Family Practices Do Strengthen the Family Bond

Family Practices

My family participates in family rules, family traditions, religious practices and family time. These are just a few family practices that have strengthened our family’s unity. The religious practices that my family chooses to participate in have been the biggest source of help in creating a cohesive family unit. “Religious practices are outward, observable, expressions of faith.”

Prayer has been and will continue to be a religious family practice in my home. My husband and I pray together and we pray for each other. This strengthens our family bond because our validation for each other is often expressed. Prayer has helped my husband and I find solutions to our problems or disagreements. I often experience humility when I pray, and I believe that when you are humble you become teachable and can receive knowledge.
I believe both secular and spiritual knowledge is needed to understand how to strengthen our families. In Elder Richard G. Scott’s talk titled, Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge he explains, “The treasures of both secular and spiritual knowledge are hidden ones—but hidden from those who do not properly search and strive to find them. … Spiritual knowledge is not available merely for the asking; even prayers are not enough. It takes persistence and dedication of one’s life. …”  

            I also feel that spending time together as a family greatly strengthens our family’s bond. My husband and I try to plan a family activity weekly. This past week we decided to go on a family hike! During this meaningful time spent together we communicated with each other. We maintained and created a better friendship. This allowed us to feel close to each other which strengthened our bond. I feel that spending time together as a family can have many positive outcomes. Family time can promote acceptance, de-escalate negative emotions or interactions, reduce feelings of hostility, enhance emotional relationship behavior, and help to solve problems.

Family practices can include a wide range of activities! The best part is that you can create family practices that will have a lasting impact on your family. Memories and traditions are created through family practices. Every individual and family is different, and family practices are one way to highlight your differences and grow together as a family.