A family holiday is basically a get-together from it all in one place. It is safe to say that all aware of a family holiday would agree that a family holiday indeed is a wise idea but what are the real benefits? Let us introduce you to a few research findings and statistical facts that prove that you really should prioritise a family holiday; from boosting bonding relationships to enhancing your overall health. Studies have shown that children who go on family holidays enjoy better mental health, are more happy with family and friends and are less likely to experience poor health and behavioural problems. These positive effects of family holidays can obviously extend beyond the child’s own enjoyment and well being. Other benefits of a family holiday could include boosting work-related performance, extending family bonds and helping families to save money on household expenses.
Another research finding that could help families come up with a holiday plan is the reduction in holiday stress. Stress-levels have been shown to increase amongst working parents, and the addition of family holidays appears to reduce stress levels and increase quality with time-pressed households. The average family holidays schedule includes both parents and children and helps working parents balance career and family life.
Children who take part in a structured family holiday also show an increased ability to concentrate, learn and retain information compared to those who do not take breaks. In fact, the Play System by Brain Learning Solutions could be the key to better brain development. This is because the holidays allow children to use their imagination and creativity, something that could help their brain development significantly. They could also connect with others at the same time as playing with their siblings, or fellow family members. The holidays can also help children express their emotions and display better social skills.
The mental health benefits of family holidays are numerous. Research has shown that children who participate in family holidays perform better in school, and this benefit increases as the children grow older. Children also gain positive social skills when they are forced to work together with others. On the other hand, family holidays could lower mental health and that is why many parents are now steering clear of them. The decline in family holidays results in less social interaction and more time spent alone.
The studies conducted on how family holidays affect the brains of fathers suggest that having a family holiday boosts the “happy memories” of children. In essence, happy memories make up the foundation of healthy social development. That’s why the study on family holidays found that children who regularly participated in family holidays had more happy memories than those who didn’t. Moreover, fathers who take part in family holidays were also found to have more “friends” in the neighborhood. These findings all imply that family holidays promote healthy interpersonal relationships.
Aside from boosting the “happy memories” of children, family holidays are good for parents as well. A happy memory can influence children’s behavior. According to research, families with children that regularly participate in vacations are likely to adopt the same parenting styles as their children. Families that go on family holidays together exhibit similar parenting behaviors as their children. For instance, they set realistic expectations and provide kids with the necessary structure and independence. It is also suggested that families who engage in frequent family holidays stay together for longer periods because it allows them to foster a sense of belonging and community.
Although going on a family holiday seems like a lot of fun, research shows that spending too much time together can cause problems. This is because holiday stress affects children’s emotional well-being. In fact, research suggests that children whose parents spend too much time apart are more likely to feel lonely, which in turn may lead them to develop unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs.
Another thing that the holidays can teach children is how to properly spend time with each other. According to the Australian Family Health Association, spending quality time with family members is an important part of healthy relationships. Furthermore, family holidays can teach kids how to be independent. Kids can take advantage of family relationships during family holidays by learning how to share or how to compromise.
