Family Creativity: Dare to Be Different
By Mr. Wong Chiu Man, Senior Officer at Wan Chai Integrated Family Service Centre, St. James' Settlement
Over the past decade, our center has focused on promoting "Positive Energy Families." Since 2016, we have adopted the theme "Family Creativity: Dare to Be Different," encouraging family creativity, strengthening family bonds, and spreading positive energy throughout Wan Chai. Our goals are:
1. Broaden Horizons: Reflect on oneself, learn from others, and develop unique talents.
2. Improve Relationships: Establish new communication modes with family members.
3. Lifestyle Enhancement: Discover unique family and community cultures.
In the first year, we implemented the "Positive Energy Families - Family Creativity Action," which included publishing a "Parent-Child Game Collection" to encourage interaction and improve family relationships. We also organized "Melodious Blessings in Wan Chai," using music to build community culture, and held "Parent-Child Creative Workshops" where families painted unique designs on pottery to express their feelings. Additionally, we collaborated with PLAYRIGHT to host the "Family Creativity Fun Carnival," offering alternative game experiences to break daily routines and foster parent-child bonding through laughter.
In the second year, we held "Parent-Child Creative Workshops" for families to design matching outfits, creating a unique and strong family image and sense of belonging. We also launched the "Positive Energy Families - Grassland Parent-Child Party," allowing parents to enjoy time with their children on the grass, strengthening positive family dynamics. In the final year of the three-year plan, we continued to promote our theme and goals, striving to spread positive energy.
How can we practically enhance family relationships? It's not enough to just talk about it; we need shared positive experiences to truly warm our hearts. Parents can lead by example, engaging in activities like exercise to build common interests and break the isolating effects of electronic devices. Scientific research shows that exercise improves mood, relieves stress, boosts confidence and creativity, fosters perseverance, and builds team relationships. During exercise, accelerated breathing, heart rate, and metabolism cause hormonal changes, producing endorphins that positively affect mood and cognition, increasing mental capacity by 20-30%.
Besides games, exercise is a great option for parents to help children develop interests, provide opportunities for growth, and deepen mutual understanding and trust. Exercise offers excellent opportunities for family members to learn cooperation and build relationships. Let's promote family exercise to spread positive energy and create healthy, vibrant families throughout Wan Chai.
