I have talked a lot about reasons to limit technology in your family and household and strategies to do so (read limiting and balancing). Now, I thought it might be nice to explore ways people are using technology to connect.

1. Texting or E-mailing
Sending loving texts. In my practice, a couple I see talks about texting each other throughout the day to stay connected. The texting has decreased the stress and anxiety created by his constant travel and her hectic work schedule. Another couple talks about how they find that sending a loving e-mail or text after an argument seems to defuse the situation a bit and makes it easier for them to reconnect in a loving way when they come together to talk it out.

I love sending quick texts or e-mails to friends and family during the day to remind them that I am thinking about them. And I sure do smile when I get one.

 

2. TV
A little family time around the TV can be good. When my girls were younger, I admit that I used “TV time” to get things done, or better yet, rest. I remember many mornings falling asleep on the couch as the kids watched Sesame Street during their pre-dawn wake-ups. TV bought me an extra hour of sleep, which, believe me, was a benefit to the whole family.

Now, I am thrilled that my girls have finally reached the age that we can enjoy the same shows together (and that they sleep past 7 am). Watching TV together is something we look forward to and creates a connection. We started with American Idol and The Amazing Race, now we watch Modern Family and Glee together. We discuss many of the issues the shows address, as well as share a lot of laughter. However, my favorite TV experience was re-watching the series The Gilmore Girls with my girls. We would curl-up on the couch together, eat candy and have Gilmore Girls marathons on lazy Sundays. The girls still talk about it! What shows do you enjoy with your kids?

 

3. Movie
Family Movie Night is always fun. Many clients talk about enjoying family movie nights. One young client said that he and his siblings take turns picking out the movie, dinner and candy served.

In our house, the summer often brings Outside Family Movie Night with family friends gathered together around a movie projector and a hanging white sheet. We often show movies that the adults enjoyed as kids, which makes it fun for all generations. Some of the favorites have been: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Home Alone, Footloose, Goonies, and That Thing You Do.

 

3. Games
Playing your kid’s favorite games with them. This is a perfect example of, “If you can’t beat them, join them.” Having your children teach you one of their favorite games or playing Wii together as a family on a rainy day can be a great way to connect with your kids.

I enjoy playing Words With Friends and Scramble with my kids, my mom, and other family members near and far. It truly is a multigenerational game that can bring us in connection with each other.

 

These are just a few ways I have found, either personally or professionally, that families connect through technology. How do you connect with your family with the help of technology?

 

[Photo via The Sun]

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