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 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. Kids often have good ideas.
• Designate a regular family time as part of your routine. Some families have a weekly family night. Others have a monthly family outing. Others have a daily family check-in during dinner or before bed. Figure out a routine that works for you and your family.

• Help your teenager find and nurture the balance between self-interest and family interest. For example, if your teenager refuses to participate in many family activities, be clear that certain family times are non-negotiable, such as attending certain holidays, the birthdays of family members, or some other activity like a wedding or funeral of an extended family member. Remember that teenagers grow by following their own interests as well as by participating in family activities and traditions.

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.

• Consider vacations with different goals. One year have a vacation that’s about relaxing and being together. Another time, have a vacation that’s more adventuresome, and explore a national park or a series of free museums. For your next vacation, consider taking a family service trip during which your family volunteers and helps others.
• Get everyone’s input on possible family vacations and activities. Your getaways will be more successful if everyone is involved in the planning from early on. Make sure the kids have a say in what is planned, where you go, and the activities you want to do (and want to avoid). This is also a great opportunity to help kids learn about budgets.
• If you have young children, plan a vacation that works for them. Since young children thrive on routine, vacations that disrupt their routines can quickly turn sour. Some families spend their vacation time by staying at home (where young children are in familiar surroundings) and taking one special trip in the morning and one special trip in the afternoon, such as to a zoo, a children’s museum, a fancy playground across town, or a water park.

• Teenagers may think that taking a family vacation keeps them away from their friends for too long. If the extra expense is reasonable, encourage your teenager to bring a friend on your vacation; this often will raise his or her enthusiasm level greatly.

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!