Family traditions and regular rituals can hold families together.

Did you know that the average American family spends only 14.5 minutes a day all together? Stack that up against all the "screen time" most kids spend each day, and you begin to see the large difference in influence.

So what do you do if you want to spend more than 14 1/2 minutes together with your family a day? How can you do it?

You can do almost anything!

You don't have to spend a lot of money or make elaborate plans.

Remember, the goal is simply to provide a sense of belonging and identity, communicate what's important, and have fun.

A partial list of ideas

• Go for a drive in the car
• Take a family trip
• Go for ice cream
• Have a picnic
• Read bedtime stories
• Take vacations
• Play games
• Get involved in church activities
• Participate in sporting events
• At holiday time, work together as a family and feed those less fortunate.

The list is really endless.

Ask your kids for ideas.

I know of one family that would set up tents and have an indoors camp-out whenever it really stormed outside.

In our fast-paced society, families are pulled in so many different directions. It takes commitment and just a little time to provide a sense of connectedness for all family members. And the benefits and memories can last a lifetime.

Jeff Herring

Jeff is a marriage and family therapist, singles and relationship coach, mentor coach, speaker, syndicated relationship columnist and author.

Jeff has a full time private practice in Tallahassee in which he specializes in couples, teen and parent counseling. He also is a relationship coach specializing in working with couples and singles. Some of his professional activities include:

==> Internationally syndicated relationship columnist through Knight-Ridder/Tribune Media Services, with a weekly readership of over 10 million worldwide

==> Sought after speaker for organizations, associations, churches, and corporations

==>Twice weekly appearances on The Steve and Sara Show on Magic 107.1

==> Author of "Keep the Changes: 52 Tools for Successful Living" a collection of his best columns, as well as several e-books including "How to Create a Passionate and Loving Relationship.........Forever," "How to Beat the BOZOs: Dealing with difficult people without becoming one," and "Tame Your Teen: THE survival guide for parenting your teenager.

==> Founder and CEO of TheArticleGuy.com

==> Founder and CEO of SecretsofGreatRelationships.com

==> Founder and CEO of ParentingYourTeeanger.com

==> Founder and CEO of ToolsforSuccessfulLiving.com

==> President of BuildingYourIdealPractice.com

==> President of ConsciousDatingTallahassee.com