Many families have become detached through multiple reasons such as technology, arguments, and the non-supportive nature of families to LGBT people. From an engineer or a writer to two moms or two dads, everyone needs an environment at home that celebrates differences and accomplishment even if minimal in order for all the members to reach their future goals. Every family needs positivity and acceptance to be functional and peace to be present throughout their home. Here are multiple ways on how to bring positivity in your family especially during troubling times when you think there is none.
Find supportive friends that love and understand you and your situation
Life revolves around memories, whether enjoyable or full of regret. Mostly all people want to celebrate these memories with the people around them to gain a closer bond and celebrate life’s incredible moments. As I just entered high school, I have learned who are the right friends and who are the wrong friends for me and my values. I have been so blessed to discover amazing people as a freshman to savor exciting events such as homecoming. I encourage everyone to get to know everyone around you, but be selective in finding the people that love you for you. People always say to find someone with similar interests and that’s fantastic, but also find people who you can teach you different activities and perspectives of life. Happiness will flourish when you help each other accomplish different tasks, and your relationship will always be exciting, learning about different aspects of life. Also, have your family and friend gatherings that help everyone recap on what’s happening in your life and you may receive reassuring advice that will fill you with optimism and drive.
Focus and work together on a family goal each week
A functional family needs peace and cooperation. Working together as a single unit to accomplish a goal such as preparing an extravagant dinner or saving up for a new TV will show everyone the support they have. In this family goal, everyone should have an important role to let them know they are each special. For example, if one family’s goal was to create a photo slideshow of memories from the summer, have roles such as writing captions, picking the photos, preparing the music, making edits, deciding what editing app to use, and figuring out how to display it at the end of the week.
Family trip/car ride
Every day on the way to school or swim practice, I always find it so therapeutic to talk to my two moms about my day, anything that happened in school, or what I accomplished. It helps anything that stresses me out to be relieved from my system. I recommend any family to go on a car ride or trip to just discuss and vent about any issues, especially in very busy moments all of your lives. Especially in a family trip, a long car ride can cause many people to talk because they have nothing better to do. (if they are on electronics, set a time limit too)
Quote of the day
Every day last year, my friends texted me what national or international day it was by an app called Donut Day. Throughout the day, I would relate my actions to the national day, and thinking about them would always make me giggle. Just like the national day stuck with me, so would a meaningful quote that could help and relate to everyone in their life. Let each member of the family switch each day on who writes the quote. This activity could start conversations and inspire people to awake determined.
Moments off technology
Social media and technology is sometimes making many children and young adults in this generation miss beautiful life moments that you can never fully appreciate on the screen. Frequently, phones have distracted many families from conversing or giving each other a peck on the cheek after a day of work. During this month of October, I’m truly discovering the importance of detaching from technology by playing the role of a girl obsessed with her phone in a l play called Walking Towards the Moon. This Halloween play tells a story of how technology becomes so advanced and real, that it possesses every person in the world so that their phones forever control them. The script is a fantastic representation of how games like Pokémon Go can hit mainstream in a few days. That game has caused death and injuries because of unawareness of surroundings. In order to have moments off technology and have face to face communication, I recommend downloading an app that limits technology time or by setting a time where all electronics shut off. (unless an assignment has to be done) Most importantly, make all your family not use any electronics at dinner or answer any calls. That way you can notice every detail of the present and really appreciate your loved ones and what they have to say.
Help others, such as LGBT causes
Nothing makes you feel better than feeling like you achieved something for the greater good. Helping other families could also leave an impact on your families by seeing happiness and love that is accomplished through fundraising and doing selfless actions. Stand up for people around you that are being bullied and work together with your family to fix these injustices of hate in society. Participate in different events such as a walk that funds cancer research or show support at a pride parade. The more love you show, the more will be spread around. This will both be an incredible lesson for your family and transform your community into a safe environment.
Reflect on memories while watching the sunset/stars
One of my favorite things to do when I have free time is reflecting on my life and remember all of the amazing moments I have had with my loved ones whether big or small. I feel like it’s always great to end your day in absolute peace with your family and to be able to start the next day at ease and fresh. Everyone loves the feeling of people understanding how important each memory is to them. Try your hardest to take time to watch the sunset or stars intensely while having a heartfelt moment with your family. You won’t regret it.
Mom day/Dad appreciation days
Our parents give so much every day for us to be successful and have an education. They love us with all our hearts, but we tend to not show our affection and how grateful we are for all they sacrifice. I came upon this idea through my friends, who are triplets, whom every so often, in the summer made dinner for their parents. They all switched who did the appetizer, entrée, and dessert. The skills that they learned taught them valuable lessons about leadership, teamwork, how to prepare a meal properly with sustainable nutrition, and how to care about others sometimes more than they do themselves. These lessons can help every child become confident leaders of society in the future.
Hugs, kisses, and smiles
Give a smile, a kiss, or a hug. It’s a simple gesture that can go a long way. Humans connect through touch, word, and actions. It is scientifically proven that a smile can boost your energy and make you happy as well as others who see it. Plus, its infectious. If the world can create a chain of these actions, love would be upheld in every household. The world needs these small, heartfelt actions amidst hate such as bullying and war. The problems in the world are fixed by love, and this love can be inspired by you if you choose to open your arms to everyone.. No matter what happens in the world, continue to have faith, hope, and most of all, be positive.
Thank you everyone for reading! Be sure to follow my Instagram account, @blogs_bymikayladenault, to get updates of all my articles and answers to any questions you have about me, my family, or the LGBT community.
Also, my next article will be a Q and A! Please email any questions you have about my family, me, or the LGBT community to harden315@msn.com or comment on my Instagram account. I will then include most of your questions in my next blog with answers or advice. Thank you so much. Love you all!
