photo credit: Markus Rödder

Want to strengthen family bonds? Consider starting a family journal to record the small (and large) victories in your family’s life.

For instance: your three year old stayed dry all night, which may be as big a deal to him (and you) as your five year old hitting a homer in teeball. Both should be recorded. Daddy getting home early from work one day is something to celebrate, as well as Mom’s losing two pounds.

The idea is for everyone in the family to become more aware of each other and to feel pride in even the smallest accomplishment. It is a team spirit, an ‘I’m proud of you’ spirit.

Teaching children to look beyond themselves to other members of the family may help prevent life-long resentment and anger toward siblings who don’t get along. It is certainly worth the effort to repeatedly present each one in a positive light.

Rules have to be set and enforced, especially for older kids:

• Each person contributes something daily or weekly, as decided by the family. (no one dominates)
• One member records and reads the journal at a pre-determined time by the family, maybe every Friday night at dinner.
• No smirking, teasing or discounting anything mentioned in the journal.
• Small accomplishments are given ‘thumbs up’ the same as big ones.
• If conflicts arise they are dealt with later. Keep the journal time positive energy.

Feeling comfortable enough to share openly when children are young is a great sign for the lines of communication to remain open as they age. I hope you agree that it is worth a try. Let me know how it goes with your family.

With a focus on the positive side of life,

Mary Taylor, www.theschoolmarm.com