Family time: 10 reasons you should be having more

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As a teacher, I see children from all walks of life… and I notice a thing or two about the way their upbringing affects their academic and social performance. It is the family that a child is born into that makes all the difference. I have found that quality family time makes the fundamental difference.

Why is family time important?

Families serve as the basic and essential building blocks of society. They are the primary social unit. As such, they serve a crucial role in social development. Families:

• bear the primary responsibility for the education of children
• socialize children
• instill values in its members, especially the children. This post on Family Values holds valuable insight on this topic
• provide practical and emotional support for all its members
• provide its members with a social identity, that is a sense belonging to a clan or tribe
• provide a primary code of morals which follow one throughout life

As we see in this entertainment-on-tap world that we live in, where time management is secondary, priorities are out the door, and socialising is more often virtual than not, we are more in need of in-person interactions to fully reap the benefits of social connection. That is why it is now more imperative than ever to develop strong bonds and improve our family relationships.

According to one study, the healthiness of one’s social circle is a better predictor of stress, happiness and wellbeing than that of one’s physical health. This shows just how important it is to spend time with family (or with close friends you consider family). Your physical and mental health depend on it!

Featured on CTInsider.

10 reasons to love your family

1. Family time improves your mental health

With more time being spent on social media platforms, relationships have mostly turned virtual. However, the unfortunate consequence is that we are losing touch with those near and dear to us. Enjoying time with your family, puts you in a better position to share your anxieties and seek guidance or opinions from trusted sources. Being surrounded by your loved ones can help improve your mental state and boost your resilience to overcome life’s challenges.

2. Lower risk of behavioural problems

It generally happens that children experience behavioral issues as they get closer to their teens. This can have an impact on their wellbeing and prevent them from growing up into happy and confident individuals. Spending time together as a family, can help pre-teens and teens to open up about the issues they are facing.

Ensure that you keep a non-judgmental attitude towards their problems, and they will take your advice and implement it into their lives. If they know there is someone at home who they can count on to help them out of peer pressure or awkward situations, they are less likely to have behavioral issues.

4. Increases self-confidence + greater academic performance

As a teacher, I have found that children of families who spend time together are more confident and more positive in their general outlook. These learners are less likely to bully or to be bullied. Families, and parents in particular, can help children to build their self-esteem and develop themselves as problem-solvers and good communicators. Family times gives children the knowledge that they are valued and appreciated by their loved ones.

5. Helps children learn ‘adulting’ skills

Talking to your children, discussing the changes in the economy, and involving them when running errands teaches them the practical realities of adulthood. They pick up useful skills and develop a sense of maturity.

6. Family time aids in conflict resolution

Spending time as a family is not always rosy. However, conflicts, too, are good source of life lessons for children. We teach them that they cannot simply walk away from family; that they have to stay and work things out together. This develops their interpersonal communication skills including healthy, constructive ways to discuss, debate, and solve problems. 

7. Reduces stress

Quality time spent with family can make you feel energized and prepare you for the challenges in the world outside. It is an effective way to reduce stress and improve your mental health. When with family, we use healthier coping mechanisms, such as talking about our feelings, and confiding in loved ones, as opposed to other unhealthy outlets.

8. Promotes resilience through adaptability

Family time encourages us to face what life has to offer, instead of cowering away from it. The stronger the family bond, the more resilient the child. Being with family gives you the sense of knowing that you belong, you are cared for, and you are needed. This gives us meaning and purpose in life which, in turn, gives us motivation to push forward and succeed. 

9. Promotes positivity + increases relationship dynamics

Children learn what they live. They learn how to deal with stress by watching how their parents deal with stress. They internalise these things and this can hinder their mental growth and development. The opposite is definitely true too. Children can learn the best habits from their parents. Thus, family time sets a good example in relationship dynamics.

10. Builds memories

As a family, you spend time together and often the most mundane day would become the best memory in years to come. Your children will grow, you and your spouse will age, schools will change, attitudes will change… but the loving memories of family live forever.

Where to find family time

• Have at least one meal a day together
• Book a family game night once a month – allow members to take turns to choose a game. This is an ideal opportunity for parents to teach children card games and board games from their childhood!
• Read to your children every night. Begin the bedtime routine 30 minutes earlier to make time for this. Spend these last few minutes of your child’s day with them, giving them your full attention. Spouses can alternate, allowing children to experience some flexibility in styles.
• Host a daily dinner time trivia. Print out general knowledge questions and answers (We use the cards from Trivial Pursuit, or a similar board game). Don’t keep score. Just Q&A away!
• Go for a weekly walk together – sans mobiles
• Open up old photo albums
• Dance together!
• Ask your children to teach you some new-age lingo!
• Bake a cake together, or make pancakes, or build with Lego together
• Invest time in a family hobby – camping, hiking, fishing, jigsaw puzzles, volunteering…

Keep aside time to spend as a couple

So, remember, when the kids are grown and gone, you’ll still have each other. It’s important to nurture your relationship and not just ‘live for the kids‘.

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How do you spend family time in your home?

Let me know in the comments.

Stay well, inside and out

Waheeda, a.k.a Waydi

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