6 Ways to make the most of family time

Nov 01, 2011 5:48 AM by Lisa Steinke

Posted in Parenting / Super Moms Guide

Make Family Time Count

Life is busy. When juggling your family's packed schedule, it can often feel like you hardly have time to breathe -- let alone spend quality time with your family. If you’ve been feeling like you can't do it all, read on to discover how to make family time count.

Make a meal together

If dinnertime is your window of opportunity to connect with your family, don't just eat together -- make a meal together. Not only can it be fun, but it can also be a great opportunity to talk to each other about what's been going on in your lives.

Make a date with your family

Many adults make time for date night, so why not do family night? Pull out the calendar and commit to a certain number of nights per month dedicated exclusively to family bonding.

Talk in the car

A lot of underutilized time is spent with family in the car -- en route to school, practice, rehearsal -- you know the drill. Instead of focusing on getting from point A to point B, start a tradition that makes car rides the time when you share the highlights of your day.

Walk instead of drive

Next time you need to run an errand that's close to home, leave the car in the garage and put your walking shoes on. Something as simple as taking a walk together is a great way to feel connected as you walk, talk and observe the world. So grab the family and hit the pavement.

Tuck your kids in

Bedtime can very easily become a blur of activity as you're trying to get the kids to sleep. Is the homework done? Are their teeth brushed? Did the lunches get packed? But this can also be a great chance to spend quiet time with your children. As you're putting them to bed, let them stay up a few extra minutes to talk to them, read to them or bond with them in your own way. Even spending 10 uninterrupted minutes together can help you grow closer.

Plan a vacation

Decide as a family where you'll take your next vacation. Involving everyone in the planning process can be a fun way to find out more about what your children like and to share your likes with them. The planning can be just as much fun as the trip itself.

It's not about how much time you spend with your family, but how you spend the time you have. Whether you have 15 minutes or five hours, just remember to make that time count.