In today's world, families are often busy and have conflicting schedules. They do well to share one meal together in a day. Family traditions are important, even something as seemingly simple as sharing a meal. Traditions teach children values and instill a sense of security. Family traditions help to create a bond and a way of connecting with those you are closest to.

I recall as a child going to my grandmother's home each Sunday afternoon. She always had a delicious pie or cake baked. It wasn't so much the cake or pie that brought joy, but realizing how much she cared for her family to offer such a sweet gesture--every Sunday. I also learned through this tradition how much my parents honored my grandmother. My grandmother had been a widow for many years and lived alone. My parents taught me by example to place importance on those who are often neglected--those who are valuable, regardless of age.

As we ate my grandmother's delicious baked goods, she told stories of her youth and took me down my family's memory lane. The stories were meaningful to me at the time, but even more meaningful now. My grandmother passed away many years ago as well as my mother and father. From my grandmother's stories, I have more of a history of my family and the traditions they shared before I was even born.

There is a security in knowing where you came from, how your family connected and the family traditions that brought you together through both difficult and joyful times. Do your best to consistently connect your family through traditions. Share meals together. Have a weekly ritual such as taking a walk together or having a movie night. Implement ideas for holidays that will linger in memories for years to come. Don't allow the opportunity to create family traditions to pass by with the excuse of busy schedules.

"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them." -- Desmond Tutu

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One of the best things you can teach your children is effective ways of saving money. This doesn't start when they are teens and have their first job. It starts as soon as they understand the meaning of money.

Saving money as a family venture can be fun, while also teaching responsibility. No matter what your family's income is, you can find ways to save money. The "habit" of saving is what helps you to meet goals.

Set a Small Goal to Start With

Gather your family members and decide on a small goal for saving money to start with. The goal could be saving to go to the movies once a month or to let the money accumulate each month. The goal amount could be raised each month for some fun competition. Saving for monthly movies or another family activity gives children something to look forward to, while learning what it takes to meet that goal.

Cutting Back

Each family member can choose one thing to cut back on expenses. For example, if your teen regularly buys magazines, they could opt to go to the library for free. If you or your spouse get professional hair cuts, learn how to cut your own hair or go less often. The money each family member would normally spend goes into savings.

Coupons

Get the family involved in making grocery lists and clipping coupons. Making a grocery list can save money because it prevents you from buying unnecessary items once you are in the store. You can get more savings by using coupons for only items that are on your list.

Savings in Everyday Life

Be consciously aware of everything your family spends money on from groceries to the latte you get on the way to work. Separate wants from needs. Decide what your family priorities are for each aspect of spending money. Instead of buying new clothing, buy from thrift or consignment shops. If you are in the market for a new appliance, wait for a sale. The goal is to be more aware of how your money is spent and how better to save it, while teaching children the benefit of setting goals.



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_The snowy season of Winter is probably one of the best seasons to help your family connect. Other seasons might be too busy or too much of a hustle and bustle to get some time with your family. However, during Winter you can find yourself in a cozy, warm home with your family. Use this time to help your family bond and get to know each other better.

During harsh winter seasons, the best activity can be done right in your living room. Light up a fire and put on some soft, alternative or jazz music. Get some blankets and make hot chocolate for a night of games, ghost stories and laughter. Enjoy a pillow fight with the kids or watch movies while you sip hot chocolate or tea with some delicious popcorn. You might even find yourselves having a family pajama party for the night, after the bonding activities.

When the temperatures are friendlier, take some time outside to enjoy the beauty of snow and the coolness of the breeze. Build a snowman together or divide the family into two groups to have a snowman building contest. Once the snowmen have been built, engage in a thrilling snowball fight. Winter is a great season to bond and feel the warmth and comfort of your family.

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_With the daily routine of family life and responsibilities, it is easy to feel disconnected from each other. Children have busy school schedules and activities outside of school. Parents have busy work schedules and have difficulty finding free time just for fun and relaxation. A vacation is the perfect way to connect with your family, while enjoying a change of scenery. Get your children involved in planning a vacation with the following tips.

Budget

Carefully assess your budget and how much you can allow for a family vacation. You don't want to spend outside of your budget, only to feel more stressed when your money is depleted. By searching for discounts online or with a travel agent, you can make your money stretch and have a wonderful family vacation. Keep in mind all expenses for a vacation such as food, gas, lodging and entertainment.

When and Where

Gather ideas from your family members as to when is best for a family vacation.Summer vacations are popular, but off-season vacations tend to be less expensive. Vacations can be anywhere from a tropical island to a simple camping trip or a relaxing cabin in a rustic setting. Consider all of your family members' ideas and come to a decision that suits everyone.

Create an Itinerary

Once you have come to a decision as to when you are going on vacation and where, create an itinerary of what you will be doing. You will maximize your time and enjoyment of your vacation by planning ahead. A written itinerary is very helpful in keeping track of everything from what you need to pack to what day you are leaving.

Connecting with Your Spouse

A family vacation is also a great time to reconnect with your spouse. While the children are playing on the beach, the two of you can sunbathe and have some alone time. If you go camping, enjoy some romance by the fire after the children go to sleep.

Planning a family vacation doesn't have to be difficult. Keep your family's needs in mind and work together in implementing your plan.

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_Teenagers are some of the most diverse people in the world. There is never a dull moment around them and sometimes it's hard to tell what they are thinking or feeling. Trying to connect with your teen can be a challenge, a challenge that drives you crazy!

To relate better to your teenagers, set clear boundaries but also be understanding to their needs. Listen to your teen before jumping to the wrong conclusion. Listening to what your teen is saying will help you to understand where they are coming from. This does not mean you will always agree with them, but you are forming a closer bond by caring about their feelings. It is important for your teen to be able to come to you no matter what the problem is. If you don't make yourself approachable, your teen will find support elsewhere. Unfortunately, it might be the wrong type of support.

Be open to having fun with your teenagers. Learn to let the little things go and focus on the positive aspects of your relationship. Even though most teens like their space, find activities to do together. Share meals together to better enhance the family unit.

While you might cringe at the fashions or interests your teen likes, remember each generation has its own trends. Most of the time, this is a passing phase and not something that will impact your teen in the future. Try to understand your teen's need to fit in just like you did when you were young. The gap between you and your teen isn't that wide if you think about it.

Take pause if your teen confronts you with a controversial issue. Don't be judgmental, but get the facts first. Remember, you don't want to push your teen away. Decide with your teen the best way to deal with the situation. Most teens are just as fearful as you about going down the wrong path. They need guidance, not judgment.

As with anyone, when you feel judged, ridiculed or not listened to, you tend to stay away from those people. It is the same in the relationship between a teenager and their parents. By forming a close bond with your teenager, you will better relate to them and they will have the desire to enlist you for support, guidance and encouragement.

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To some people a meal is simply a meal. It isn't about bringing the family together. Sharing meals together is an ideal time to connect with your family members.

In this day and age, so many families are in a rush with their busy schedules. They don't take time to sit down together for a meal.

The family meal also offers an opportunity for parents to teach children about healthy eating. Sharing meals together is the ideal way to establish a close bond and family unity. With busy schedules and family members going in their own direction each day, most will start to feel disconnected.

Long after children leave home they will remember the tradition of family meals. Even if you do not have children, take the time to share meals with your spouse. Aren't your family members worth taking the time to let them know how much they mean to you?

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