Strengthen Family Bonds Through Shared Memories

Families experience many moments together—big ones like graduations, holidays, hospital stays, and small everyday ones like family dinners or bedtime stories. These shared moments slowly become memories, and over time, they grow into stories that help shape who we are and how close we feel to one another.

Research⁽¹⁾ shows that these shared stories are actually really important. They play an important role in helping children develop confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of identity. In a way, shared memories are like threads that weave family members closer together, creating warmth, connection, and belonging.

So, how can we create more of these meaningful memories? Here are 3 simple ways to strengthen family bonds through shared experiences:

Make Time for Meaningful Conversations

One of the heartfelt ways to create shared memories is by talking about them together. Here’s how you can make these conversations more special:

Set time for it daily: Whether it’s over dinner, during playtime, or before bed, set aside time to talk. Share both the good and the not-so-great moments.
Tell stories together, not separately: Instead of everyone telling their version of an event in isolation, build a shared story together. For example:
- Individual version:
  - Mum: “The road was so jammed.”
  - Child: “I had ice cream.”
- Shared version:
  - Mum: “Remember our trip to JB last week?”
  - Child: “Yes! It was packed because of the holidays.”
  - Mum: “But we still managed to get you that cute blouse for your birthday.”
  - Child: “I love that blouse! And my favourite ice cream too!”
  - Mum: “We had such a good time, didn’t we?”
- Let everyone have a say: Give each family member space to share. When everyone gets to add their piece, it builds a sense of belonging and shows that each person’s voice matters.

Create Simple Family Rituals

Rituals are those little routines that families do together, which give life rhythm and meaning. They are saying “this is who we are”. They’re also powerful bonding tools⁽²⁾. Here are some ideas to start with:

Weekly game night: Pick a day to play games together—board games, card games, video games, anything fun (and not too competitive).
Birthday traditions: You could throw a party for younger kids, but even simple things like cake, candles, family photos, or sharing a memory about the birthday person can make birthdays special.
Monthly outdoor outings: Plan trips to parks, nature reserves, or even go prawning with the kids. Being out in nature is a great way to bond without screen time.
Bedtime rituals: Things like goodnight kisses, bedtime stories, saying a prayer, or sharing what you’re grateful for can create comforting and meaningful end-of-day moments.

Rituals help families feel safe, supported, and grounded, especially during stressful times, and give families a shared identity.

Share Stories of Resilience

Life isn’t always easy, but facing challenges together can bring families even closer. When families share stories of overcoming challenges, it teaches valuable life lessons and brings everyone closer⁽³⁾. Here’s how you can do it:

Celebrate big and small victories: Acknowledge efforts, even if there were failures along the way. Display photos, trophies, or drawings at home to create a visual “wall of wins.”
Create a Family Story Jar: Write down funny, meaningful, or tough family moments on little notes and put them in a jar. On a rough day, pull one out, read it, and relive that moment together.
Watch movies that inspire resilience: Films like Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Akeelah and the Bee, 3 Idiots, Money No Enough, and even Iron Man show how bouncing back from setbacks is part of growth.

When sharing these stories, focus on how people felt, how they coped, and what they learned. These honest and heartfelt moments teach children that struggles are part of life- and that they don’t have to face them alone.

Bringing it All Together

In the end, it’s simple: shared memories help create a strong family identity, boost individual self-esteem, and build resilience. By making time for meaningful conversations, setting up fun family rituals, and sharing stories of overcoming challenges, you’re not just making memories—you’re building a healthier, happier family.

Written by: Timothy Thong, Counsellor, Fei Yue Community Services

References

(1) Bohanek, Jennifer & Marin, Kelly & Fivush, Robyn & Duke, Marshall. (2006). Family Narrative Interaction and Children’s Sense of Self. Family process. 45. 39-54. 10.1111/j.1545-5300.2006.00079.x.

(2) Fiese, Barbara & Tomcho, Thomas & Douglas, Michael & Josephs, Kimberly & Poltrock, Scott & Baker, Tim. (2003). A review of 50 years of research on naturally occurring family routines and rituals: Cause for celebration?. Journal of family psychology : JFP : journal of the Division of Family Psychology of the American Psychological Association (Division 43). 16. 381-90. 10.1037//0893-3200.16.4.381.

(3) Ramamurthy, C., Zuo, P., Armstrong, G., & Andriessen, K. (2024). The impact of storytelling on building resilience in children: A systematic review. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 31, 525–542. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.13008

Strengthen Family Bonds Through Shared Memories

So, how can we create more of these meaningful memories? Here are 3 simple ways to strengthen family bonds through shared experiences:

Make Time for Meaningful Conversations

One of the heartfelt ways to create shared memories is by talking about them together. Here’s how you can make these conversations more special:

Set time for it daily: Whether it’s over dinner, during playtime, or before bed, set aside time to talk. Share both the good and the not-so-great moments.

Tell stories together, not separately: Instead of everyone telling their version of an event in isolation, build a shared story together. For example:

Individual version:

Mum: “The road was so jammed.”

Child: “I had ice cream.”

Shared version:

Mum: “Remember our trip to JB last week?”

Child: “Yes! It was packed because of the holidays.”

Mum: “But we still managed to get you that cute blouse for your birthday.”

Child: “I love that blouse! And my favourite ice cream too!”

Mum: “We had such a good time, didn’t we?”

Let everyone have a say: Give each family member space to share. When everyone gets to add their piece, it builds a sense of belonging and shows that each person’s voice matters.

Create Simple Family Rituals

Rituals are those little routines that families do together, which give life rhythm and meaning. They are saying “this is who we are”. They’re also powerful bonding tools⁽²⁾. Here are some ideas to start with:

Weekly game night: Pick a day to play games together—board games, card games, video games, anything fun (and not too competitive).

