Families For Life | How families bond around the world

With 7 continents, over 190 countries, and more than 8 billion people worldwide, the ways families live, love, and play across the globe may look different. Customs and cultures vary, but the need to bond with our loved ones is universal. Let’s look at some unique ways families get together around the world. Pack your luggage, buckle up and let’s travel!

Going outdoors in Canada!

It’s all about having a family day out and about. The outdoors are a big part of the Canadian lifestyle, and families usually bond over activities outside, like campfires and nature walks. Every year, thousands of families flock to the Québec Winter Carnival to enjoy various activities for all ages, including night parades, snow sculptures, and musical performances.

While Singapore may not have winter, we do have our own National Family Festival for families to bond over, too!

Trinidad, mum and the whole family!

Once a year, families in Trinidad go camping with their elders. They spend a night sharing stories around a bonfire, learning more about their culture, and enjoying each other’s company. Grandparents often share stories about their heritage and mythical mischievous creatures called Jumbies. The night ends with a delicious barbecue and fun games.

Just like the families in Trinidad, you can bond with your family and learn about your history from your grandparents while camping at our many parks, too!

Feeding stronger bonds in India

Families in India celebrate Thai Pongal, a harvest festival, annually. A unique tradition in this festival, especially in South India, is to show gratitude to animals by feeding and bathing them. They leave food in various parts of town and surrounding forests to teach children the invaluable lesson of compassion for all living things.

Teaching values to our children is an important part of their growth, and like the Thai Pongal tradition, you can teach love and compassion through animals at our five wildlife parks in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve (and feed them too)!

Singing to the tune of family in Japan

Karaoke is more than just entertainment in Japan. It’s also a fun activity that families bond over. The word karaoke is actually a combination of two words, "kara" (empty) and "oke" (orchestra), which translates to the concept of singing along to instrumental tracks. Besides having an excuse to show off your singing skills, it’s also a great way to relieve stress.

There are so many karaoke places to go to in Singapore, but why not start out with the kids with this Families For Life sing-along playlist?

If you ever feel like you are running out of family bonding ideas, why not look around the world for inspiration? Chances are, you’ll discover something you’ve never thought of doing, and with a few tweaks, you can do it too!