What are some ideas of how we can be a strong family?

• Write short notes to each other (a simple hello, praise for a job well done, good luck for an event).

Tuck the notes under the person's pillow or slip them into a backpack, lunch bag, dresser, gym bag, or purse. Write at least one note to each family member every week.

• Part of coping with change is learning to take on new roles unexpectedly. Once a month, ask family members to think of a chore or a job they usually do that they would like to "give away" for a day.

Trade tasks with each other. For that day only, the person does that job. The next day, talk about how it felt to switch roles and how the family can prepare to fill in for each other in the future.

• Choose a good time for a discussion: at the dinner table, in the car, in the evening while relaxing. Eliminate distractions and allow enough time for everyone to talk and share their views.

Use these fun ideas to start a conversation:

• One really good thing that happened to me today is...
• My biggest goof last year was....
• Our family is really good at...
• My favorite meal is...
• One thing I like about each person in my family is...

• Plant vegetables or flowers with your children. Your kids can learn about life from gardening, and you'll spend time together.

• Strengthen ties you have with neighbors by finding ways to be helpful. For example, split wood, watch a pet, share a favorite dessert, shovel sidewalks, bring in the newspaper, or shop for someone who is ill.

From University of Missouri Outreach and Extension's Building Strong Families Program.

Lucy Schrader, Building Strong Families Coordinator, University of Missouri - Columbia, University Outreach & Extension