I wanted our children to feel a strong sense of belonging and family pride. And because attainment of that spirit is so important, I deliberately work to create what I call the 'our family' feeling. Togetherness and family Pride don't occur accidentally. Luck, maglc, or happenstance are not responsible for producing feelings of connectedness and belonging. And they do it by purposefully structuring activities that allow for it to develop.
Firsts is one example of an activity that builds an 'our family' feeling.
This device can serve as a special connecting link between you and your children. Buy a new spiral notebook for each child and a special pencil. Explain that children who write in journals got to stay up 15 minutes later than usual for just that purpose. After children have written in their journals and are tucked into bed, read their journal entries and write a response. On the following evening, children will read your response before they write their new entry.