Forced Family Fun (FFF) is defined as a family adventure where all parties ‘disconnect’ and experience conversations and bonding in an environment atypical of everyday life. FFF can sometimes be ‘forced’, especially if at the suggestion of parents, however there is an immediate buy-in from children who quickly realize the fun involved and take part in planning future adventures.

As parents of four children, it became clear early on that a close family unit was needed with competing technological and social forces vying for our children’s attention; television, cell phones, online games, social networks, etc. Much to our children’s dismay, we coined the phrase ‘Forced Family Fun’ and passionately represent it.

You may wonder how parents can be successful in suggesting Force Family Fun while gaining acceptance from the kids. To this I would say, why make it an option? Rather, try your first outing and then brainstorm additional activities as a family, to ensure a complete democracy. Be brave; Everyone who participates is a winner! Then schedule FFF at least once or twice a month so it becomes a habit.

When was the last time you had a family game night, went on a family nature walk or bike ride, camped in a tent, experienced canoeing, played tennis or badminton, built a garden bed? , picked berries to make pies, entered a sandcastle competition, or scavenger hunt? The possibilities are endless with fearless tenacity and enthusiasm.

Our family has become so used to Forced Family Fun that we sometimes venture into what we call ‘Extreme FFF’, to include a 22-mile Providence Bridge Pedal last August. Our 7 year old even completed the 8 bridge ride. Granted, this was a citywide event in Portland, closing bridges and roads, however, our kids were hooked on the promise of traveling to the highest bridges in the city, normally impassable by bike, not to mention the tasty ones! snacks on the go!

Another unforgettable adventure this past summer was canoeing. A bucket list item since we moved to Portland, I informed my two oldest children that we would be embarking on a two-hour adventure, FFF-style. My ten-year-old’s initial groans were unavoidable, however, the sheer challenge of navigating the Willamette River while pretending to be chased by the Portland Spirit (a sightseeing cruise ship) and a tugboat pushing a load of gravel on the Willamette River. , change. everyone’s perspective. A female team of rowers passed us at one point, to which I yelled, “I could use an extra teammate!” They laughed in response: “You are a brave woman.” This was, without a doubt, a beneficial phrase for the canoeing ears of my children. Nothing worth doing comes easy was the lesson I taught them that day as we all felt a great sense of accomplishment and FFF camaraderie!

The achievement of forced family fun is usually our sentiment as parents, whether we experience hours of family fun or gratitude for finishing a seemingly impossible task outnumbered by four children, as was the case in Glenwood Springs, CO. In 2015, we set out on a beautiful fall day hike to Hanging Lake, a top Trip Advisor destination, only to regret our decision as parents halfway to our destination. Colorados at the time, we were not deterred by the difficult hike; however, in hindsight the trail should have been closed given the icy alpine terrain. Grateful to have survived the ‘Expedition Survival’ crossing as a family, I quickly wrote a review on Trip Advisor, urging people to postpone until summer. Yet it was another spectacularly beautiful Colorado wonder and a memorable bonding experience as a family.

extreme FFF; don’t let the faces fool you…

Not all Forced Family Fun events require extreme conditions, big spending, or extraordinary athletic prowess. Camping in tents while learning to build fires and roast marshmallows together and game nights where everyone picks their favorite board game can be just as entertaining.

I admit it’s easy to let electronics take care of your kids or constantly say yes to teenage commitments outside the home, parenting requires resilience. On the other hand, building a garden box, discovering slugs and snails on a nature walk, and a sandcastle competition on the Oregon coast have provided countless hours of creativity and lifelong memories.

Parents, be brave, don’t worry about your children’s initial disdain and remember, with participation, everyone can have a voice in your democracy. My kids sometimes begrudgingly comply, however, they all value Forced Family Fun and their friends know it. Create family bonding experiences as you spend time together. No regrets. I guarantee success, from my own experience, if you make it a family habit!