Wholesome Family Recreation: Building Strong Families

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There are many different types of recreation. Especially now that the world has been modernized with various technologies, there is such a vast variety. It is important however, that we do wholesome things. Wholesome? Meaning, something that is beneficial and worthwhile for the whole family to participate in. It should do nothing that would be mentally, physically, or emotionally damaging to any of the members of the family. An example of this, going to an "PG-13" rated movie with your 4 year old child. (I see this all of the time and am completely dumbfounded!!!) C'mon people! Your child is not old enough to be exposed to that type of stuff. Families should be actively involved in activities that will promote long lasting happiness. Not just the temporary happiness that comes from the activity but through continually seeking to want to be together as a family unit in doing things together because it makes them happy. "Life is complicated and full of demands. The expectation to experience wholesome recreation while we travel down life's road does not make life any easier. Recognizing the potholes along the way and the probable consequences if we step in them can help us avoid them, making the journey easier" (Hawkins, A.J., et al, 2012). I really loved this quote! How amazing is that? Just by making such a small tweak in our lives, we can become so much happier and fulfilled in our lives. No, its not going to take away nor solve all of our problems but we will be so much happier throughout our journey in life.

I want to now pose the thought about children and planning activities for them to do. Recreational activities does not mean scheduling your child for 5 different activities throughout the week and going and supporting them as a family. "Family experts have warned against what they call the over scheduling of children...Among many measures of this disturbing trend are the reports that structured sports time has doubled, but children's free time has declined by 12 hours per week and unstructured outdoor activities have fallen by 50%. The number of those who reported that their "whole family usually eats dinner together together " has declined 33%...There is inspired wisdom in this advice to parents: what your children really want for dinner is you" (Hawkins, A.J., et al, 2012). These percentages absolutely astonished me! Children absolutely crave to have attention not from anyone else but from their parents. Parents are the only ones whom can provide the attention and interaction that the child wants and really needs. I know that there are those special circumstances where parents may not be in the child's life and this definitely is adjusted to whomever the child feels the closest to. I think that the biggest issue is that parents need to slow down a little bit more and enjoy their family. Take the time to get to know one another more. You know what they say, time sure does fly! We need to take a step back and evaluate if we are spending enough time with those that we care about most, our families. Children grow up way too fast and you will never get that time back. Live for today in the moment and enjoy each others company rather than focusing on the lesser important things. Do things together to build healthy relationships and that will strengthen the most basic unit of society, the family. 


Hawkinds, A.J., Dollahite, D.C., Draper, T.W. (2012) Successful marriages and families: Proclamation principles and research perspectives.