Family bond is defined as the relationship amongst family members. Bonding amongst family members is essential for thriving success and happiness in the family.

Our family members are usually the people closest to us at all times and whom we can share our thoughts with, whether it is happiness or sadness. However, in today’s fast-paced world, many family members are unable to communicate well with each other. This is due to the many advances in technology.

Today with WiFi access and communications gadgets, there is less face-to-face interaction.

Career and education are also factors that contribute to ill relationships amongst family members. Many parents are occupied with their work and certainly more time is being spent in the office or meeting clients than interacting with their children.

There is a solution to this: Games or puzzles.

Games or puzzles can make family members closer than before. Regardless of whether they are played indoors or outdoors, many games can be used to forge close ties. Indoor games like scrabble, chess, Othello and UNO can be played in the evenings or on weekends. On the other hand, outdoor games like badminton, tennis and squash can be played, too.

For me, chess and badminton are played to forge closer bonds. I play chess every evening with my daughter, guiding her know-how of the game. The opening, middle game and end game techniques are essential for her to master to play a commendable game. Using a chess clock, I am able to time her move and show her how much time is needed for each move. My daughter shows great interest in the game especially in the opening game because there are many types of openings and variations like Slav Defence – Meran System. Apart from this, middle game puzzles are prepared for her to solve during her free time in the afternoon.

In addition, we play badminton twice a week. I have found the three of us (including my wife) can have a lot of fun when we play badminton together.

Badminton is a game enjoyed by most Malaysians. Many courts are occupied every day and it is difficult to even book a court. It is a game which is played by people from all walks of life and all ages. The three of us play with my group friends whom I have known since school days. My wife and I play in the main court while my daughter plays with either one of us using her little racquet.

Sometimes, instead of watching television programmes at night, I spend time with her watching badminton games from YouTube. She usually asks me questions like why the shuttlecock is being driven to the baseline or net. My explanation is logical but not professional. Our bond is maintained in this way and we communicate with each other like friends. Only time will tell whether she would be a professional in the games that we play.

Games are not the only tool to be used to forge close family bonds. We can use many other tools to create interaction within the family. Without interaction, there will be no bond. If no close bonds are created within the family, there will be no one to help us or to rely on if any mishap befalls.

Amos Lai