It seems like these days you don’t have time to turn
around. Everyone is so busy! How do you find the time to spend with your
family? Without quantity of time there is no quality time. So how do you make
it happen? Here are just a few of the endless possibilities that you can do to
help your family spend quality time together.
Create a Family Night.
Once a week choose a night that is devoted to your family. Make it the same
night each week so everyone will know not to plan another activity on your
special night. Let the kids help decide what to do. Make it a movie night, game
night, or take-out night (think pizza or Chinese) the key is spending time
together. When I was a child my dad used to pile us all in the car and we would
go riding through the countryside. We spent time talking and laughing and
enjoying each other’s company. Then we would go to Dairy Queen for an ice
cream. These are the things your family will remember.
Inspire Teamwork.
With all the activities everyone is involved in how do the household chores get done? Call
a family meeting and explain that it will take everyone working together to
keep the chores done. Even small children can help with setting the table,
dusting, or taking out the trash. Be sure to affirm each family member for jobs
well done.
Explore the Bible together.
Spend time each morning and evening praying, singing, reading, or have planned
activities for your children. Go over their Sabbath School lessons and help
them with their memory verses. Create skits for them to dress up as their
favorite Bible character or play charades. Make it a time they will love to
spend with you.
Dine-In Adventures.
Try eating at least one meal or more a day together. Use the time to catch up with what each
other is doing. Every so often (weekly/monthly) choose a theme to spring board
your creative juices into action and throw a special meal together with a kick:
Grand Ole Opry (fruit salad & popcorn), Wick Wok (candle light stir-fry),
Grillers & Chillers (burgers and smoothies) or other crazy combos. Décor
can be simple or as elaborate as you want.
Stretch Family Boundarie.
Include others in your family activities for additional dynamics. Reach out
into the community and do things for others. Help your older neighbors with
their yard work or find someone that needs their house painted and offer your
assistance. Discover the thrills (and chills) of watching your children grow
and mature in their interpersonal skills.
You may not be able to include all of them at once.
Start slowly and add one or two a month to your family routine. Before long
they will become a natural part of your family structure. Now that you have a
few suggestions, Get Started!
By Donna Crandall, Secretary, Family/Women’s
Ministries
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