Family treasures. Where to look for them and why are they so valuable?

When do we appreciate our family the most? Probably when we miss them. Now that we spend a lot more time at home than usual, we might be a little sick of each other. This is normal. The important thing is that we don’t doubt the strength of family bonds.

Family time
How to strengthen family ties? (Jessica Rockowitz / unsplash.com)
How to strengthen family ties? (Jessica Rockowitz / unsplash.com)

All families are similar, yet each is beautifully unique. Have you ever wondered why that is? It’s our little habits, traditions, shared moments and memories that make us feel one of a kind, amazing and special. That’s why they’re worth remembering and celebrating.  

Family treasures 

What will help you appreciate your family even more are the little treasures that are hidden in your home. It could be the morning coffee served by your husband. A card painted by your daughter. An emotional conversation with your son at the end of the day. Treasures are around us, we just need to learn to see them. What’s more, these treasures cost nothing and are worth more than many real jewels.  

What do we have that’s valuable?  

At a time when many things are there for the taking, it’s worth thinking about what we have, what’s the source of our joy and satisfaction and what do we value. Prepare pictures of tangible (e.g. a bicycle, a TV set, a radio) and intangible goods (e.g. family, friends, health) and arrange them in front of the child. Pictures or photos of tangible and intangible goods can be cut out from newspapers or printed from the Internet.

Ask the child to choose the ones they think are valuable. Ask why they picked these and not others. If the child chooses mainly material goods, ask if they think that what’s presented in the other pictures is less valuable. Ask them to imagine if and how they could live without a bicycle or TV. Ask what the benefits of having a family, friends and enjoying good health are. Together, think about what kind of intangible, valuable moments our loved ones give us. How does it influence our life?   

 

Together, we make a family  

Consider and write down or draw what each of you contributes to your family and home. For this task, you’ll need previously prepared brick-cards. These may be small rectangular sheets of paper. Put a drawing of a house outline on the floor or hang it on the wall. This is your home. Everyone is building it. Everyone is important. Everyone offers something different such as, different skills and strengths. Thanks to this, it’s never boring.  

 

All source materials are prepared by the team of Kulczyk Foundation’s Education Department in cooperation with teachers and experts – pedagogists, psychologists and cultural experts – and verified by an experienced family therapist Kamila Becker. Kinga Kuszak, PhD, Professor of Adam Mickiewicz University, Faculty of Educational Studies, provides content-related supervision over Kulczyk Foundation’s educational materials. All materials are covered by the content patronage of the Faculty of Educational Studies of Adam Mickiewicz University.

The article was published on 13.05.2020 on the website of Instytut Dobrego Życia (Good Life Institute)

Authors: Marta Tomaszewska (Kulczyk Foundation) and Anna Woźniak (Instytut Dobrego Życia)