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Family Time
When you pick up any magazine, it’s easy to find an abundance of
articles to help you organize your life. Most offer tips for
cleaning out the closets, shuffling the papers on the desk,
finding ways to organize the kid’s toys.
But, here’s a different twist. We’d like to help you organize
your time to find some precious, extra moments to spend with
your family.
Many parents are frantic because there doesn’t seem to be enough
hours in a day to manage their work, home life, and kid’s
activities. They’re frustrated when they see others who seem to
do it all. The number one question parents ask us is, “How can I
find more quality time to spend with my kids?”
Stay focused on what’s really important. Do you waste valuable
time? Clear the clutter in your life. Do you buy lots of toys
and gifts to compensate for your lack of family time? What your
kids really want is you, not the latest, greatest toy. How much
time is wasted cleaning up the clutter? If the junk has taken
over, pitch it.
How much time do you spend carpooling? Do you really need to
sign your kids up for another after school dance lesson? Is your
cell phone off? Or, are you wasting your time on endless phone
conversations while running your kids from one activity to
another?
Do you eat dinner together as a family? Are phone calls and
other interruptions allowed during dinner? Is the television
off?
Let everyone help. Do members of your family share in the
household chores and responsibilities? Even the youngest
children can help by making their beds, putting away toys, and
setting the table. Insist that each task is done before moving
on to another activity.
Set small goals and be specific. Resolutions are made with
enthusiasm. But, very often they're forgotten in a month. Making
a resolution for the entire year is difficult to keep. Saying
that you want to spend more time with your family is too vague.
But, promising to spend 1/2 hour each night reading aloud with
your children is much more achievable. Start with small goals.
They’re easier to accomplish.
No one can give you more than 24 hours in a day. But, it’s your
choice in how you choose to spend that time. Even an extra 10
minutes a day is a worthwhile goal. Once you see the benefits,
you’ll be motivated to set additional goals.
Winter Comforts Now that you’ve set aside a few extra minutes
each week, enjoy some of these winter activities with your
family.
Start with dinner as a family. Make a new recipe. Let the kids
help in the planning. Be sure to include some of their favorite
foods.
Make one night a week Eat Dessert First Night.
Dedicate 30 minutes after dinner to family time. Buy a new board
game, set up an ongoing jigsaw puzzle, read a story aloud
together.
Bundle up and go on a family walk.
Make snow angels or build a snowman together.
Schedule one Saturday or Sunday a month as family day. Plan an
outing. Try hiking, snowboarding, skating, movies, or a museum.
Take a drive in the country and stop for a cup of hot chocolate
before the ride home.
Explore nearby towns or historic landmarks. Arm the kids with
cameras.
Start a family project to send to relatives next Christmas.
Create a family cookbook or photo album.
Set aside an hour to bake a batch of sugar cookies. Pull out all
of the sprinkles and decorations.
Dedicate one day as Pajama Day. Let everyone stay in their PJs
for the entire day. Build a fire in the fireplace, read books
together, watch movies, play board games.
Enjoy your family and your new found time.
You have permission to reprint this article electronically or in
print, free of charge, provided that each article is: 1. Printed
in its full form with no changes 2. Includes an active link 3. A
courtesy copy of your publication is sent to the above contact
4. And the following byline appears at the bottom of each
article: About the Author: Rondi Hillstrom Davis is the
co-author of the award-winning book Together: Creating Family
Traditions. To check out her website that's jam packed with
family ideas, visit To
subscribe to her online newsletter, go to
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