My parents have always been my biggest heroes. To this day, they continue to lead by example and show me the true importance of tribe. We make every effort to make the time we spend together meaningful and purposeful.

Now that school is out for the summer, you might be wondering how to make the most of this time you’ll have to spend with your kids … your tribe.

A lot of the parents I know face the same challenge this time of year. They want to spend quality time with their kids, but despite their best intentions, life keeps getting in the way. Next thing they know, the summer is almost over, and they’ve barely gotten to enjoy any truly meaningful and purposeful time together.

Can you relate?

In my recent article, 5 Great Ways to Bond With Your Kids This Summer, I shared some of my favorite family bonding ideas. Readers wanted more, so I’m sharing a few more of my favorite ways to connect with your kids and strengthen your tribe.

Planning makes perfect

My best advice is to plan ahead. This week, make a list of 3 fun activities that will bring your tribe even closer. Then, plan in advance: one activity for June, one for July and one for August. If you’re short on ideas, check your local paper or community website for events.

You’ll likely do many things with your kids, but try to make these activities truly special. I’m talking about fun and creative activities that strengthen your family bond, keep you moving and empower you to share a sense of purpose and connection.

3 of my favorite family bonding ideas for the summer:

Volunteer

Decide as a group which causes you’d like to support, then get out in your community and help those who need it. Supporting each other is the very definition of tribe, and you’ll be shaping your kids to become great citizens. What a great way to bring people together. Check out Volunteer Match.org to find causes that light you up!

Plan a beach day

Warm, sunny days are perfect for a beach outing. There are so many healthy benefits of a beach day. The calming sound of the waves, being out in nature and absorbing some Vitamin D are just a few. While you’re there, aim for a mix of relaxation and purposeful movement. Volleyball, swimming, boogie boarding, fishing or a walk in the surf get you moving (important for every Health Hero). Pack a healthy meal and snacks and remember to protect yourself from the sun (sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, etc.). If it’s a hot day, guard your family against heat stroke and cool off in the ocean if you need to.

Get cooking

While getting outdoors is important, rainy days are inevitable. Use these gloomy days to enjoy some family bonding from the comfort of your home. One of my favorite ways to bond happens right in my kitchen. My wife, Kali, and our kids work together to prepare healthy and delicious meals. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you’ll brush up on your teamwork skills and set the example for making good nutrition a priority. Vote on a healthy recipe, turn up some good music and then prepare and eat the meal … you guessed it … together.

Please see my prescriptions below for additional ideas that bring your tribe together and promote good health.

Give these activities a try and comment below with your favorite ways to bond with your kids and strengthen your tribe! Wishing you a summer of health, fun and quality time with those you love.

Make healthy living a part of every day.

The light in me honors the light in you. Namaste.

Dr. Nandi

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Partha’s Prescriptions

• Find purpose together. When the time you spend as a family is purposeful, you form deeper and more genuine connections – the foundation of any tribe. tribe and a sense of purpose do wonders for your physical and psychological health and can add years to your life!

• Unplug. Designate “technology free” time when phones and laptops are turned off. Use that time to focus on each other. Unplugging gets rid of distractions and allows you to connect and bond more deeply.

• Learn something new together. Just because school is out doesn’t mean you can’t continue learning new things. Connect through the act of learning something together to create deep bonds and lead to a greater appreciation of one another.