Easy Ways to Spend Time with the Family Again
Schedules these days (for both adults and children) have gotten a little out of control, thanks to work, school, gymnastics, karate, and any other after school program your child happens to be in. When you do finally have some time off from the madness, what do you do? Scan Facebook for hours while your kid watches TV or plays on their tablet. If you feel like this is your daily trap, take back your time with your family because, before you know it, your kids will be grown and leaving the house. Enjoy the time you have with these simple ideas.
Put Down the Device and Step Away Slowly
Whoa! It can’t be that easy, right? Yes, it can. In order to be able to spend time with your family, you’re going to have to put down your tablet, pry yourself from your computer or, most shockingly of them all, put away your phone. It’s going to be tough, but you’ll be ok.
Take this time to bond in the kitchen. Grab some aprons (if you have them) and get cooking. You can also try your hand at baking something delicious for dessert. It’s one quick and easy way to distract yourself from constantly having a device in your hands and in the hands of your children.
Another fun way to spend time together at home is by playing a family favorite board game. Ticket to Ride, Catan, Carcassonne or simpler games like Chutes and Ladders or Candy Land for the young ones are great options. Gather everyone around the table, set up the game and have some fun battling it out. This is a good time to talk about your day and or any problems that your kids might be going through.
Believe it or not, this can also be just the right time to talk about topics that might feel too sensitive. For example, it can be a good time for a loved one in your home to express their concerns for someone they know and substance issues they could be facing. Being open with each other starts with strong bonds and being able to talk openly is something that should be encouraged. If there is indeed a substance abuse issue, a drug detox center for men can provide the help needed to get your loved one’s life back on track. Try to keep the lines of communication open, so that if and when something comes up, they will feel comfortable coming to you for help.
Schedule a Weekend Together
A great way to spend time with your family when time is tight is by setting up a weekend together. It can be a simple camping trip or maybe a few days at the beach to unwind. Getting away from your normal everyday lives will allow you time to explore new avenues and possibly relax a little. Plus, this provides you the time to bond with those closest to you, your family. It’s a great time to step away from the hustle and bustle of your busy week and enjoy time together.
Take a Trip
If you’re lucky enough to have more than a weekend to schedule some time away, plan a trip. Take the week if you can or if that’s too long, try for at least four days somewhere else. Pick a location where you and the family can enjoy different activities. Anything from going to art museums, taking in a sporting event and hiking up a picturesque mountain, can be in the proverbial cards. There’s a lot of great places you can visit where everyone involved can have fun, bond and make fond lifelong memories.
Being able to schedule time solely for the purpose of strengthening your family ties, will prove to be a spectacular investment. So do yourself and your family a favor, make an effort to talk and enjoy each other’s company.
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