Module 3 - Acquire New

Knowledge (Readings and

Discussion)
Family Recreational Activities and Outcomes
The benefits of family leisure have been documented. Research that has collected both
parent and youth perspectives from diverse families (e.g., heterosexual nuclear families,
single-parent families, families experiences a divorce, childfree couples, interracial
couples) has found that involvement in family leisure and satisfaction with family leisure
were related to healthy family outcomes (Hodge et al., 2015). Further, researchers have
found that certain types of activities have the potential to produce specific outcomes.
‘Core’ family leisure activities are the common, low cost everyday experiences such
as sharing meals together, taking a walk in the neighborhood, watching television or
playing board games have been found to meet needs for familiarity, stability, and
structure.
‘Balance’ activities are those which tend to be less frequent, require more planning,
provide variety, use more resources and present new stimuli and challenges. Family
vacations, going to a concert, taking in a special event, or hosting an annual July 1st
(Canada Day) BBQ are examples of balance activities which will help meet needs for
novelty and change and contribute to family adaptability.
Families that regularly participate in different types of activities are more likely to meet
their individual and family needs in becoming a healthy, stable family (Melton, 2017).
Avoiding the Idealization of Family Leisure
We are often exposed to images of family playing together or on vacation in which
parents and children are smiling and seemingly enjoying themselves (Shaw, 2008).
Such images tend to idealize family time and family leisure. In reality, even when
families are not living through a pandemic, family leisure does not always meet
everyone’s needs, is not always enjoyable, and may not lead to the positive outcomes
that are often associated with family leisure (Shannon, 2019; Shaw & Dawson, 2003).
Family leisure, at times, includes frustration, disappointment, conflict, and work. At the
same time, working through those less than ideal family leisure experiences that
support the strengthening of family (e.g., bonds, cohesion, adaptability).
 
Things to consider related to family leisure at this time:
First, it may be important to recognize that different family members are having different
experiences with stress, anxiety, and loss (e.g., social contact, participation in beloved
activities, death) at this time.
Keep in mind that the core activities (playing games, watching a movie at home) offer
familiarity and stability during this time of uncertainty. Do not undervalue these home-
based, low cost experiences with your family members.
Having novel family leisure experiences may require more creativity at certain times
during the pandemic (e.g., during a lock down). Plans to head to a new vacation spot or
sign up for a new activity may have been quashed. 
Consider that not everyone in a family has the same needs or interests. One family
member may want to be outside and active while another would enjoy something that
taps into their creativity and supports self-expression. Look for experiences that may
offer “something for everyone”.
Be aware that facilitating family leisure can feel work-like as it involves activities such as
preparing and organizing the opportunities and then supervising or guiding participation
(depending on who is involved and what the activity includes).
Finally, do not be afraid to talk about or debrief the family experience. What did
individual family members enjoy about the experience (provides insight into what needs
may have been met)? What would have made it better (helps with planning for next
time)? Was there a “stand out” moment; what might become a favorite memory of the
experience? By debriefing family leisure experience, there is an opportunity to extend a
balance-parallel family leisure activity (going to watch a play) into a balance joint family
activity.

ELECTIVE RECREATION ACTIVITIES

Active play and minor games  - best for INDOOR games 
Challenge and adventure games
Games and sports
Health-related physical activities
Rhythmic and expressive movement activities