The world today is hyper-connected and ultra-digital. It is a marvel that we can carry a powerful personal computer in our pockets with access to unlimited information and entertainment. However, the lure of the screen can sometimes make it hard to spend quality time with the family. Smartphones, laptops, and tablets can get in the way of genuine bonding and face-to-face interactions, which is why it is so important to be deliberate and intentional about making time for deeper connections.
Plenty of families like to go on vacation as a way to connect, but this isn’t always possible due to time restraints and other logistical complications. With so much packed into our day-to-day lives, it can be hard to escape.
If you don’t have loads of time, one of the most effective ways to bond as a family is by taking on a project together. DIY activities are a great way to disconnect from the digital world as they are hands-on, encouraging creativity and teamwork and providing countless opportunities for learning and fun.
So if you want to guarantee a great family experience but don’t have the time to vacation at a luxury resort or book a last-minute offer on a cruise, here are some of the best ways to connect with your family through a quick and simple DIY project.
Create a Family Scrapbook
Scrapbooking is one of the easiest and least-effort activities that a family can do together, and it is a beautiful combination of creativity, craft, and nostalgia. It is also a great way to create a souvenir that will last for years and give families a lovely way to remember cherished moments.
Creating a scrapbook couldn’t be easier.
All you need to do is collect photos, tickets, postcards, and other memorabilia from trips, events, or just special moments in your family history and affix them to a scrapbook. Each member of the family can create their own page, adding notes or captions of their own favorite memories.
Build a Birdhouse or Bird Feeder
Getting involved in the garden is a lovely way to bond as a family, and building a bird feeder is one of the most enjoyable ways to encourage more wildlife to visit your garden.
Simple birdhouses are very easy to make. The most basic ones just need recycled materials like old milk cartons or cans, while slightly more involved designs will require wood, a hammer, and nails. And whatever you do, don’t forget the birdseed!
Start a Family Garden
If you don’t have a garden, maybe you could consider starting one? Gardening is a wonderfully calm and relaxing activity, bringing families together as well as bringing them closer to nature. And, best of all, you really don’t need much space at all to create a beautiful little pocket of green and color. If you are lucky enough to have a backyard, then you can dig raised beds and plant vegetables and flowers, but pots work really well on a small patio, and a tiny balcony or even just a windowsill can be a great place to grow herbs and small flower pots.
Host a Family DIY Movie Night
You don’t have to go to the multiplex to enjoy movies with the family. All you need for a DIY family movie night is a projector and a large sheet of paper, and you’ve got yourself a home cinema!
Transform your living room with cushions and blankets, hang a few fairy lights, fire up the microwave popcorn, and let the magic of cinema bring you all together.
Taking some time away from small screens and technology is a great way to bring the family together, as well as a chance to unwind and relax a little. DIY activities are a fun way to learn, get a little more hands-on, and make special moments with the people you care about most.