DEEPER CONNECTIONS
Deepening Family Connections is a great concept – what parent doesn’t want that for their family? But, as parents, it can be easy to feel guilty for not spending as much time as we could with our kids.
Everyone at Save the Kids understands this emotion, and so did our founder, Collin. That’s why we promote the ideas of Look Up and 8-Second Hugs–to give you two ways to begin that journey toward a deeper connection.

LOOK UP!
Have you walked down the street and seen children and adults alike walking with their eyes on their phone? Do you chuckle as someone almost hits a pole or another person? What about at home? Are you all at the dinner table with a fork in one hand and your phone in the other?
It’s time for a breather! LOOK UP from that phone and take in the world around you.
At Save The Kids, we have some things that WE do to Look Up! Keep scrolling to see a few!
TRY THIS:
- Designate 1-2 hours/day when no phone use is allowed.
- No phones at the dinner table.
- No phones in bedrooms after a certain hour, or when sleeping.
- On the weekends, PLAN a time to just BE together without distractions.
- Find a cause you all feel passionate about and volunteer during the week or weekends together.
- Get a pair of binoculars and look for animals and birds at the park.
- Tell your children about your relatives, your heritage, ancestors. Bring out old pictures.
- Take time to pray for people you know are ill or experience struggles.

8-SECOND HUGS
How many times have you asked your child about their day and you heard a grunt, or “it was okay” or a plead to leave them alone? When you hear that, don’t get mad or shy away. Instead, say “Okay, I’m here when you want to talk.” Then add, “Hey, before I go, give me a hug.” And then just do it! Wrap your arms around them even if they won’t move… count to 8 and say “I love you.” That’s it! You’ve just accomplished Collin’s most treasured concept!
Repeat this process as often as possible. The more you do it, the more likely your kids will become to do it back! And that hug WILL change their day!
TRY THIS:
- Before you leave for the day, give everyone a hug.
- When you arrive home, give everyone a hug – no matter how bad your day was.
- When your children fight, allow them to be angry, but have them hug before they go their own way.
- Get your child to say with you: “I’m Strong, I’m Loved and I’ll always be enough!”