This is a collaborative post

Announcement: The family is changing for the better!

You can be sure that if you were to announce sudden changes in the family, most people would assume that you are having a baby. While pregnancy transforms your family, today, we’ll be looking at other subtle ways in which you can bring togetherness to your household. Growing together is the goal of every family. However, it’s no easy task when you are trying to find something that works for everyone. After all, we’ve all got different needs and interests. So what changes can you introduce to your family that will be meaningful for everyone?

1. Adopting a pet

If you are ready to adopt a pet, it can be a fantastic experience for your family. It’s important to take the decision carefully. Looking after an animal requires time, space and money. It is heartbreaking to have to rehome a pet you can’t look after anymore. But if you know that your family can cope, a puppy or a kitten can be a wonderful addition. A pet is a source of joy. But it also helps to teach your children new responsibilities. Children can take turns to walk the pet or feed it.

Additionally, they can clean after their puppy because puppies are messy until they can be house-trained.

2. Researching your ancestry

Who are your ancestors? Understanding your family genealogy is the key to your past. It can teach you a lot about yourself too, as you can find similarities with some of your ancestors. For children, it can be an eye-opening experience. Looking at the old black and white photos or listening to the story of their great grand-parents feels like a chance to get to know people who are long gone. Besides, you might discover some pleasant surprises, such as learning that one of your grandparents was Irish. You could apply for Irish citizenship if your ancestors (parents or grandparents) were Irish-born. With an EU passport, you can safely plan your next trip to France or Portugal.

3. Working out together

Families that exercise together stay fit and healthy together. Working out with your children can help introduce healthy habits from a young age. Kids who are used to being active are more likely to maintain positive habits throughout their lives. It’s also a unique opportunity to bond through team activities, which is something families can find difficult. Digital technology such as streaming services or social media is fantastic to keep in touch. But it doesn’t allow families to build a bond.

4. Creating a family DIY project

It’s hard to think of DIY projects as a family plan. But in reality, a project that involves everyone can help to create new bonds. It’s fair to say that you’ll need to be careful about the type of projects you select. But something exciting such as redecorating a bedroom can be the occasion to let the kids choose how they want to paint their walls. Older children can also help with the painting process. You can also suggest building a keepsake collection, with activities such as handpress, knitting, drawing, and even writing down notes about each day.

Families can grow apart when they fail to build meaningful routines and memories. Finding new activities and exciting things to share with your family can benefit in the long term.