Finding time to spend together as a family can be difficult with school, work and extra-curricular activities. But sharing in these precious moments no matter what you do can promote bonding. The attention and love you show your children now can also help them build better self-esteem. The following are important strategies to help maximize time with the family.
Give Your To-Do List a Makeover:
Family time today doesn’t seem to be as important as it was in the past. But whether you enjoy family backyard fun or catch up on the day’s events at the dinner table, the time spent can help everyone stay connected. If you’re pressed for time, a to-do list is helpful in keeping the family organized. But it can also be too regimented if you have a series of duties to accomplish every day. Once you’ve written down your list of jobs, give it a makeover. Place the items that others can assist you within one column, such as the cleaning service or babysitter. Highlight duties that are a priority. Also, determine if there are tasks that can wait until the weekend.
Enlist the Help of Others:
Although you may want to appear superhuman by doing everything on your own, don’t be afraid to enlist the help of others. If you have a babysitter, ask if they can take on additional tasks such as prepping dinner or packing children’s backpacks for the next day. If you’re looking to spend more quality time as a family, a cleaning service in Atlanta cares for your home on a regular basis and ensures it’s sparkling clean. Family members may also provide assistance such as a grandparent picking kids up after swimming or baseball practice.
Improve Your Productivity:
When you’re more productive at work, you may be able to focus all of your attention on your family when away from the office. To get more done during your busy work day, ask your supervisor if you can work later or arrive earlier in the day. You may be able to get more work done without interruptions when the office is quite. If your work commute is long, ask your boss if you can work from home a few days per week. Traveling for business can also take time away from the family. If you seem to be spending endless hours on the road, implement a plan where you can alternate trip with a few of your other co-workers.
Create Family Traditions:
You don’t have to wait for vacations or holidays to connect as a family. Create your own family traditions based on your preferences. If the family enjoys games, make Friday evening a night where you play your favorite board or video games. Planting a garden or building a treehouse can also bridge the family gap and bring everyone closer together. If you enjoy cooking, pick meals where you can share in the dinner or breakfast duties. Whatever you decide as your traditions, set rules ahead of time where everyone shows up and puts away their electronic gadgets for the allotted time.
Prepare Meals Ahead of Time:
Meal preparation can take up a lot of time, especially if you have a family. When you’re planning your grocery list, make several do ahead meals and place in the freezer. After a long day at the office, simply pop the meal in the oven or microwave to cook. Get creative with leftovers. If you have large portions, fill containers and use for lunches the next day. You can also use the Internet to help in your food search. There are a number of online sites where you’ll find recipe ideas on family-friendly meal options that are nutritious, delicious and easy to prepare. While going out to eat can be costly, designate one meal per week where you order out pizza, Chinese, Mexican or burgers.
Include Your Children in the Process:
As the head of the household, you’re there to guide your children and not act as their personal assistant. Give your children duties that they can handle based on their age and skill set. From laundry folding to setting the table, this is a great way to spend time bonding. It also teaches your child skills that can help them be independent adults.
As a parent, your day-to-day duties may be pulled in a variety of directions. While doing laundry and cooking are essential tasks, they shouldn’t take you away from spending valuable time with your loved ones. The above strategies show you how to achieve balance while maximizing your time with the kids.
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