Have you ever wondered if it was okay to push family time aside for all of your other responsibilities? How are we to know just how important family time is to a growing child? Does it affect their emotional well-being and development? Studies have shown that children need time to feel like they are needed and wanted and the more of that time they receive, the more likely they will be able to go out and conquer the world.
Here are some ideas for spending more time together!
Image source: http://www.livetheadventureletter.com/parents-resources/heirloom-audio/finding-family-time-when-there-is-no-time/
1. Make It a Priority - This might sound obvious, but family time will never happen until it becomes a stated priority. Unless you intentionally carve out time and refuse to allow other commitments or activities to take its place, family time will continue to be elusive. The first step is deciding that there IS time for family time. The problem is that something else has overtaken that time. So what has taken over family time in your home? Outside activities? Homework? Church commitments? Volunteer activities? Jobs? Start by evaluating exactly what is dictating your family schedule.
2. Family Night - Choose a night each week that is always family night. Everyone should know what night this is. Keep it scheduled and don’t let anything fall in its place. This is important. Go to a fun place together or go out to dinner. Stay home for a movie night or game night. Talk! Tell each other about your week and your plans.
3. Family Vacation - Have a family vacation at least once a year. The best memories I have growing up, was when we went somewhere fun all together. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate cruise, although that would be a blast and surely create fond memories! Go camping, rent a cabin in the woods, go to amusement parks, or even have a staycation. But do it, spend time together on vacation!
4. Exercise Together - Get outside with your kids! Go enjoy the great outdoors. Go hiking, fishing, boating, or participate in the family-run together. Physical activity and sunshine are great for everyone but when you do it together as a family, you build those relationships at the same time.
5. Read together - Find a list of great chapter books for whatever age your children are. Before bed, read a chapter together. Reading together makes for great conversation and bonding time. And if a movie was made after the book, go see it together!
6. Reduce Time-Wasters - If you spend hours each month looking for lost shoes or keys, create an organized system so that everyday items for each family member have a regular place. Set up hooks or a small basket near the door for house keys. Give each person (including parents!) a basket or cubby by the door with his or her name on it to hold coats or rain boots. To prevent morning stress, do a last-minute check before bedtime to ensure that the next day's clothes and shoes are accessible. If you have to check work or personal e-mail, catch up on messages before the kids wake up in the morning or after their bedtime. The same goes for talking on the phone -- wait until the kids are in bed before making or taking any missed calls.
7. Create New Traditions - Don't wait for holidays or vacations to connect. Sunday breakfast, Friday game night, weekend shopping, or gardening can bring the family together. "We dine out on the same night each week," Vozza says. "We know not to schedule outside activities because it's sacred family time." Whatever tradition you choose, make sure everyone, including parents, honors a set time. Everyone should show up and unplug. No texting, no Facebook, and no TV. "Don't let your schedule run you," Vozza says. "Enjoy each other."
8. Get in the kitchen - When you make dinner, ask one of your children to help you. I know this might make the dinner process a little longer, sometimes a lot longer. But if you help your kids get familiar with the kitchen when they are younger, it will be easier for them later on; they might even thank you for it someday.
9. Serve others - Find a way to help someone else as a family. Do you have an elderly neighbor that needs help pulling weeds? Do you know someone who just had a baby who would appreciate a meal? Make the meal together as a family and bring it over to them. They will learn the value of helping others and do it together makes a huge difference!
There are so many options out there for family time. Make it simple. It doesn’t have to be a huge deal! Just make sure you do it! We will enjoy life better if we enjoy life with the ones we love.
Source:
http://sahm.org/house-home/7-ways-to-spend-more-family-time-together/
http://www.livetheadventureletter.com/parents-resources/heirloom-audio/finding-family-time-when-there-is-no-time/
https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/advice/maximize-family-time/
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