Written by YourPlace Therapy, Mental Health Practice
Your Place Therapy champions compassionate mental health care with a special commitment to AAPI representation. Based in NYC, their team of licensed social workers provides empathetic and inclusive care, empowering clients to start with where they're at.
With the summer season in full swing, there is no better time to reconnect and mend family relationships, whether as a parent with your child back home from college or a student on summer break visiting family afar. From sharing home-cooked meals and trying cuisines of different cultures to exploring local parks and festivals, these activities can create opportunities to create lasting memories.
These activities are more than just a pastime; by engaging in activities together, you can both celebrate your cultural heritage and strengthen your relationship with your family. By approaching these moments with curiosity and an open mind, rather than with obstinance and judgment, it’ll open possibilities to foster mutual understanding and deeper connections. These tips are here to help you make the most of your summer and build a closer and more connected relationship with your family members.
It is also important to note that each family has unique levels of connection and interaction, as each family dynamic is different. Each family has various levels of connections and interactions shaped by individual personalities, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences. While the suggestions in this article offer light first steps toward healing and fostering healthy family dynamics, additional measures may be necessary to foster deeper, more meaningful relationships within our families.
Three types of activities to connect families
1. Strive to do collaborative activities
Activities such as eating, cooking, and celebrating holidays or events together are excellent activities that help bridge relationships between parent and child. Since food is often an integral part of an individual's culture, cooking and sharing meals together can serve as powerful connectors by providing an opportunity to introduce cultural dishes that both parent and child can enjoy. The story “(Cu)Cumbersome Love” illustrates this bond by showing how a single dish brings together a grandmother, her daughter, and her granddaughter. The time and effort put into the meals demonstrate love for one another, reinforcing family bonds.
2. Participating in entertainment activities
Entertainment is another timeless aspect of any generation, making activities such as playing board games or watching TV, sports, movies, and shows ideal bonding opportunities. Since entertainment is constantly evolving, you can embrace these changes and initiate conversations about how entertainment has transformed overtime. These shared experiences allow for both parents and children to find joy in shared interest and create memorable moments that all can cherish.
3. Engaging in physical activities
Exercising together, exploring new areas, or shopping for each other. Being a part of these activities allows parents and children to be present and enjoy each other's company while encouraging healthy behavior. These joint adventures can also help overcome challenges caused by language barriers, as they don’t require words to connect and build relationships.
When participating in these activities, look to facilitate conversations by preparing conversation topics or asking thought-provoking questions. It’s important to be mindful of having a non-judgemental tone while giving each other time to express their emotions.
Tips on approaching these activities
Forming the courage to engage in conversation and activities with parents may seem challenging and nerve-wracking at first. However, it’s important to recognize that in order for the activities to work, it has to be a two-way street, with both parties on the same page. Since conversations are about cultivating a mindset of curiosity rather than judgment, they enable an environment of genuine listening and understanding. These activities may not suit every family, and there is a chance of facing rejection or apprehension. However, your initial attempts can provide insight into your family's perspectives and personalities, helping you understand and respect their boundaries. It's important not to expect too much from ourselves and our parents. When you want to start a conversation about spending quality time together, just make sure everyone's feeling good! Recognizing when either party might not be ready for an activity together can help prevent conflicts or misunderstandings.
Helpful conversation starters and tips to get started
Ask about each other's hobbies/interests
Stick to the basics and ask about their day, school, jobs, etc.
Follow up with hows, whys, and ask with a curious mindset
Exchanging languages
For example, parents teach their children a word from their native language, and children share new slang with their parents.
Ask about past and future
For children: ask about their parent’s childhood and pastimes
For parents: ask what their child wants to do in the future, whether that be what they want to do next weekend or their future aspirations
Building connections
Using these strategies to bond with your family can give you insight into how to build and maintain healthy relationships. Maintaining these connections is beneficial, as they teach you how to sustain relationships within and outside the family. Northwestern Medicine Psychologist Sheehan D. Fisher, PhD, explains how healthy relationships lead to a strong support system, which impacts overall mental health and well-being. Positive relationships provide a sense of belonging and encouragement, which improves our emotional and psychological health (Northwestern Medicine, 2021). Family is a primary support system, by fostering these relations, you not only create a strong support system at home but also can apply it to other relationships. Building these connections also can allow you to develop better communication skills and engagement. The ability to healthily and appropriately express your opinions and feelings conducts more productive and meaningful conversations. Through effective communication, you can empathize and understand other people’s perspectives. These experiences with your family allow you to understand their mindset, actions, and generational differences.
Try these activities this summer to spend more time with your loved ones and create memories that you can foster connections through.
Know that struggling with family bonds is not an uncommon struggle. Find the support you need to take your first steps toward stronger relationships and personal growth at YourPlace Therapy.
Read more from YourPlace Therapy
YourPlace Therapy, Mental Health Practice
YourPlace Therapy is a New York City-based mental health practice dedicated to advancing emotional wellness with a focus on AAPI representation. Their skilled team of AAPI mental health clinicians emphasize personalized, inclusive care that center the client as partners for growth. Passionate about fostering safe spaces and supportive environments, they help individuals from diverse backgrounds achieve personal growth and a stronger sense of self.
