With school runs, workloads, after school activities, and homework, life is full, so very full. So it’s no wonder we may feel disconnected or disjointed when it comes to being a family unit.
Everyone has their individual things to do, places to be, and people to see. We worry we’re not spending enough time with our kids, that we’ve overscheduled them, that we can no longer fit in one-to-one time as our family grows. The struggle builds guilt and anguish, so we rush to make amends without realising what makes quality family time meaningful.
Striking a balance between family and careers is difficult, but connecting with our kids is not always about living under each other’s feet. Instead, we can build and cement a secure attachment with our kids by understanding the value of creating quality family time and figuring out just how to fit that time in and around our very active schedules.
Find The Time
We may think we have no more time to give. If creating quality family time is important to you, you will learn to say no to extra commitments which may not be necessary. We can ease up on overscheduling the family and decline an invitation so that we can find 20 minutes to connect with our family.
Make Family Time A Routine
Creating memories that last a lifetime is at the core of family time. No matter what activity you choose to do together as a family, the key is to build a togetherness habit and routine. Family time is about being together, listening to each other, and laughing. Carving out time to specifically connect with each other helps to encourage this connection every week. It could be board games on a Friday evening, dedicated family mealtimes with a screen ban at the table, a family walk, run or cycle. What starts as a routine becomes a tradition.
Grab Their Interest
Kids, especially the older ones, can pull away from us when we instigate this family time routine, but getting them involved in what that family time consists of can grab their interest. Let them decide what family time means. A board game they love, family movie nights, or something they will engage in will provide the opportunity for connection.
Home Is Where The Heart Is
It may seem unconventional, but use the home to connect with family. Bake together, cook together, even do the chores together. All of this takes up so much of our time. But when the workload is split, everything is done quicker, leaving more time to catch up with the kids. Not only that, but working together builds our kids resilience, decision-making and esteem. And it can be fun!
