Why Spending Time With Family Is Important
You’ve probably heard many times that you need to spend quality time with your family.
But have you ever wondered why spending time with your family is important?
Because let’s be honest, finding time to spend as a family can be difficult, and sometimes near impossible, especially with everyone working different schedules, the after-school activities and all the daily things that we need to get done.
And when everyone is busy and feeling time poor, family time, is normally one of the first things to go.
Yet, spending quality family time is something that is important to every family, no matter what age your children are, and we are going to show you why!
As well as show you why it isn’t necessarily as hard to do as you might think.
What Does Quality Family Time Actually Mean?
Quality family time can be defined as meaningful and memorable time spent together as a family.
It is more than just being physically in the same room together.
It is about being present with each other, both physically and mentally.
So, it can be something planned in such as these parent-child bonding activities, a family fun night, or something as simple as actively listening to your child as you drive to school.
What Are The Benefits Of Spending Time With Family?
Here are 8 reasons we think spending quality time with your family is important:
Family Is Always There For You
At the end of the day, they are your family and they are the ones that will be there for you through thick and thin.
It is important to make sure that you are nourishing the quality time with your family members and reminding them that you will be there for them through thick and thin as well.
Although it may seem like a given that you will be there for them, sometimes it is needed to be said and some family members may need that reassurance.
Creates Timeless Bonds
Sometimes it can be hard to get siblings to bond with each other, especially those of the opposite sex.
By having quality family time together, you are giving them a chance to spend more time together, get to know each other more and find out about what they are interested in.
You will be amazed by the bonds that are created simply by spending time together and getting to understand each other better.
Helps To Build Character
By spending time together, you are helping not only your children but also yourself and your partner to build character and personality.
We are all different and have different personalities but by spending time together you are able to get to know each person’s personality and understand them better.
There will also be times when you aren’t all getting along during your family time together (think board games – they can become very competitive) but these times are the best in order to help build character, patience and understanding.
Builds Self-Esteem
Children that bond with their family and connect with their family during quality family time together tend to have a higher level of self-esteem.
They have been able to learn how to interact in a group setting, be around people that care for them and that they care for.
All of these help with building up their self-esteem.
Encourages Positive Interactions
By spending time with your family, you are not just creating positive memories and interactions with your family, but you are also teaching your children how to interact with others in a positive way.
You are able to show them how to interact in a group setting, how they should be treating those around them and how to act positively even if they are not entirely happy with the situation (think teenagers again).
Creates Memories
One of the most important reasons to engage in quality family time with your children is to help make memories.
There will be times in their adult lives when they look back on their childhood and being able to think about those happy family moments will help them through the tough times.
Promotes A Healthy Lifestyle
Healthy lifestyles are more than just a healthy meal at the table.
A healthy lifestyle takes into consideration all parts of your lifestyle and by spending time with your family, creating happy memories and positive moments will help to promote a healthier happier lifestyle for each person.
Relieves Stress
Believe it or not, being in a room with your whole family can actually help to relieve stress.
It helps you to be able to learn to communicate with your family and reduce the stress around not being able to talk to them.
It also helps relieve the stress as you are creating bonds with them that will in turn help them to come to you during times of trouble.
Tips For Finding Quality Time With Your Family
As we mentioned before, spending time with your family does not need to be a big, special, or even an expensive event.
It can simply be a family meal together at the end of the week, or a few hours together playing board games, or even going on a bushwalk.
It is about making memorable moments together.
So, if you are struggling to find time to spend with your family we recommend:
Unplug
Yes, that’s right, turn the devices off and just have a good old chat about your day. You can even make it a regular thing with a family meal together.
Schedule It In
If you schedule it in it is more likely to happen.
Keep It Simple
Family time does not need to be complicated.
Go to the park, watch a movie together, play catch in the backyard, bake a cake together….
Don’t forget some of the best memories really are the simple ones.
Make It A Family Tradition
Making it a family tradition gives everyone something to look forward to and plan for. It also means it is less likely to get cancelled because everyone is busy (I mean can you imagine if you cancelled Christmas?).
Let You Kids Choose
Struggling to get your kids involved? Then let them choose the activity! This also shows what is important to them, is also important to you!
Be Proactive
Look for ways you can actively include family time.
Could you leave a little earlier and walk to school together instead of driving?
Can you do chores together instead of individually?
If your budget is tight, can you search for free local events?
Make It Part Of Your Routine
Just like you brush your teeth before bed, make spending family time part of your daily or weekly routine.
Think along the lines of a reading a bedtime story together or taking the dog for their daily walk.
No matter how you do it, it’s important to take the time to spend with your family, to cherish the small moments, and to make lasting memories along the way.
Final Thoughts On Reasons Why Spending Time With Family Is Important
Spending time with the family has a bunch of benefits from relieving stress to building self-esteem!
We hope this guide has been helpful by giving you some ideas on how to spend some quality family time!
And if you’re looking for more great family time ideas, then check out these family time capsule ideas, free family activity ideas, traditions to start with grandchildren, and mother daughter date ideas.
