Welcome to our Marriage War and Peace blog for March!

March is more than just a month on the calendar — it's an opportunity to celebrate the beautiful tapestry of family connections. Join me in this blog article as we dive into the magic of nurturing those precious bonds and cherishing the milestones that make our family stories unique.

As you know, Shahriar and I have one child — Kara — a mix of precocious wisdom and infectious fun, who's growing up way too fast. Since we only have five years until she graduates from high school, we are very aware of how precious time with her is now.

If you're a parent like us, you're aware of the ticking clock, too, and the importance of spending time together as a family — quality time that strengthens bonds, celebrates milestones, and paints lasting memories.

In this month’s article, we’ll focus on:

• Our family bonding activity

• Activities that nurture family bonds

• The Five Love Languages for Children and Teens

Rowing Into Family Unity

Much to our surprise, Kara has decided to become an athlete and has chosen rowing as her sport! With her place on the high school varsity rowing team secured for next year, Kara is focused and dedicated. 

As parents, our heart swells with pride as we watch our daughter pursue her passion for rowing. Despite the whispers in the middle-school halls that Kara and all those on the rowing team are 'dorks,' she stands tall and undeterred. 

Shahriar and I, of course, are all about championing her athletic endeavors. So, this summer, all three of us are joining the Jacksonville Rowing Club.

In anticipation of this new family adventure, Shahriar and I have hired personal trainers to help us get in shape for rowing. While he and I walk around with icepacks and heating pads, Kara powers through toughening her hands for rowing without complaint. 

Because of her, Shahriar and I have a new shared focal point, inspiring us to prioritize family bonding through rowing.

With the countdown to her college years ticking away, we're resolved to make the most of every moment. As we row alongside Kara — literally and figuratively — we know we're creating lasting memories and strengthening our familial bond.

Five Activities to Nurture Family Bonds

Now, let's sprinkle some fun into your March agenda with these five activities that will not only bring your family closer but also create lasting memories:

1. Family Game Night Extravaganza
   
   Unleash the competitive spirit and laughter with a family game night — board games, card games, or even a friendly video game tournament. Take turns picking the game and choosing the snacks and let the joyous banter and friendly rivalry fill the room. Then, settle down for an evening of quality bonding time.

2. Cooking Fiesta
   
   Turn your kitchen into a culinary playground. Involve everyone in the family to whip up a delicious meal together. It's not just about the food but the teamwork and the joy of creating something special as a family.
   

3. Outdoor Adventure Day
   
   Embrace the great outdoors! Whether it's a hike, a picnic in the park, or a day at the beach, spending time in nature together can be incredibly rejuvenating and a perfect opportunity to connect.
   

4. Storytelling Bonanza
   
   Share and create stories together. This could be done through reading a book as a family or even inventing your own tales. Let your imaginations run wild and see what wonderful narratives unfold.
   

5. Family Vision Board Workshop
   
   Get creative and dream together. Craft a family vision board with aspirations, dreams, and goals for the future. It's a beautiful way to align your family values and work towards shared objectives.

Helpful Resource

I recommend the books The Five Love Languages of Children or The Five Love Languages of Teens by Gary Chapman for an extra dose of inspiration and insight into nurturing family bonds.

These insightful reads delve into understanding and expressing love in ways that resonate with each child's or teen’s unique personality. They provide valuable perspectives on building strong connections within the family, making them a perfect complement to our March focus on celebrating and nurturing family bonds.

Resource Link

The Five Love Languages of Children

The Five Love Languages of Teens

Share Your Stories 

As we embark on this journey of celebrating family bonds in March, I invite you to share your own stories and experiences. How does your family make the most of this special month? Share your favorite activities, traditions, or even the challenges you've overcome. Let's create a community of shared wisdom and inspiration!

Feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments below or email [email protected] Together, let's make March a month to remember for all the right reasons!

Wishing you a March filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments with your loved ones.

Happy bonding!