the opportunity to have discussions regarding school, friends, challenges, successes, future ambitions and the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
Remember teens are not aware of the dangers, it is imperative that we discuss the perils of drug use with our children. This act of love is critically important in the fight to save lives. If not, they will learn from television shows, movies, social media, and their friends.
These discussions with your children form a family bond that has the potential to build a foundation for them to make healthy choices throughout their lives.
For additional information please visit.
- NaturalHigh.org
If you would like additional information or have an interest in a speaker for your group, church or place of business please feel free to contact Mark Mantey via email at mjstate@gmail.com
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