Home › Time Together › Family Fun › Making Time for Family Time

Making Time for Family Time



Spending time together as a family isn’t something that “just happens.” If you want to spend quality time with your family on a regular basis, you’ll have to be intentional about it and put effort into making it happen. Many families have come up with creative ways to spend time together--try several different ways to make time for family time and see which works best for your family. Make sure to include all family members in the decision-making process, so that everyone is interested.  

Get fun, easy activity ideas here >

 
          • Get your kids' input on how to spend family time. You may be surprised to learn that they want your family to get out more--or stay home more.
          • Designate a regular family time as part of your routine. Some families have a weekly family night. Others have a daily family check-in during dinner or before bed.
          • Help your teenager find and nurture the balance between self-interest and family interest. If your teenager refuses to participate in many family activities, be clear that certain family times are non-negotiable--holidays, family birthdays, etc. Remember that teenagers grow by following their own interests and participating in family activities and traditions.
 

Planning Fun Family Vacations

  Many families go on regular vacations (while children have a summer break from school, for example). Family vacations can be some of the best--and some of the most difficult--times that your family spends together. Use some of the following strategies for making sure that all members of your family enjoy your vacation.
  • Ask: What's our vacation goal? Relaxing and being together? Adventure?
  • Ask: Should this be a family service trip?
  • Get everyone's input! Kids can help with vacation budget to learn about money management.
  • Consider a "staycation": Save money and explore local treasures!
  • If budget allows, invite a friend along for the older kids.

Whether you're going on vacation together or just sitting down for a meal, enjoy the time you spend with your family. Even if your schedules are varied, set some time aside regularly for spending time together--not only will it help keep your family close, but you may also find that it's a great stress reliever!

 

Comments

Post new comment

 
  • Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically.
  • Allowed HTML tags: <a> <em> <strong> <cite> <code> <ul> <ol> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <span>
  • You can use Textile markup to format text.