By Susan Ciancio
May 15 is the International Day of Families—a day founded in 1994 by the United Nations “to honor the importance of families” because they are “the foundation of society.”
We have long said this exact thing: Family is the foundation of society. Without strong families, society will fail. That’s why it’s up to us as parents to make sure we care for our children physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
The family is under attack; this has been obvious for decades. You can find examples of threats to marriage, to preborn babies, to the elderly, and to the sick on just about any news site.
Yet we know that the family is also under a cyber attack. Phones and other handheld electronic devices isolate our children, detract from family time, lead to bullying and mental health problems, and often fill their minds with lies. Research illustrates these truths and more.
A recent article published by the National Library of Medicine examined the effects of excessive screen time and explains that it “has detrimental effects on social and emotional growth, including a rise in the likelihood of obesity, sleep disorders, and mental health conditions including depression and anxiety. It can obstruct the ability to interpret emotions, fuel aggressive conduct, and harm one’s psychological health in general.”
Nothing good comes from excessive screen usage. That’s why days like the International Day of Families remind us that it’s time to get back to basics and spend time with our families—without electronic devices.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “the family should live in such a way that its members learn to care and take responsibility for the young, the old, the sick, the handicapped, and the poor.” Therefore, we encourage you to examine the amount of time you and your family spend on screens. And then we encourage you to put them down and spend more time together, doing good for each other and for the people around you.
To help you get started, we have come up with eight faith-filled activities you can add to your family’s routine to reduce screen time, to enjoy time together, and to strengthen your faith in God.
1. Get to know some saints
For kids who still like to listen to you read, grab your favorite snack, a book about saints, or a booklet from the Culture of Life Studies Program and make a new friend together. Older kids can enjoy the CLSP saints booklets on their own. But you can also read about a saint and discuss that person’s life with your child over a meal, as you drive to a sports practice, or even as you take a walk. Never be afraid to spontaneously discuss our faith!
2. Spend time in Adoration
Many churches have monthly or weekly Adoration. Some even have a perpetual Adoration chapel. Start taking your kids from the time they are small. By going for just a few minutes at a time, to start, kids will learn to sit and stay quiet in front of Jesus. As they grow older, increase the time you spend there. When you go, talk about the miracle of the Eucharist and introduce your family to the Eucharistic miracles compiled by St. Carlo Acutis.
3. Visit a new church
Most cities have several Catholic churches, many of which have beautiful stained-glass windows, statues, or art. Take a Saturday afternoon and explore someplace new.
4. Say a rosary together
The rosary is a beautiful way to reflect on the lives of Jesus and Mary. You can choose to say a whole rosary or even just a decade. This reinforces the prayers and teaches some of the most incredible stories in the Bible.
5. Learn a new prayer
Most Catholic children know the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be, but there are so many beautiful prayers they should also know. Try learning the Prayer of St. Francis, the Hail Holy Queen, the Act of Contrition, or the Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love. You can also introduce your children to novenas and say them together each day. When you pray, offer up the prayers for someone who needs them. Let everyone in the family choose one person to pray for.
6. Take a hike or a bike ride and thank God for His creation
Many people feel closer to God outside in nature, where there are tangible reminders of what He has made and given us. Spending time outside allows for practical things like exercise and fresh air, but it’s also an opportunity to talk with your family, to listen to and see animals, and to smell the flowers and trees. Stress to your children that God made all of these things.
7. Read the Bible
The Bible is a beautiful book filled with God’s words and stories of heroism, holiness, and love. Take 15-20 minutes a day to sit down after dinner and read it with your family. Doing so will allow you to finish it in about a year. Or you could listen to the Bible in a Year podcast hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz (we are making an exception to the no devices recommendation for this incredible podcast!).
8. Perform random acts of kindness
Talk with your family about the importance of doing good for others. Give examples such as helping a sibling with homework, finishing a chore for someone else in the house, assisting a neighbor with yard work, taking flowers to a lonely neighbor, or baking a treat for your parish priest. All of these things show that you value these people and put their wants and needs before yours.
Let this International Day of Families spur you to action and to help you rethink how you spend your time. Aside from our faith, our family is the greatest gift we have. When we put down our phones, teach our children about the faith, and choose to regularly do good for others, we not only honor the family but we honor God as well.