By Marina M., Teen Reporter, Milwaukee

Strong families aren't built overnight. It takes time and patience to build a family as good as gold. Here are some things that people can do to make a family strong:

From young to old the whole family has to trust each other. One family member has to be reliable enough for another to lean on when times get tough. I think many people would agree with me saying that FOOD is at the heart of a family. Having dinner together or going out to eat is a terrific occasion for family bonding. Talkin, laughing and just being yourself is always allowed during these times.

Good communication is another strong starting point. Communication can be either negatively consequential or beneficial in a families relationship.

For example, letting others know when a big game is coming up gives an opportunity a family to spend time together, be supportive and have fun. On the other end, a child not letting a parent know why they got a bad grade on a test can possibly result in punishment, especially when there was time beforehand to let them know you were struggling with a subject. This could have been avoided with better communications.

Don't forget: Build on what is already structured, communicate well and trust each other! Have a happy National Family Week!

Volunteer During National Family Week

Here are ways you can help strengthen other familes by volunteering:

• Create holiday cards for sick children or military servicemen and servicewomen
• Organize a Club or community clean-up day
• Collect food and distribute to families in need
• Kids and families join together to serve a meal
• Parents and teens read books to younger members
• Kids and families visit a senior citizens’ home

And Family PLUS kicked things off with the national finals of the Family PLUS Cook-Off in Dallas on Nov. 18. The event, hosted by Chef Richard Chamberlain, was a culinary battle between families from Alabama, Florida, Virginia, Arkansas and Tennessee. Check back with myclubmylife.com to see the exciting and family-strengthening times shared by all!