If you think you don't have enough family time, remember that creating time is a choice. Sometimes it is easier to see our time when it is mapped out. So using a large wall calendar with all of your obligations and appointments listed on it could go a long way in identifying where you need to cut back and where you can create that family time. This is also useful in teaching your children about organization for themselves.
For now, start with these six tips:
1. Discover the power of 15 minutes. You can find at least 15 minutes in your day to spend with your family. It might be cuddle time with your children, time to read to them, talk about their day, take a walk with your partner or do some baking together. It's important to be fully present during that time to really make it count.
2. Have a weekly family night. Each week schedule a family night for one hour or the entire evening. Start with less time if you need to and build up. One family member selects what the family will do or everyone write their idea on a slip of paper and keep them in a jar to choose from for the following week so there are no arguments about the activity. You may pick dinner out, rent a movie or go out to a movie, play a game, go for a walk or shopping. It really doesn’t matter as long as you all do it together and you don't break the date. This is just as important as your other obligations.
3. Plan a monthly 24-hour Reconnect Day. Plan one day a month where you do no work. You don’t think or talk about work. Absolutely nothing work related. If you spend a lot of time on your cell phone, Blackberry or email, take a break from it for that one day. Simply spend the day with your family. You don’t have to do anything special, just be together and experience being a family. Reconnect days are appointments you never break. You'll be amazed at how the benefits of this time together will spill over into other things, such as improved behaviour.
4. Share positive aspects. At dinner time, or any together time, share things you appreciate about each family member. Tell the others what you appreciate. Be focused on what is working and what is good about each person. Really feel how much you appreciate them and how joyful you are for who they are. This is a great way to feel connected, appreciated, and to amp up your energy and love.
5. Lunch and Listen. Make a lunch date with your partner or your kids or both and grab a bite together. Catch up, and really tune in deeply and listen with your heart to what they have to say, even if it is negative. Children have thoughts they need to get off their chests as well. Focus on them and on hearing them and learning more about them. Listen with an open mind and be mindful not to attach your emotions or beliefs to what they are telling you. You’ll feel closer.
6. Make family a priority. If it were your last day on earth, what would you do? Be with your loved ones? Plan to be with your family and plan your time. Ask yourself, “What am I missing?” or ask your children what they need more of from you. Then add that to the list.
Make your family a first priority because it will be the best investment you ever make.
With Passion,
Life Coach Line
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