Opening Song: From Homes of Saints Glad Songs Arise #297
Lesson: Wholesome Family Recreation
Family life can be very complicated with all of the demands associated. The expectation to do wholesome activities together doesn't make it easier. However, the time and effort required in wholesome recreation is well worth the effort.
Ask the following questions:
- How do you as couple feel you are spending your time?
- Are you both happy with this aspect of your marriage?
It has been understood that the most influential constraint directly influencing wholesome family recreation is time. Overworking directly affects the family and adds stress and reduces opportunities for positive wholesome interaction. Demands are increasing in the family and the result is less time together as families for wholesome recreation. As we experience the time crunch, we are more likely to engage in recreation that proves a sense of escape which can include activities like surfing the internet, texting, watching tv, and playing video games.
As a couple, figure out how much time during the week you spend doing the above "escape" activities. Does it surprise you?
In today's society, more and more people and spending their leisure time indoors instead of going outdoors and working and playing together. "In general, research suggests that nature plays an important role in promoting health and well-being" (Hawkins, Dallahite, Draper).
There are three forms of recreation: parallel, joint, and independent. Parallel involve multiple members of the family doing the same thing but not interacting with each other. This can include watching movies and tv. Joint activities involve high levels of communication and interdependence and can include activities like canoeing, tennis, chess, and rock climbing. Independent activities are those done alone.
"Research suggests that joint activities lead to the highest marital satisfaction. Parallel have a small positive effect on marital satisfaction, while independent activities may have a negative effect, especially for wives. Joint activities strengthen relationships by promoting interaction, communication, and cooperation" (Hawkins, Dollahite, Draper).
Discuss how often during the week you have family meals together. If not every night, what are the reasons for not?
Having family meals together has also been found to be beneficial for families. "Positive outcomes to family meals can include: communication, cohesiveness, healthy eating patterns, improved literacy, better academic performance and better mental health" (Hawkins, Dollahite, Draper).
Wholesome family recreation has been shown to provide benefits to marriages and families across a lifespan. It is important to carefully chose how to spend your precious leisure time as a family. Thoughtfully plan activities in order to create meaningful and strengthening experiences for your family.
Closing Prayer:
Activity: For this activity, decide a joint activity that you as a couple can do together. This can include things like rock climbing, riding bikes, going on a hike, rollerblading, ice skating, sledding, etc. Try something new that you have never done before as a couple. If you don't have time to do the activity during FHE, set a time during the week that you can complete that activity.
Treat: Stripped Delight
You can find the direct link to the recipe here.
Ingredients:
- 35 Oreo cookies
- 6 Tbsp. butter, melted
- 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 Tbsp. cold milk
- 1 tub (12 oz) cool whip
- 2 pkg. (3.9 oz each) chocolate instant pudding
- 3 1/4 cup milk
Directions:
- Process cookies in food processor until fine crumbs form. Transfer to medium bowl; mix in butter. Press onto bottom of 13x9-inch dish. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Whisk cream cheese, sugar and 2 Tbsp. milk in medium bowl until blended. Stir in 1 1/4 cups cool whip; spread over crust.
- Beat pudding mixes and 3 1/4 cups milk with whisk 2 min; pour over cream cheese layer. Let stand 5 min. or until thickened, cover with remaining cool whip.
- Refrigerate 4 hours.
Resources:
Text: Hawkins, Alan J., David C. Dollahite, and Thomas W. Draper. Successful Marriages and Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives. Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University, 2012. Print.
Dessert: http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/striped-delight-57649.aspx
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