It's easy to grasp the benefits of spending time with the family. In a review of 50 years of research on family routines, researchers from Syracuse University looked at the types of routines and rituals families practice, how family structure affects the routines, and the benefits of those rituals. Among other things, they found that family rituals can have a positive impact on a child's personal identity and on the relationships between children and parents. Some of the most common routines and rituals include bedtime, meal time, chores, reunions, and Sunday meals.
How do families fit in this time in an already hectic week? Here are five ideas to get parents started.
Family Time Calendar
Many parents already use a calendar to chart all of their activities for any given week. Use the calendar and go beyond the norm. Once the week is planned out, look for free time and pencil in "Family." With that as a reminder, it may be easier to think of some creative activities for the whole family.
Family Meals
Meal time offers families a chance to connect with each other after a busy day at school and work. It provides an opportunity for parents to listen to their children and to offer advice and encouragement. Ideas for table talk include giving everyone a chance to tell what happened that day. Another idea is to encourage good deeds by asking each family member for one thing they did nice for someone else that day. Celebrate even the smallest acts of kindness. Meal time doesn't have to be stressful. Even if the meal is takeout, parents can make sure it is eaten like a regular meal, with everyone sitting down together.
Family Game Night
Family game night is one of the easiest ideas for increasing time together with the family. Have each family member write down their game suggestions on a slip of paper and put them in a jar. On game night, pull out one of the slips and play that game. Make time for a second game if possible. Card games or board games work well, but so do some of the video games on the market. The key is to make it fun for the entire family.
Family Hobby or Sport
Many families find time to go fishing or biking together, but there are other possibilities. Make sure it's something the children are interested in or want to do. If a child likes to cook, spend an afternoon or evening in the kitchen. If crafting is the desired activity, make sure all supplies are on hand and put aside a few hours on the weekend to complete a project. Even a child's participation in a sport provides an opportunity for family time.
Family Outing or Vacation
Sometimes it's important just to get out of the house. Remember, not all family outings have to be trips to a theme park. It could be as simple as a walk around the neighborhood. Pack a picnic lunch and visit a local park. Put on your hiking shoes and go to a nearby trail. During the summer, plan vacations together and places to visit while on the trip. Make it a family affair so all members have an enjoyable time together.
Even with all of today's distractions, it is possible to find time to spend with family. By adding just a couple of routines into a schedule, families can recapture their time together and reconnect.
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