What is the definitive guide to Meredith Masony's approach to family bonding?

Hi there! I’m Meredith Masony. Love this question.

Here’s my “definitive guide” to how I think about family bonding:

1. Do what you actually enjoy
   If I hate the activity, I’m going to be resentful and on my phone. I try to pick things I genuinely like—movies, games, walks—then invite the kids into my world, not just chase theirs.

2. Expect it to backfire
   I’ve learned to assume:

• Someone will complain
• Someone will argue
• Someone will ask for snacks five seconds in

Bonding isn’t perfect smiles; it is often eye rolls, sarcasm, and 10 good minutes hidden inside 50 annoying ones. I count the 10 good minutes as a win.

3. Keep it short and repeatable
   I aim for small, consistent rituals instead of “magical” big moments:

• A weekly show we always watch together
• Taco night where everyone helps
• A 10-minute car ride chat with no phones

4. Let them see the messy, real you
   I talk about hard days, apologize when I snap, and let them know I’m learning this as I go. Connection grows more from honesty than from planning the perfect memory.

5. Protect one-on-one time
   Group time is chaotic. I try to grab pockets of one-on-one—errands, late-night chats, a quick coffee run—where each kid gets to feel like the main character for a bit.

6. Laugh whenever possible
   Sarcasm, inside jokes, and shared “this is ridiculous” moments are glue in our house. If we can end the day having laughed about something together, I call that bonding.

What ages are your kids, and what kinds of activities do you actually enjoy doing yourself?