As frustrated as you may be with finding better ways to connect with your family—I feel your pain, and I often struggle with finding better ways to connect myself. As I’ve talked to families and couples over the years through my mentoring organization, Centurion’s Watch, one of the biggest challenges that come up is finding time to connect.

Creating authentic moments that strengthen the family is a big focus in my mentoring organization. I’ve written about unplugging for family health before in a previous post, but it’s such an important idea that it’s worth revisiting. And the good news is that I have some new ideas for you to try.

Now more than ever, the digital tools we use to connect to the outside world can pose a roadblock to an authentic connection within the family. I would guess, however, that for most of us, the issue with screen time is definitely not a new thing—and neither is the challenge of finding time to connect. While digital media has definitely made it look a little different, the challenge has always been the same—creating authentic moments of connection in the family takes some planning, creativity, and commitment.

Here are the new 7 media-free activity ideas I promised earlier, that will help you unplug and connect with those you love.

1. Take a walk or nature hike and make it interesting by printing out a scavenger hunt
2. Create an indoor fort with sheets, sturdy clips, and your imagination
3. Chores as a family—make a fun reward after the job is done so everyone is happy
4. Paper crafts like origami or 3D pop-up designs for the person who wants a real challenge  
5. Make a recipe—older kids or grandkids can follow a recipe and younger ones can mix together ingredients
6. Try a new board game together as a family and have a game night
7. Take a day trip—everyone writes down a spot and you pick the winner out of a hat

What do you think—is there one idea you can try this weekend?  I would love to hear your favorite ways to unplug and connect with your family. Please share your thoughts in the comments below!  

Please take a moment and share this article with your friends and family. I’d love to see them added to our growing community.     

Your Virtual Mentor,

Doug