Frequent Questions and Concerns about Family Fun

Getting together for dinner is almost impossible for my family—what else can I do?

Instead of worrying about how to get your family together for dinner, try to find something that works for your situation. See if you can get everyone together for breakfast once or twice a week. If you work nights, perhaps you can plan a lunch together. Or go out to dinner instead of staying home. If something isn’t working for your family, try something new to shake things up. Every family has different needs and schedules; keep trying new things until you figure out what works for yours.

My teenager would much rather spend time with his friends than our family.

This is common for many teens (and tweens, as well). One of the methods you can use for getting your teenager more interested in spending time with your family is to allow him to invite a friend to your family gathering or vacation. Make sure he knows that he’s still expected to participate as part of the family, but that the family can be extended to include his friend. (Obviously, there are some situations in which inviting a friend wouldn’t be appropriate, so don’t make this offer on those occasions.) Getting to know your child’s friends >

How can I make my family vacations more relaxing, instead of full of arguments?

Family vacations can be great opportunities for becoming closer as a family, but they also require some effort to keep running smoothly. You may find it helpful to adjust your thinking about family vacations. These are times when you may need to work a bit to bring the family together, rather than simply relaxing. When you need to unwind, try to take time by yourself rather than with your family. Get tips for resolving conflicts >