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Making the Most of Family Time

We live in a very hurried society, with constantly shifting priorities and split-second decisions that concern work, family, others and ourselves. Although family should always come first, the demands of work, civic commitments, outside activities and social obligations often interfere with “quality” time that every family needs. This has an even greater impact in families where both parents are employed or in single-parent homes.

So…how can you make the most of family time together when all of these other things are stretching you to the breaking point?

• Remember that family comes first – Make the most of family time. Keep the phone calls, computer time, household chores and any non-essential activities to a minimum after work and devote time to catching up with your spouse and your children. Share a family meal together and discuss the day’s events. Help your children with homework and read them bedtime stories. Snuggle with them for a few minutes when they first lie down. Childhood speeds by all too fast!
  
  
• Leave your job at the office – Don’t bring the leftover negative emotions of the day through the front door. Make sure that home time is family time.
  
  
• Plan ahead – Schedule weekend fun or family nights. Plan yearly vacations and get away from all the pressures of daily home life. Create memories to last a lifetime.
  
  
• Reduce the noise – Turn off the radio, television, computer and video games. It is easier to talk to family members when there are fewer distractions.
  
  
• Spend individual time with each child – Nothing makes a child feel more special than time spent alone with a parent. Concentrate on positive, self-esteem building moments, even if it’s just a ride alone with you to the store.

Although family time is often difficult to make a priority, it is the most important time of all. For when all is said and done, parenting is your first job. Do your best and don’t feel guilty about time spent at work. Just make home time count and keep in mind that many others are in the same place as you are, juggling those plates in the air as best they can too!