The new American family is very different from what it was forty or fifty years ago. We are so disconnected from other members of our families, it is almost frightening.

Our American Family

Crazy Dave’s Crew at Blue Hole

As I type this, I am sitting all alone in the living room watching political commentary (Unlike most Americans, I want to make an educated vote).  All three of my children are in their rooms playing on their computers, and Laura is downstairs sewing.  We are all doing what we enjoy and I can’t blame any of them for leaving the room when I am watching political news.

This is today’s American family!  We all go our own direction and hardly even sit down together for one meal each day.  I believe it is good for us to have our own interest, but have we taken it to the extreme?

When I was growing up, we only had one television and no computer (unless you count a Commodore 64).  Many nights were spent breaking beans and silking the corn. We had dinner together almost every night and cleaned up the dishes together.  I will admit I didn’t necessarily enjoy these things at the time, but at least we spent time together and learned a good work ethic.  We did spend many weekends camping and roasting marshmallows together around the campfire, so not everything was work. (Thanks for all of it, Dad and Mom)

Making it work

Today the American Family needs to be creative to find reasons to be together.  We started geocaching for this very reason.  It gives us a chance to travel together, go on hikes together, and have fun together.  We have started involving the children in our craft and antique business.  We are constantly trying to find ways to spend time together.

Shelby with a board game

Homeschooling our children has also created a unique opportunity to get to know our children, as well!  Every day, we have gotten to watch our children as they learn and sometimes we even see the lightbulb go off.  We are able to use everything we do as a learning opportunity, including geocaching. We even turn off the electronics and play board games sometimes! (yes, they do still exist!)

The American Family is not lost, we just have to try some new methods to connect.  Be creative and think outside the box!  Turn off the computer, the mobile phone, the television, and find a fun way to get to know your family.