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Family is at the heart of the Lilypad, so we are delighted to bring this post to you by Hallmark and author, Ashley Carter, who looks at the importance of family, and what you can do together to ensure a happy family unit. 

The Importance Of Family

Families provide children with an irreplaceable sense of security and belonging.  A family should provide a source of emotional support, comfort, nurturing, warmth, protection and security.  Without these key ingredients to a familiar environment, children will be the very first ones to suffer.  Families represent more than just a group of people living together.  Between family members exists a bond stronger than between any other groups of people.  Regardless of good or bad situations, you cannot change your family.  Each family member have their own feelings and aspirations, but together a family is a unit that must work together and support one another in order to create a nice living environment for everyone.  The way in which children view the family unit is the same behaviour they will replicate later in life.  A solid, trusting upbringing will create a more well-rounded and socially aware human being later in life.  Every choice you make as a mother in regards to your family has long lasting effects throughout your child’s life.

Developing Relationships

The first examples of interpersonal relationships a person encounters are within the family unit.  As you slowly grow from the solipsistic bonds of childhood, you develop a self-awareness, as well as an awareness of other’s thoughts and feelings.  Naturally, these first instances will occur within the context of your family, and are therefore vital in shaping the way your children think about other people from very early on.  Going from being the only person that matters to you, to having to think about other people’s thoughts and feelings can be a lot to take on for a child; so patience is the key.  Kids aren’t going to pick up straight away that you have to love and respect all of your family members, but gradually they will, and the bonds that grow between them and the rest of your family will be stronger than any other they make in life.  

Spending Quality Time As A Family

As you grow together both as individuals and as a family, it will become apparent what interests and hobbies are shared as a group, and which are best done alone.  Try and utilize the things you all enjoy and make the time to do them whenever you can.  The older children get, the more they will want their independence.  But you never get too old to not need your family, so maintaining relationships through fun activities is incredibly important. From taking a fishing trip as a family, to walking down to the local ice cream parlor together, you could create a list of things to do, that includes all ages and circumstances.  

Make The Most Of Every Opportunity 

So in the end, don’t do anything tomorrow with your family that you can do today. Enjoy every meal together, every night spent watching TV and every special occasion.  As fun as days out are, there’s nothing more special than the simple times just spent together. Hallmark’s range of birthday card will provide you with the perfect opportunity to make each special occasion as memorable as possible, and ensure your ongoing strength as a family unit.