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	Dear Iris, My daughter is spending more and more time with her friends... and therefore less and less with her family and me! I know this is normal, but I was wondering if you had any hints on how to keep my little chick in the nest. —Mother Hen

Amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's hard enough to balance our own schedules with kids' activities, never mind carving out a few minutes to spend quality time together as a family. But parents and children need to make time for each other to nurture and strengthen the family relationship and foster appreciation for
one another.

A strong family bond creates respect and admiration, and helps children learn to value family. Studies have even shown that children with strong family relationships are less likely to use drugs and alcohol. A few regular family activities are all it takes to make sure you stay close to your nearest and dearest. Try these simple and fun suggestions to strengthen your family's bond.

Dine together.
In addition to creating better eating habits, sitting down to a family dinner gives members time to talk and listen to one another about the highs and lows of the day.

Schedule regular family meetings.
Group discussions give kids a chance to weigh in on decisions that affect the whole family. They're also ideal for talking about any family-related events, problems, or concerns.

Start a family game night.
Laughing together is one of the best ways to bond. From trivia games to Twister®, game-playing is a fun stress buster that offers a chance to point out kids' individual skills and strengths. Pair up to promote a sense of teamwork among siblings or parent and child.

Start moving.
Exercising together will strengthen your muscles as well as your family. Take a
walk, hike, or bike ride for a healthy activity that also teaches kids good health habits for life.

Volunteer.
Collaborating to help someone less fortunate creates good feelings for everyone involved. It helps families appreciate what they have, while teaching children to become civic-minded adults.

Get out of town—together.
Taking a family vacation gives parents and kids a chance to connect outside of their daily routines and responsibilities. Choose a destination that offers activities every family member will enjoy for a trip that will create long-lasting, happy memories.

		For years, girls have relied on Iris for her advice. Now moms can, too! Iris Prager got her Ph.D. in Health Education from the University of Maryland and is President of the American Association for Health Education.
		Dear Iris, My daughter is spending more and more time with her friends… and therefore less and less with her family and me! I know this is normal, but I was wondering if you had any hints on how to keep my little chick in the nest. —Mother Hen
		Hi Mother Hen, A good way to stay connected with your daughter, and to encourage her to spend more time with you and your family, can be as easy as finding one activity you can share together. For example: Having a girls' night out—just you and her Taking a yoga/aerobics class together Going on shopping sprees Dining out at a favorite restaurant Going to religious services as a family Watching a TV program together that you all enjoy Making eating together on Sunday afternoons special, or choose another event that you both can look forward to all week long Be honest with your daughter and let her know how you feel about this stage of her life. Don't be afraid of conflicts, either. Let her know what bugs you and what in her life excites you. These hints ought to help keep you connected. —Iris
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