36% of people claimed that they were happy with the amount of quality family time they were currently getting.
As the weekend approaches, is family time something you look forward to? Do you welcome an opportunity to enjoy a little less routine and a little more fun with those you love the most? You would be one of many people who feel this way. Through our Family Moments research we discovered that, unsurprisingly, 99% of those surveyed considered family time to be important.
It is no great surprise that family time is deemed to be a priority for a lot of us. Unfortunately, that doesn't always translate into action though. In that same survey, only 36% of people claimed that they were happy with the amount of quality family time they were currently getting. That leaves a huge group of people who are not.
The reality is that family life is busy. So many parents are working from home and squeezing in nuggets of work over the weekend (or indeed actually attend to work for a lot of it). Sporting activities, birthday parties and domestic chores are among some of the reasons why family life continues to be very busy and devoid of the kind of quality family time we all crave.
Wouldn't it be nice to enjoy some more family time this weekend? It doesn't have to get in the way of your work or result in neglecting the housework completely. In most cases it doesn't even cost any money. Here are five simple ways to get more family time this weekend.
Make Car Journeys Count
Will you be spending a lot of time in the car this weekend? Errands to run and children to chaffeur to parties and sporting games. The car is the perfect opportunity to connect with your family. You're in a contained space and nobody can willingly leave. Why not find a podcast or audiobook the kids might enjoy? Or a good old fashioned game of eye-spy.
Bath Time Is Family Time
A mundane chore, such as bath time, can be so much more if you think about it. At what other time do the entire family congregate in a tiny room? Pop all the kids in to the bath together, put some fun music on and catch up about school and Paw Patrol. You're all there together and that is what matters.
Chores Can Work Too
You might have planned to do some jobs around the house this weekend. That doesn't have to be put on hold. Why not give the kids a job to do and help them feel involved? Tick things off the list as you go and celebrate the sense of accomplishment together as a family.
Hot Drinks For The Win
You don't have to round the troops and head out for a fancy meal to qualify as "family time". Heading to the local cafe or shop for a hot drink and some kind of treat is so special. It's less about the actual goods consumed and more about the ritual of walking/cycling/scootering together and talking about it afterwards. These are the simple moments that children cherish for a lifetime.
Dinner Is Sorted
Make a double batch of dinner one of the days this week. Something handy like a curry, chilli or casserole. You can freeze it and take it out to defrost over the weekend. It means less time in the kitchen and more time with your family.