5 habits to increase family connection

Being together, sat around the kitchen table for meals provides valuable opportunities for families to bond, talk and connect. The enjoyment of eating comes just as much from the shared experience as from the food itself. Ask questions to spark conversation – what’s been the best part of your day? What’s been the most challenging part of today?
Cuddles, or a ‘cwtch’ as we like to say in Wales, and conversations with children are crucial for their emotional, social, and cognitive development. ‘Cwtch’ has no literal English translation, but is an emotionally significant embrace and an intrinsically Welsh word that evokes a sense of home.¹
Spending time outdoors and in nature has many health benefits – and the best bit? It doesn’t cost a thing! Studies show that being in natural environments strengthens your immune system², enhances the diversity of your microbiome³ (which is crucial for gut health), lowers stress levels,⁴ and helps improve digestion. Looking for inspiration? Check out 5 Outdoor Activities For Your Kids.
Playing, building and creating isn’t just for kids – adults can, and should, get involved too! While the benefits of play are countless – aiding children’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development – it goes further than just fun and games.⁵ Playfulness as an adult has many benefits for well-being and character; great for relieving stress and boosting physical health, just to name a few. A 2013 study has also positively linked play and playfulness with well-being and life satisfaction.⁶ Find more information on why playing as an adult is beneficial, here.
Engaging children in preparing healthy snacks provides a range of benefits for their development and well-being, including enhancing nutritional awareness, building confidence, and teaching important life skills. Explore some delicious recipes on our Gut Health Express blog here. To make your days easier, consider batch cooking these recipes – 5 gut-healthy batch-cook-and-freeze dishes.