Wholesome Recreation

Hi Everyone!

Here is more research I’d like to share from my textbook, Successful Marriages and Families.

“Parents interested in helping their children become flexible and curious should spend quality playtime with them and model good sportsmanship, kindness and fair play.  Time spent playing with children also helps them become more secure and independent. Play is reported as one of life’s most enjoyable experiences by fathers, not because of the activity, but because of the joy of being together.  It is a powerful tool to facilitate parent-child connection because it allows the parents to interact on the child’s level.  Young children love to play not only because it is fun, but also because it makes them feel loved.”

The above information is about recreation with younger children.  With regards to teens the text says, “With the onset of adolescence, many children have less interest in recreation with parents and more interest in being with friends.  As teenagers struggle to become independent a variety of conflicts may naturally arise.  Family recreation can create a positive home environment where adolescents feel comfortable discussing conflicts and personal issues.  Family recreation can also promote health identity development.  Research indicates that varied and meaningful recreation promotes positive identity development.  Parents should consider the value of providing varied recreation experiences for their children.  Healthy identity development moderates the risk of delinquent behaviors. Wholesome family recreation can play an important role in promoting healthy adolescent development and in moderating risky behaviors.”

And of course, this family favorite - 

In my own family of origin I have happy memories of fun times.  We usually had at least one family vacation every summer.  The summer I was 10 we went on a month long trip back east.  We saw historical sites of country and church, went to Niagara Falls, toured places like Hershey’s chocolate factory and Kellogg’s cereal factory.  It was very memorable.  I’ll have to write more details about it sometime.  Even though that was a big event, and some of our other trips were too, I think my core of memory in the wholesome recreational area of my family of origin is strongest in the simple things we did more consistently.

We regularly went swimming as a family during the summers.  We went to the beach about once a week.  Sometimes we would take a meal, or cookout a meal while there, but generally we went only for a couple of three hours.  We also often swam at friend’s pools.  My dad would call someone, usually in our ward and ask if we could come by for a swim.  We wouldn’t stay more than an hour; just long enough to cool off, splash around, and enjoy being together.

My mother liked to search out places like museums, science parks, and factories to tour.  She loved learning and encouraged it in us.  Of course one of the most favorite places my mom took me and my siblings was the library.

I have happy memories of FHE playing games; Mixed up Fruit Basket, Froggy in the Meadow, Button Button, Hide and Seek, and London Bridges.  My dad would sometimes play his accordion after FHE or on a Sunday evening and I loved to dance and sing along.

My oldest sister, Linda, often arranged lip-synching, choreographed routines to the records we had.  We had records of soundtracks from Sound of Music, Music Man, Hello Dolly, Mary Poppins, and several others.

We often went to the local Sav-On, which was a drugstore that had an ice cream counter.  I think a single cone was only five cents, a double, ten cents.  It was Carnation brand ice cream.  I loved their Rocky Road flavor.

We hardly ever went out to eat, so when we did, that was a huge treat. 

I remember going to Drive-In theaters a few times as a family.  One ticket for the car full of kids.  We’d wear our pajamas, take our pillows and pile in the car.  My dad would hook up the speaker to the window and we’d watch the show.

My parents tried to provide a variety of activities for us and they were usually relaxed and friendly with each other and with us during these times.

I know in our family, my family of creation, we have tried to regularly play and have fun.  I’d be interested to hear any memories you have of family recreation and what you’re doing in your own families too.

We love you!

Mom and Dad