“Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”
-The Family: A Proclamation To The World
Wholesome recreation creates family bonding and encourages fun. Through family recreation we learn cooperation, fairness, teamwork, and personal growth.
It doesn't take a lot of money to have fun.” Societies philosophy tells us that the only way to have fun is to buy expensive equipment and go on lavish vacations at expensive places. There is nothing wrong with any of that that unless that is the only type of recreation that we engage in.” We can have fun without spending money.
Family Recreation needs to intentionally be planned and schedules. Many of our recreational activities should have a purpose, a goal. “Some think that recreation is simply idleness, not working. Watching television or videos and playing video/computer games would be examples of idleness. Recreation and idleness are not the same thing.”
Research shows that outdoor family activities strengthen communication patters. When families are together for an extended time outdoors, they are able to reconnect with each other. The absence of cell phones, internet, and the televisions allows family members to interact without distractions.
Having meals together as a family strengthens relationships. Family meals bring everyone together and allow them to communicate with each other. They can discuss their day or the plans they have that week. It is also an opportunity for teaching. Parents can teach their children healthy eating patters and how to prepare food.
Examples Of Wholesome Recreational Activities
Board Games -Apples to Apples, Headbands, Monopoly, ect.
Sports: Kickball, Soccer, Baseball/Softball, Basketball, ect.
Camping
Hiking
Boating/Tubing
Service Oriented Activities
Family Gardening
Bike Riding
Wholesome family recreation is beneficial to marriages and families across their lifespan. Parents should thoughtfully plan in order to create meaningful, memorable, and strengthening experiences for their families. Thoughtful prayer and consideration will help families avoid meaningless leisure time and pursue more wholesome recreational activities.
