Five Family Friendly Ways to Bond

Unwed parents who feel like a family are more likely to become one legally through marriage than those who simply co parent.

Since nearly 72% of black children are born to unwed parents, according to recent statistics, there is much focus toward family bonding. While this won’t happen overnight, planning activities that you can enjoy as a family will help in the bonding process.

African American relationships face the same challenges as do other relationships. One of these challenges is the lack of money. It can be difficult to do things as a family when there is little or no money. However, if you are creative enough, you can almost always find family friendly things to do on the cheap.

One of the most enjoyable things you can do for a child is to take him or her to the park. Instead of sitting on the park bench and watching your child play, take it a step further and make it a family picnic. Whether your child is still in a stroller or old enough to chase a Frisbee, this is an activity everyone in the family will enjoy.

African American couples who play together with their children forge a special bond. Whether you’re chasing each other through the park or climbing on the jungle gym, you’re having fun together and this is what counts. The child sees mommy and daddy smiling and laughing and this helps him to feel safe and loved.

Most communities have a wide range of free activities, especially during the spring and summer months. There are festivals, Fourth of July celebrations, and concerts in the park. Take advantage of all of these activities whenever you can. If your community doesn’t have much to offer in this way, look at surrounding communities. Call it a mini-vacation and consider camping out along the way. One way to get your baby’s daddy more involved in your child’s life is to do family things together. Having fun as a family will reinforce family ties, even if you are not married.

If your goal is to go from being unwed parents to having a successful African American marriage, bonding together as a family can be accomplished in small ways. Working together in a family garden, reading together, having a picnic in the park, traveling, and just simply playing together are all ways in which you can either start or strengthen the family bond.