Family Time
Kids seem to be busier than ever these days, starting at younger and younger ages. Sports, dance lessons, music lessons, “play dates,” you name it. We seem to be determined to fill up their schedules (and ours) with…stuff!First, I’d like to say that parents need to prioritize. You might ask yourself, “Is this activity really necessary to my child’s well-being? Does it put too much stress or pressure on the rest of the family?” With so much going on, don’t you think children need some “down time”? By down time, I mean time away from school, friends, video games, TV and whatever else is keeping them so tied up and distracted. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons). My church recommends one night set apart each week for family time. They call this night Family Home Evening. FHE is a time that we turn off the TV and stay home from other activities. We usually have a short and simple lesson, usually focused on a church topic. This gives us an opportunity to teach our children beliefs and values that are important to us. Then we sometimes play a game together and have a dessert.It’s a time that we just focus on being together. Sometimes for other FHEs we’ll go to a sporting event to support a family member. Sometimes we load up and spend time in the woods around a campfire or looking for wildlife. Sometimes we have a work project around our house or for someone else. The important thing is that we’re together, spending quality family time together. This night doesn’t just happen on its own. We have to make a commitment and stick to it. The kids know not to ask if friends can come over or if they can go somewhere else. My husband and I know not to plan anything that would take us away from home. It takes a real family effort. Luckily, my kids are still young enough that they still think this is a fun time. They’re not “too cool” for it yet.
Designate one day/night each week for your family time. Decide beforehand how you'll spend this time together so that you don't end up just staring at each other, bored. Each member of the family needs to feel welcome and valued there and have a say in what will take place. I guarantee it will bring your family closer together. It will help instill in your children self worth, love for family members and help them understand what values are important to you, their parent. Return from Family Time to Family Matters
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