The seemingly-endless cycle of work, chores, homework, and extracurricular activities can make planning family time seem nearly impossible. Family time should be a priority for healthy relationships and mental health, so here are five easy ways to achieve that without causing unnecessary stress.
Write It Out
Making a list or keeping a calendar can be a real time-saver because you’re assigning limits to each task. Write everything down, even if you don’t think it’s an important task. Seeing your schedule on paper will help you prioritize family time and determine the best way you can incorporate it into your family members’ schedules.
Delegate Tasks
We all want to be a super parent, but even the most efficient individuals need a little help sometimes. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with chores, errands, babysitting, or even some of your responsibilities at work. Once you’ve lightened your load, you’ll have more opportunities to fill that free space with quality time spent with loved ones.
Take A Yearly Vacation
Have you ever wondered how it’s possible for some people to go on vacation so often? Part of the reason is often simply that they make it a priority. Frequent vacations may not be possible for you, but every family should take at least one vacation each year. It’s a chance to reset your mind and body before getting back to reality, and by taking a family vacation, you set aside a period of time without responsibilities so you can interact more with your family.
Plan A Regular Family Night
You don’t have to travel the world to have fun with your family. Joy can be found in a fun family-night-in or a short outing. Most of these options are relatively cost-effective. A few ideas include:
- Movie night
- Bowling
- Picnic at the park
- Visit a museum
- Build an indoor fort
- Miniature golf
Utilize Everyday Tasks
Who says chores can’t be fun? You can maximize family time while completing essential tasks like cooking, cleaning, and running errands by doing it together. As an added bonus, you can teach your kids responsibility by having them help with the chores.
Spending time with your loved ones is the most important thing you do during your day. By putting it at the top of your list of priorities, you show your children that family is essential, which is a lesson that will stick with them forever.