Family time is valuable time when parents can take time to watch their children, follow their children, hug and kiss them, encourage, guide and laugh. Family time is when children feel comfortable opening up to their parents. This is a time when the mood is relaxed and children feel supported, valued, and loved. Family Time is a special opportunity for families to relax and play together.

While the importance of family time is clear, it’s not always easy to find the time to enjoy family time. Today, both parents work long hours and the children spend time in many places besides their home, such as school, sports activities, music classes, dance classes, and other places in the community. There is no doubt that activities can enrich children’s lives and expose them to more possibilities for future success, but too many activities can create stress and exhaustion for children, opening them up too much. Family time is fun and rewarding, and even in a busy modern family, a little special time goes a long way.

Research has found that one of the most effective strategies parents, grandparents, and other primary caregivers have for raising healthy, well-adjusted children is to eat frequent family meals together. Parents can use this time to talk with their children. If it’s impossible to schedule a dinner, families can find a different meal to get together, a fun idea is to set the table later in the evening when everyone is home and have dessert together.

Be a good listener. By staying connected with their children and teens, parents can be a source of support, create a climate to discuss difficult issues, and serve as a role model for responsible and empathetic behavior. Parents can initiate or extend family time by encouraging conversations and discussions about shared experiences. Encourage children to talk about their day and parents can also share something interesting about their day.

Let your children help in the kitchen. Parents can panic at the thought of having children in the kitchen, but even young children can help with meal preparation. Ask them to help stir, sprinkle, etc. as long as it is safe (no sharp objects please!). This is a great opportunity to bond with your children and have a little extra help at the same time. Of course, with small children, it may not help at all, with the mess you have to clean up afterwards, but hey, it will be fun!

Playing together as a family provides opportunities for parents and children to do something nice and fun with each other. Coloring, board games, guessing games, acting, wrestling, playing with dolls or cars, and reading are fun things to do together.

Do crafts together. Keep a box of scratch paper, stickers, stamps, crayons, and scissors for art activities. This is not only great fun, but also encourages creativity. It’s also a great way to create sentimental gifts, cards, ornaments, trinkets, etc. be loved for a long time.

Telling stories is a great way to spend time with children. Share family stories, including tales from your childhood. For added fun, challenge children to create their own silly stories.

Some outdoor activities that can be shared as a family include: biking, hiking, canoeing, softball or soccer. Plan a picnic at a park, a beach, or even in your backyard.

Other fun activity ideas include: bird watching, gardening, going to the local farmer’s market, attending free local outdoor shows and festivals, visiting museums, or organizing tours of local businesses like candy factories, print shops, silversmiths, etc.

Organize family meetings to discuss issues that are important to you. Give everyone a chance to speak and hear what they have to say. Schedule these regular family meetings once a week or once a month so everyone can think about things they want to discuss or any ideas they might have.

Mark activities on a family calendar. This way, your family can plan these days and look forward to the activities.

There are many activities that can be fun for the whole family. You just have to try to realize how important family time is and make it happen!