Ways to stay connected to family this summer

Gannett News Service

Grandparent factor: Suggest Grandma and Grandpa take the kids for a while so youngsters can bond with them. If you are a grandparent, don't wait to be asked. Invite the kids over and go on a picnic, or play board games. Go out for ice cream.

Hobbies: Share your interests with kids by encouraging them to join in the cooking or gardening. Go hiking or biking together.

Vacation: Take a family trip together and enjoy the sights. Shoot loads of photos and join together after the trip to build a scrapbook.

Letters: Write a letter to your child and pack it in the suitcase he'll take to camp. Send a care package to the camper. Note that the package is from the family.

Snuggling: Relax with the kids and watch their favorite show with them, or sit together on the couch and read.

Chores: Have the kids help wash the cars. Turn the hose on each other, and the work will become fun.

Work-reward: Work as a family trimming, weeding or whatever, and then go out as a group for shave ice or another treat.

Mealtime: Adjust work and recreation schedules so everyone has at least one meal a day together. If that's impossible, plan family meals on weekends. Get everyone involved in choosing a menu, grocery shopping and cooking.