10 Tips to Better Family Time
from All Pro Dad
Parents and their children are spending less time interacting
with each other. As a result, many children are getting less
personal love and attention than their parents did. American
Demographics reported that parents today spend roughly 40 percent
less time with their children than did parents a generation ago.
To help families stay connected, below is a list of helpful family
time tips. Keep in mind, quantity and quality time is important
when choosing activities. So build memories around exciting events
by keeping your family time creative and enjoyable. Print out the
following tips as daily reminders.
1 Eat Together & Listen To Each Other
Most children today don't know the meaning of a family dinnertime.
Yet the communication and unity built during this set-ting is
integral to a healthy family life. Sharing a meal together allows
the opportunity to talk about each other's lives. This is a time
for parents to listen, as well as to give advice and
encouragement. Attentive listening conveys a message that a person
is really interested in another. It also imparts a sense of worth
and helps develop trust. Therefore, listening is a critical link
in successful parenting.
2 Read Often
It's important for parents to read to their children. The latest
research indicates that reading to your children cultivates an
interest for knowledge and stimulates language development. It
also increases their attention spans and helps them become more
curious. Look for books that your child would enjoy reading. After
reading, ask questions about the content.
3 Do Chores Together
Part of what goes on in the home is the development of teamwork.
Functional family life depends on the contribution of everyone.
Assigning chores is the most productive way of teaching
responsibility and accountability to your children. Doing chores
with your child will help foster good communication skills.
4 Help With Schoolwork
A great way to spend quality time with children and light a fire
of learning is to help children with their schoolwork. A parent's
eagerness to help will cause a child to become more interested in
school thus improving his or her grades. Regular trips to the
library for school projects are an inexpensive and enjoyable way
to spend time with children. Helping should begin with an
understanding that children are responsible for homework. Parents
are there to help their child get organized and to encourage them
when they get stuck.
 5
Start A Hobby Or Project
Choose a fun activity that your child is interested in. Activities
like cooking, crafts, fishing or biking will make great hobbies
that can open the door to exciting family time. Once a child
learns a new recipe or is able to cast a lure accurately, let him
or her take the lead-with your supervision.
6 Play Games
New technology has made video games more prevalent. As a result,
many children are spending long hours in front of the TV playing
computer programs. Parents should find creative ways to spark an
interest in family-oriented contests such as board games or card
games. This will give parents additional time to talk and nurture
their relationship.
7 Plan A Family Outing
Sometimes getting out of the house is important. Hop in the family
car and go for a drive. Prepare a picnic lunch and visit a local
park. Take time to play catch or ride a bike. A stroll in the
woods will help parents interact with their children. Also, a
visit to the zoo or museum will spark a child's enthusiasm and
lead to lengthy discussions.
8 Encourage Athletic Activities
It is vital for children to exercise. Sports not only strengthen
the body, but also build character and determination. Whether it's
a father pitching a baseball to a son or a mother and daughter
nature walking, finding time for athletic events is
important for a child's emotional and physical development. This
is a great opportunity for a family to interact.
9 Create A Family Time Calendar
Since many parents have hectic schedules, time with children often
becomes a low priority whether intended or not. Post a calendar on
the refrigerator and have parents and children pencil in special
events. Knowing when you're going to meet may also help you think
of creative activities. Commit to keeping this schedule free from
interruptions.
10 Pray Together And Attend A Church
Nothing is more special than taking a few minutes each day to pray
with a child before bedtime. By explaining the purpose behind
prayer, children will learn the importance of faith as the
foundation for the family. Attending a church will enable children
to interact with godly people and encourage them to live virtuous
and disciplined lives. When a mother and father go to religious
services, they instill in their children a reverence for God.
Churches can also offer invaluable support to families.
Supplied with permission from All Pro Dad. Visit
http://www.allprodad.com for more tips on building a stronger
family relationship.
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