7 Ways to Make Family Time Possible

Today’s families are busy, with a capital “B.” Most are headed by two working parents with the kids who may be involved in one or more extracurricular activities. Sound like your family?

Statistics show that families have less free time than ever. Just take a look at some of these numbers:

• The average child aged 3 to 12 spends roughly 29 hours a week in school.

• The average amount of homework has tripled since 1981.

• Family dinners have decreased by 33 percent in the past 20 years.

• According to the International Labor Union (ILO), 80 percent of American men and 62 percent of American women are working excessive hours. On average, Americans are working 70 hours more than the Japanese and 350 more than Europeans.

• Family vacations have decreased by 28 percent.

With all of these factors working against family time, how does a family ensure they spend adequate moments together amid a busy schedule?

1. Schedule it: Use business practices to your advantage and schedule an “appointment” with your family every week to “do lunch” or “touch base.”

2. Use convenience items: Family dinners are an important part of the family dynamic. While it’s not always possible for everyone to be at home at the same time seven days a week, aim to sit down to a family dinner at least half of those days .

3. Manage time wisely: Try to do chores and other necessary tasks in the off-peak hours.

4. Make family a priority: Work certainly pays the bills and makes luxury items possible, but you have to set a limit on time spent at the office. What is the point if you cannot enjoy any time with them?

5. Reign in extracurricular activities: Set a limit on the number of activities to allow for free time to socialize or just catch up on some R & R.

6. Get un-wired; at least for a little while.

7. Don’t underestimate the family vacation: Whether you have fond or foul memories of family road trips in the Winnebago, you should aspire to have adventures with your own family. These needn’t be lavish trips; a sightseeing tour can be a great way to spend uninterrupted time together.