Hi friends – today I’m late posting because this morning we were busy checking out of a truly wonderful “Family Camp,” where my kids and I spent a week — and more on that later.

Anyway, one of the best parts was doing really physically intense stuff (canoeing, high ropes, bluff jumping) with my kids. From someone who would drive to the bathroom if she could – me – that is a big deal. (I guess the good news is that running after 4 kids all the time forces me to get moving whether I like it or not.)

There’s no doubt the kids and I grew closer as a result of camp and all that intense, physical fun.

And then I remembered reading a study about couples bonding really powerfully through doing intense physical activity together. Something about those endorphins being released, and experiencing a real physical thrill with someone, that pulls people close. In fact, the study I read said if a guy wants to win a gal’s heart, he should make the first date to an amusement park or something similarly exciting.

Even fast walking or bicycle rides, a strenuous hike, it can all serve the same purpose. If that’s true for couples, I bet it’s true for families too. Many families naturally do this. Now, if you didn’t know already, you know why you feel pretty good as a family afterward. The rest of us may be on a learning curve, but better late than never. Anyway, while summer is still with us, consider doing something, many things, physical and strenuous, even exciting if you can with your kids . And enjoy those endorphins pulling you all together as a family.

Happy Parenting - Betsy

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