“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” – Michael J. Fox
Creating a welcoming home that provides shelter from the outside world is a gift we can give to our family with intentionality and care. Family time is important because we cannot buy back these years with our children and spouse. When we take the steps necessary to protect our family and spend quality time together, we are building a strong foundation from which our children may soar.
One way to create family time each day is by sharing the evening meal together. Studies have shown that children who eat dinner sitting at the table with their parents tend to do better in school and in life. The dinner table is where we can reconnect after a busy or tiring day, share the special things that happened throughout the day, and make memories of favorite meals to eat together. Another way to spend time together as a family is by finding an activity to enjoy and to schedule a regular outing together – whether it’s hiking, surfing, visiting museums, going to concerts or finding new places to explore.
Playing board games together, enjoying movie nights at home, and taking family vacations (or staycations) also provide ways to connect. Working, volunteering and spending time with friends are all important, but family time is the most important as it is the basis for all of life. The foundation you create will impact what future generations will do in their family’s lives, and will leave a wealth of memories stored up for your relationship to continue growing for years to come.
