Work, Cleaning, Laundry, Sleep, Eating, where in-between all of the things as a Mother (even as a Father too) find time to spend ‘Quality Time’ with the family?
In today’s day in age our lives are so fast-paced that before we realize it our children are off to college, getting married and having kids of their own. We sit and wonder where did the time go? Oh, that’s right, most of our time went to work, a good portion to keeping our homes in order, the other portion to sleeping and taking care of ourselves.
Parents are looking for ways to spend time as a family, together, uninterrupted, but realize it does not always work as planned. So where do we fit in quality time?
- Dinner. Make it a habit that TV’s get turned off, computer time is over with, and that everyone sits around the dinner table to eat. There is no distraction, phones should not be answered and not brought to the table. This will give you time to talk as a family about anything that comes to mind. Find out about their day, what is going on between their friends and them, anything that is involved in their lives. Even if this is just once a week it is better than never.
- Family Night. While it may not happen every week, try and plan it for at least once a month. You can go out for dinner or rent a movie & eat popcorn. Family Game Nights seem to be the cliché’ for this type of event.
- Plan a day out at the zoo or museum. Some kids (ahem, teenagers) may not be keen on the idea but once you get them there, whether they admit it or not, they will probably enjoy it.
- Take time to have a conversation one on one with your child. Allow them to talk about their day and themselves. Encourage them to discuss concerns and achievements.
Family time is essential to having a well-connected family. Even ten minutes out of your day will make a world of difference. It does not have to be a huge planned event; it can be a simple twenty minute dinner conversation. Turn off phones, televisions, and computers during the time you are spending quality time with your children, do not let distractions get in the way.
There are endless opportunities and activities you can do with your children, young and older, that will give you quality time with them, despite your busy schedule. Take time to enjoy your family.
Vanessa is a mother of two daughters’ under the age of three. They definitely keep her on her toes! You can visit her over at Dressed In Pink.
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