Togetherness is what makes us human. Each person has a profound need to belong to a group of other people. Togetherness is the development of the self within the community of mankind. When bringing it into an ethical framework it can be called moral excellence. We need to bring more togetherness into parenting and education. Families and schools too often look like two different worlds with their own goals and methods.
Both have the same goal of providing the most favorable conditions for children to develop their talents and characteristics. When parents can’t agree on how to raise their children, there is little chance that the family environment will be one of peace. In order for children to learn teamwork and togetherness, their parents must first learn to function as a unified team. Put the following suggestions into practice. You will make significant strides towards having a family that works together to create a happy, healthy home.
1.
Assign specific chores This
will teach your children to have pride in their work and learn responsibility.
Teach them that they are all accountable for certain chores, and that the whole
family must work together in order to make your home a clean, orderly, and
functional place to live.
2.
Communicate
Regular communication with your spouse and children is vital to a healthy
family. Have weekly family meetings where all family members can express
themselves freely and openly without the fear of criticism. Talk to your
children about future plans or problems and explain to them why you do certain
things they may find unfair. By allowing your children to take an active part
in family business, they will be more likely to want to help with any problem
that needs to be solved.
3.
Establish routines Habits help children to feel safe. Maintain a
consistent schedule that is realistic for your family. For example, try to
serve dinner at the same time each evening and expect everyone to attend
whenever possible. Establish set bedtimes, especially for younger children, and
make sure your children adhere to them. Having a schedule allows both parents
and kids to know what to expect and when.
4.
Have fun together At
least once a month, go on a family outing. These outings can be inexpensive and
simple. Consider going on a trip to the woods, the museum, or the zoo. Having
fun together as a family reinforces to your children that teamwork also means
playing together.
5.
Listen to each other
Try to consider the other person’s perspective. When you are listening, don’t
think about what response you are going to give. Instead, ask yourself why your
spouse or child feels the way he or she does. Listening is one of the most
powerful ways you can show you care about the other person. Children need to
know that they are important, and this can be shown through active listening.
6.
Seek spiritual experiences Attending church as a family helps you all realize that no
one does life alone. Read the Bible
to reinforce your family’s belief system of rightness. By reinforcing a value
system that your family can share, you create a family culture that gives your
children the sense of being part of a greater whole.
7.
Share household responsibilities Explain that if your family is a team they must all do
their part in the family. Discuss with your spouse what you should expect from
each child. Then tell the children what you would like, and what you expect. If
you present a unified front when you propose this idea to your children you are
more likely to get a positive reaction.
Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is
progress. Working together is success.” (Henry Ford)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“7
effective ways to build family unity” by Lynn Scoresby
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