The Fathering Project
Family time traditions: Strengthening bonds through rituals and connection
Family time is more than just a pleasant way to spend the weekend – it’s a vital ritual that helps parents and children build strong, lasting bonds. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday breakfast, a Friday night game marathon, a walk around the neighbourhood, or an after-dinner dance-off in the living room, creating space for regular family connection sends a powerful message: You matter, and we’re in this together.
Why is family time important?
Spending quality time together isn’t just about fun – although that’s definitely part of it. Regular family rituals help children feel emotionally safe and secure. These moments of connection build trust, create lasting memories, and help children learn key social and emotional skills like empathy, communication and cooperation.
Research shows that children who have strong connections with their families are more resilient, confident, and better able to navigate the challenges of growing up. In fact, family time can help protect against mental health issues, reduce risky behaviour in adolescence, and support better outcomes in school and relationships.
When kids know they can count on regular family time, it becomes a protective anchor in their lives — something reliable and safe, even as everything else around them changes.
Tips for family time
- Establish a regular family time when everyone is available to focus on the family.
- Family time can include fun family activities that everyone chooses together. i.e. board game time, family movie night, Sunday breakfast, etc
- Allow everyone in the family to contribute ideas for family time.
- Block out this family time. Don’t schedule other activities during that time. Keep it as a sacred time.
- Keep it simple. You don’t need a big event or expensive outing. The magic is in the consistency, not the cost. A regular walk, pancake breakfast, or movie night can be just as meaningful as a weekend trip.
- Be flexible when life happens. Sometimes routines get disrupted – and that’s okay. The key is to get back on track when you can. Children learn a lot from how we handle change.
