3 Insights Your Family Can Gain from Military Families

home insemination Kit

We often fret about finding quality “family time” these days. It seems that true family bonding has turned into a battle against everyone’s desire to retreat into their own screens. You know what I mean: the struggle to pull everyone together for classic activities like board games or card nights, only to have everyone scatter back to their devices after a couple of hours. It’s like the military’s version of “mandatory fun”—those events you can’t skip, even if you’d rather be anywhere else.

My friend Jamie spent years moving from base to base with her husband, who served in the Navy. With two kids in tow, she quickly learned that scheduling family time was often impossible. Instead, military families adapt and find joy in the little moments that come their way. Here are three takeaways that any family can apply to make their time together more meaningful:

1. Everyday Errands Are Quality Time.

Think of trips to places like IKEA as family bonding experiences. It’s all about navigating life’s little adventures together, whether you’re hunting for that elusive bookshelf or trying to locate the pediatrician’s office while managing a backseat meltdown. You don’t need to plan extravagant outings. Just getting through the day together can strengthen your family ties.

2. Cherish Those Near You.

Don’t stress if you can’t make it to every family gathering. While long-distance relatives are wonderful, they won’t be around for the everyday moments—school events, last-minute babysitting needs, or just the random Wednesday nights when you need a buddy to share pizza with. Embrace the friendships you have nearby, even if one of the parents in the carpool drives you a little nuts. Create your own community of family friends who can fill the gaps.

3. Cozy Up Together.

Those nights spent lounging together in a cozy space count as family time, too! I remember one summer evening when Jamie’s family enjoyed a pool party in their backyard, margaritas for the adults and a picnic dinner for the kids. It’s about taking advantage of what you have—whether it’s a spacious living room or a comfy bed on lazy Sundays. Those moments are what really matter.

Military families learn to appreciate the small joys, especially during uncertain times. This is a lesson all families can benefit from, including Jamie’s, who is now adjusting to life after active duty. She’s looking forward to summer pool days with her kids, even if they have to schedule them in advance. If you’re interested in learning more about family dynamics, you can check out other posts on our site, like this one about home insemination or resources from Make a Mom and Parents for insights on pregnancy.

In summary, military families offer valuable lessons on how to find and appreciate family time, even in the chaos of everyday life. Whether it’s through errands, local friendships, or cozy nights together, every moment counts.