time for family
Slow 'em Down
Days start early for kids, around 6:30 a.m. And after school, soccer practice, homework and other activities, they can tend to fall into bed exhausted. Slowing the pace of hectic lives doesn't just happen; it takes effort.
Here are some suggestions to decelerate your children's lives.
Set a bedtime and stick to it. Some parents say their most difficult battles involve bedtime. When our daughter was younger, she could think of dozens of reasons—usually good ones—to stay up extra minutes. Those "minutes" translated into an hour or more many nights. Sleep is important in providing physical rest for the body and renewal for the mind. Studies show kids this age need around 10 hours of sleep each night. Be firm about enforcing a reasonable bedtime. Grades and attitudes will improve.
Avoid overscheduling. Many great opportunities are available to our children: art lessons, ballet, gymnastics, karate, orchestra, band, cheerleading, church activities, sports, sports and more sports. Set limits on how many activities your children are allowed to participate in. Teach them now to make choices and set priorities so every day of the week doesn't involve going somewhere and doing something.
Preserve family time. If you aren't intentional about reserving some time just for family, you may go for weeks without having everyone together for more than a few minutes. Sometimes going out to eat is a good way to extract everybody from the phone, or other technology, and actually have an uninterrupted conversation. Family time can also happen with a hike in the woods or stargazing in the back yard. Recently, we went to bed early and got up at 4:30 a.m. to wrap up in blankets on our deck and watch a meteor shower.
Let your children see you take it easy. Children model what they see. If we are constantly on the go, our children get the message that they should do likewise. A day to read, reflect, nap or play board games shouldn't be considered laziness.
None of us can be our best mentally, emotionally or physically when we're fatigued. Try slowing the pace and help your children do the same. Then enjoy the rewards of a less stressful lifestyle.
Background Information
Making Good Decisions
What to do about avoidance — one of the biggest time wasters around.
Evaporating Family Time
It's easy to get caught up in the business of life. It's not as easy to make it up to your kids.
Questions and Answers
I have very little time to spend with my children these days, but I make sure the hours we do get to spend together are meaningful. Do you agree that the quality of time you are with your kids is more important than the quantity?
Answer
Our son has been spending all of his time with friends and leaves no time for family activities. What should we do?
Answer
There aren't enough hours in the day to do all that needs to be done and spend quality time with our kids. But I'm afraid that someday I'll regret my day-to-day decisions to focus on a clean house. How can I change?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
About Time
It's never too soon to start making memories with your children. For one dad, it's too late.
Missing Dad
Though in 5- and 6-year-old language I would have never called him a "workaholic," I suppose my dad fit the description.
Leaving the Majors for More
Choosing family over career isn't easy; but the rewards are priceless.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
If you sweat the small stuff, it's time to learn how to break free from the control freak inside of you.
Fitting Kids Into a Life
We're well-versed in how to make it in the corporate world. What we need is a little advice about making it in the nursery.
Dare To Be Different
Encouraging individuality is the best way to fend off peer pressure.
Beyond Books and Diplomas
Do you want your kids to be leaders? The formula for getting there might surprise you.
Related Topics
Transitions: Changing Jobs, Moving
Relationships: Communication Gaps
Parenting Teens: Communication Problems
