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BY LINDA G. MURPHY
Extension Agent, Family and
Consumer Sciences
Soccer practice, play rehearsal, youth group meeting, church committee meeting, the list goes on. Add to this all the things that need to be done at home to maintain the family, work, meals, cleaning, repairs, laundry, yard work. How does one fit all these things in and still have time to be a family?
Over the past two decades an increasing number of parents have entered the work force. In part this is due to the sharp increase in . single-parent families who work out of necessity. In part it is due to the increased expectations by two-parent families on what it takes to raise a family today.
The demands on the use of time are great. Yet strong families spend time together, doing things together. So how do you find time to accomplish this and avoid the trap of everyone running different directions?
Look to those everyday activities needed to run a family. Strong families eat meals together on a regular basis. Everyone needs to eat, so make family meals a priority for those times that fit everyone’s schedule. It may be breakfast, Wednesday night dinner, or Sunday brunch. No television or other distractions allowed. Conversation should be positive and pleasant.
Strong families work together as a team. Children can set the table, help with the preparation, and assist with clean up of family meals. You can apply this concept to many other tasks around the house.
Time spent on outdoor activities can also be enjoyed as a family. Walking, bicycling, gardening, camping, or picnicking are but a few of the choices a family might engage in.
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