Most of us would say our family is our first priority. And yet, with work, errands and other responsibilities, quality time with our family seems to fall by the wayside.
Family vacations and shared activities such as sports are great bonding opportunities, but there are also readily available, cost-effective ways to spend meaningful time with your loved ones. As you resolve to have more quality time together this year, here are some helpful tips:
Find more time for quality moments this year.
Show interest in what your children enjoy
There was a time when you probably enjoyed playing with toy blocks or building a pillow fort — and just because you're an adult doesn't mean you still can't find joy in these activities! In general, it's a good idea to join your kids in their games, hobbies and toys, as sharing the experience together builds bonds. But when time is tight in a day, participating in your kids' activities can be even more valuable and meaningful. Children feel confident, empowered and supported when they notice that their parents get excited about their interests, and as an added bonus, finger-painting or playing tag can be a great stress reliever for adults!
Explore flexible work opportunities
More and more, companies offer flexible working arrangements that can give you more time in your day to spend with family. See what opportunities your employer may offer. You may be able to work from home one or several days a week, which gives you time to drop the kids off at school or be at home to enjoy lunch with them. Or, you might be able to start work earlier or later on certain days.
Be in the moment
Resolving to spend more time with your family is all about protecting your time. When you're playing with your kids or spending time with your spouse, put your cell phone away. Don't check your email, browse social media or take a work call. Be fully focused on the moment, free of distraction. Resist the urge to multitask!
A smart idea is to designate specific blocks of time for spending with your family in your daily schedule, as green lifestyle blog Prairie Eco-Thrifter advises. Treat this time as any other appointment, and honour it!
Spend one-on-one time with your kids
If you have more than one child, you may often spend time with them as a family or group. But childhood development experts advise parents to carve out one-on-one time with each child every day. Children receive positive emotional feedback when a parent spends time with just them. Even 10 minutes a day of one-on-one time can be hugely beneficial, according to Reader's Digest Canada.
"Once a week, go on a date with your spouse."
Have a weekly date night with your spouse
Spouses deserve quality time of their own, too. Once a week, go on a date night with your spouse. You could grab dinner and a movie, go ice skating or even just enjoy coffee and dessert at your favourite cafe. Weekly dates give you and your spouse the essential alone time you need to connect as a couple, not just as parents.
Remember that sometimes simplest is best
Quality time doesn't have to be expensive or elaborately planned. Even the simplest activities can be fun and memorable family bonding experiences. You could have a movie night complete with snacks, make homemade pizzas for dinner or "camp" in the living room with a tent made from blankets. Sometimes, the silliest and humblest moments are what we remember the most when we're older!
With all the pressures and demands of modern life, finding time to spend with family can be frustratingly difficult. But with the tips above, you can resolve to have more quality moments with loved ones this year.