How to stay connected with Your Family in a Busy World
If you feel like you’ve hardly seen your kids since the school year started and you’re not staying connected, you’re not alone. Americans are way too busy – from childhood onward, we’re always running around, packing in as many after school activities, work-related meetings, and social engagements as possible. It’s a problem so pervasive that it has a name: time scarcity.
Families feel time scarcity keenly after school starts in September, when children’s schedules explode with engagements. But all hope for close ties isn’t lost; there are ways to stay connected with your spouse and kids, even in an increasingly busy world. Here are some ideas from counselors, teachers, and psychologists who claim to have mastered the art.
Remember your Rituals
Rituals make up the backbone of individual families and society at large. Most people wouldn’t dream of abandoning their holiday traditions, so why forgo the smaller rituals that bring families together? Whether it’s sitting down to eat dinner together, having a family movie night, or taking a family trip together once a month, make sure these traditions aren’t cancelled. If your family doesn’t have many rituals, a great way to connect is to start some.
Make Every Moment Count
As cliché as it sounds, when you don’t have much time together, it’s crucial to be present for every minute of it. If you have a rare half hour at home with one of your kids, make a point to spend it in the same room and try to start a conversation. If you squeeze in a romantic dinner with your spouse, turn off your phones before the food comes. Listening to each other without distractions will strengthen your relationship.
Hug It Out
Physical contact is vital for closeness. When you get the chance, hug your kids, hold hands with your spouse, and do physical activities as a family, like hiking, biking, or even playing group sports. It’s been scientifically proven that physical closeness leads to emotional closeness, if you’re low on time, take advantage of that shortcut.
Stay Connected by Exercising Together
Remember family health is as important as physical and mental health. Participating in physical activities such as sports, running, biking, hiking, camping and others is a great way to get out of the house and bond over the adventures that these activities may procure. A little healthy competition is also good way to bond
Remember, Exercise is Medicine!
