Today is National Family Day.

Today is National Family Day. One easy way to mark the occasion is to sit down for a meal with the whole family today. And it has more benefits than you might imagine. The National Center on Addiction estimates the risk of teen alcohol, tobacco and other drug use is lower in families who share three or more meals a week together. And for those whose friends practically double as family, today is also National Girls’ Night. Whether it’s a night in, or a night out, it’s
The family unit is an indispensable part of human society. At its core, the family is composed of biological relatives like parents, siblings, grandparents, and cousins, as well as spouses, children, and in-laws. The social relationships, expectations, and dynamics between these relatives vary by time and place. Today, Americans are getting married later than ever, at around 28.
The nuclear family unit — parents and children — typically makes up most Western households. In other cultures, extended families share households, and adult children are expected to care for their elderly parents and relatives.
Strong family ties support us under stress, help us process trauma, and boost our self-esteem.
Because family is such an important structure for people around the world, it certainly makes sense to devote a day to appreciating and engaging with the important people in our lives.
National Family Day Activities
- Plan an outingWhether it’s a day at the beach, a picnic, or a movie, an outing with your family is a surefire way to enjoy some quality time. Pick an accessible activity everyone can enjoy and share a day of reconnecting.
- Pick up your phoneNot to worry if you and your family are not in the same state or country — modern technology makes it easy to connect! Call each other or use a video chatting app to check in with distant relatives.
- Plan a game dayGames are a super fun way to bond with family. Whether your family is into board games, puzzles, card games, or sports, a little healthy competition will energize your family time. Plus, the winner has bragging rights — until the next game day.