Birthday traditions: You could throw a party for younger kids, but even simple things like cake, candles, family photos, or sharing a memory about the birthday person can make birthdays special.

Monthly outdoor outings: Plan trips to parks, nature reserves, or even go prawning with the kids. Being out in nature is a great way to bond without screen time.

Bedtime rituals: Things like goodnight kisses, bedtime stories, saying a prayer, or sharing what you’re grateful for can create comforting and meaningful end-of-day moments.

Rituals help families feel safe, supported, and grounded, especially during stressful times, and give families a shared identity.

Share Stories of Resilience

Life isn’t always easy, but facing challenges together can bring families even closer. When families share stories of overcoming challenges, it teaches valuable life lessons and brings everyone closer⁽³⁾. Here’s how you can do it:

Celebrate big and small victories: Acknowledge efforts, even if there were failures along the way. Display photos, trophies, or drawings at home to create a visual “wall of wins.”

Create a Family Story Jar: Write down funny, meaningful, or tough family moments on little notes and put them in a jar. On a rough day, pull one out, read it, and relive that moment together.

Watch movies that inspire resilience: Films like Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Akeelah and the Bee, 3 Idiots, Money No Enough, and even Iron Man show how bouncing back from setbacks is part of growth.

When sharing these stories, focus on how people felt, how they coped, and what they learned. These honest and heartfelt moments teach children that struggles are part of life- and that they don’t have to face them alone.

Bringing it All Together

Written by: Timothy Thong, Counsellor, Fei Yue Community Services

References

(1) Bohanek, Jennifer & Marin, Kelly & Fivush, Robyn & Duke, Marshall. (2006). Family Narrative Interaction and Children’s Sense of Self. Family process. 45. 39-54. 10.1111/j.1545-5300.2006.00079.x.

(3) Ramamurthy, C., Zuo, P., Armstrong, G., & Andriessen, K. (2024). The impact of storytelling on building resilience in children: A systematic review. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 31, 525–542. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.13008

Strengthen Family Bonds Through Shared Memories

So, how can we create more of these meaningful memories? Here are 3 simple ways to strengthen family bonds through shared experiences:

Make Time for Meaningful Conversations

One of the heartfelt ways to create shared memories is by talking about them together. Here’s how you can make these conversations more special:

Set time for it daily: Whether it’s over dinner, during playtime, or before bed, set aside time to talk. Share both the good and the not-so-great moments.

Tell stories together, not separately: Instead of everyone telling their version of an event in isolation, build a shared story together. For example:

Individual version:

Mum: “The road was so jammed.”

Child: “I had ice cream.”

Shared version:

Mum: “Remember our trip to JB last week?”

Child: “Yes! It was packed because of the holidays.”

Mum: “But we still managed to get you that cute blouse for your birthday.”

Child: “I love that blouse! And my favourite ice cream too!”

Mum: “We had such a good time, didn’t we?”

Let everyone have a say: Give each family member space to share. When everyone gets to add their piece, it builds a sense of belonging and shows that each person’s voice matters.

Create Simple Family Rituals

Rituals are those little routines that families do together, which give life rhythm and meaning. They are saying “this is who we are”. They’re also powerful bonding tools(2). Here are some ideas to start with:

Weekly game night: Pick a day to play games together—board games, card games, video games, anything fun (and not too competitive).

Birthday traditions: You could throw a party for younger kids, but even simple things like cake, candles, family photos, or sharing a memory about the birthday person can make birthdays special.

Monthly outdoor outings: Plan trips to parks, nature reserves, or even go prawning with the kids. Being out in nature is a great way to bond without screen time.

Bedtime rituals: Things like goodnight kisses, bedtime stories, saying a prayer, or sharing what you’re grateful for can create comforting and meaningful end-of-day moments.

Rituals help families feel safe, supported, and grounded, especially during stressful times, and give families a shared identity.

Share Stories of Resilience

Life isn’t always easy, but facing challenges together can bring families even closer. When families share stories of overcoming challenges, it teaches valuable life lessons and brings everyone closer(3). Here’s how you can do it:

Celebrate big and small victories: Acknowledge efforts, even if there were failures along the way. Display photos, trophies, or drawings at home to create a visual “wall of wins.”

Create a Family Story Jar: Write down funny, meaningful, or tough family moments on little notes and put them in a jar. On a rough day, pull one out, read it, and relive that moment together.

Watch movies that inspire resilience: Films like Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Akeelah and the Bee, 3 Idiots, Money No Enough, and even Iron Man show how bouncing back from setbacks is part of growth.

When sharing these stories, focus on how people felt, how they coped, and what they learned. These honest and heartfelt moments teach children that struggles are part of life- and that they don’t have to face them alone.

Bringing it All Together

Written by: Timothy Thong, Counsellor, Fei Yue Community Services

References

(1) Bohanek, Jennifer & Marin, Kelly & Fivush, Robyn & Duke, Marshall. (2006). Family Narrative Interaction and Children’s Sense of Self. Family process. 45. 39-54. 10.1111/j.1545-5300.2006.00079.x.

(3) Ramamurthy, C., Zuo, P., Armstrong, G., & Andriessen, K. (2024). The impact of storytelling on building resilience in children: A systematic review. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 31, 525–542. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.13008

Rituals are those little routines that families do together, which give life rhythm and meaning. They are saying “this is who we are”. They’re also powerful bonding tools⁽²⁾. Here are some ideas to start with:

Life isn’t always easy, but facing challenges together can bring families even closer. When families share stories of overcoming challenges, it teaches valuable life lessons and brings everyone closer⁽³⁾. Here’s how you can do it: