Most of us think of family as the most important element of our lives. With the frenzy of carpools, science fair projects and work deadlines, however, finding time to relax and enjoy our closest loved ones can be tough.
Set yourself on the path to more family quality time by making a few simple adjustments to your frazzled life.
Eat together
The concept is simple and effective: Make a standing dinner time so your family can organize around it. Take a cue from our European friends and parlay mealtime into conversation and relaxation. Consider making a few standing rules as well, like no discipline talk, no TV and no phones during this time.
Plan… nothing
“Please turn off all electronic devices” is something you’ve heard in the takeoff announcement, but it works just as well at home. Completely stow away the phones, PDAs, video games, etc. and do nothing. A blank spot in your schedule for nothing more than lounging together is perfectly ok.
Enjoy the great outdoors
Nothing takes away stress better than getting yourselves moving. Consider a daily walk together, a weekly bike excursion on a neighborhood trail or a hike in the park every now and then.
Take a road trip
Pack lunches and pile the kids into the car. Fill up the gas tank and head out of town for a good old-fashioned drive in the country. The point is to go somewhere together and talk along the way.
Limit extra activities
Of course, learning a foreign language and playing a team sport are important, but kids don’t need to do everything at once. Let each of your children choose one or two activities at a time, and save the rest for later.
Delegate chores
Make cleanup a family affair. Kids can unload the dishwasher, run the vacuum, scrub the bathtub or fold laundry. Let go of your control issues and know that, while they might not do these chores as well as you do, their efforts will open up more free time for everyone.
Have a garage sale
Cut the clutter by letting the kids sort through their things and sell what they no longer use or need. Put the earnings toward something fun you can do together, such as a trip to the movies or an amusement park.
By Moms Helping Moms Shuttle Service
info@mhmshuttles.com | 954-338-5720
www.mhmShuttles.com
Moms Helping Moms is providing shuttle transportation solutions for hundreds of parents in Broward County. This unique door-to-door shuttle service promises to transport your child to school, daycare, after school activities even medical appointments, in the same caring way that you would.
