Image: Max Pixel

Before reading any further, take a moment to remember your happy family memories from last year. You are bound to have a few (we hope), so dwell on what you did and how those happy memories were created.

Think now.

Finished?

How many memories could you conjure up? We are sure you were able to think up a lot of happy memories, in between the tantrums (of both kids and parents), and your general busy lifestyle. And we are betting that a lot of your happy memories were because of one thing. The thing that we believe is the secret to creating lasting and happy family memories.

Togetherness.

You see, when we are separated from each other, togetherness is not created. Obviously. But we aren’t talking about the moments when you’re at work, and the children are at school. We are talking about those moments when you’re in the same house, but for whatever reason, you are not completely together.

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You might be sat in front of the TV.

Your partner might have his nose stuck in his iPad.

Your kids may be glued to their phones or their games consoles.

Or any combination of the above

Such is the reality of life, and there is no harm in any of the above some of the time, but when its frequent, family memories won’t be created.

So, instead, look for things to do together as a family.

Do things together at home

Have those family time movie duvet days. Make a cake together. Play games in the garden. Read to the kids. Have a family games night, be that playing board games or shared games on your games console. And make time to talk to each other, be that when you’re snuggled up in the living room of an evening, or when you’re sat together eating a meal. Be present in each other’s company, without the constant reliance of phones, tablets, and Coronation Street blaring through the television.

Do things together out of the home

Find a shared hobby that you might all enjoy, such as cycling, walking in the country, or something at your local leisure centre. Book a holiday each year, finding cheap vacation ideas if money is short. Get involved with a local charity; something that everybody in the family will be able to participate in. Have fun days out with the kids, instead of dragging them around the shops in your downtime. Do anything that involves you being together, as you can then create shared memories that will last a lifetime.

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Be positive within your family life

You don’t want to create too many unhappy memories, so try to reduce the possibility. Take time to forgive and make up after arguments. Listen to your children’s problems and help them find solutions. Control your anger when you find yourself boiling over so you don’t say things you will regret. Say “I love you” to your children at least once a day. By doing these things, you will counter any negative memories you or your children have in years to come, and happier memories will take their place instead.

Preserve your family memories

Some memories fade with the passing of time, but you can keep them alive through memory aids. Take photos when you’re together, and use the picture framing experts at Best4Frames to create something that can be displayed around your home. Create home movies, and then save them online or on a DVD. Write thoughts, quotes, and happy moments down in a journal, that you can look back on, alone or with your family. These are just some of the memory aids you can use, but you may have your own ideas on how to preserve your happiest memories.

Today, find ways to be together with your family. Happy memories will be created, and later in life, no matter where any of you are, you will all be able to think back to those days when you shared special experiences together.

Let us know what you think, and share your memory-making ideas with us.

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