As the weather gets colder with the winter season, snowfall is effective and schools are suspended in many cities due to adverse weather conditions, it can be considered as an opportunity to spend more time at home.
Stating that family members who come together at such times can increase their communication by sharing common things, experts say, "You can watch movies and play games together. Television, cell phones and the internet should be turned off, especially when the family is eating or drinking tea together, and these hours should be used as a time to chat."
Expert Psychologist Selvinaz Çınar Parlak from Üsküdar University NP Feneryolu Polyclinic pointed out that the time spent outside the home is restricted in winter due to weather and climate conditions, and that this situation can be considered as an important opportunity to increase communication within the family and strengthen family ties.
WHY CAN'T WE FORGET STOVE MEMORIES?
Selvinaz Çınar Parlak stated that the more frequent recollection of childhood stove memories is also meaningful in this respect and said, "Winter season leads to withdrawal to the inner world with the decrease in outdoor activities in humans as in many living species. This process, which will end with listening and understanding oneself and renewal in spring, can also bring us closer to the other."
IT IS POSSIBLE TO CREATE "STOVE MEMORIES"
"It is possible for family members to create common routines during the time spent at home and thus strengthen their bonds," said Parlak and added, "Having a common dinner time for everyone, creating times when family members chat away from technology, creating rituals where television, cell phones and the internet are turned off, listening only to each other, and maintaining this throughout the winter allows them to accumulate warm family memories such as memories of the stove."
NEED TO CREATE "MOMENTS"
Stating that in today's world where what is far away is very close, there is too much stimulation and too fast information flow, individuals do not spend enough time to listen and understand each other, Parlak said: "For this reason, it is necessary to create moments away from technology, where only family members share. The word "create" is chosen specifically here because this does not come spontaneously in the fast rhythm of modern life. Therefore, the family should create routines for itself. For example, at dinner time or tea time after dinner, the TV, cell phone and internet can be turned off and a short period of time can be devoted to just chatting."
FAMILY TIES STRENGTHEN AS COMMUNICATION INCREASES
Reminding that many people watch movies, TV series or spend time on social media while relaxing in the evening, Selvinaz Çınar Parlak said, "These activities can also be done jointly. Parents can watch movies and TV series with their children and discuss them at the same time, follow social media together and share information. Family ties will be stronger in homes where communication is active. Each individual may need to withdraw and be alone in their own subjectivity. However, open communication, family routines and the presence of common activities will strengthen the sense of commitment."
PLAY IS ALSO A NEED FOR ADULTS
Noting that although the need to play games is specific to childhood, adults also need the excitement and relaxation that play brings, Parlak said: "The decrease in outdoor activities in the winter season and the increase in the time spent at home also allows for joint activities. Parents can play games with their children, virtual and especially real games that family members can play together provide relaxation and relaxation for everyone, affirm the perception of "family" and "home" and increase loyalty. Many activities such as games with children, youth games, virtual games, etc. will warm up your home and make you feel good inside. It should be taken into account and developed that having fun together is an important function for the family."